Social Justice Center (SJC)

The Social Justice Center (SJC) of the Office of Community Care and Institutional Transformation (OCCIT) is an inclusive and affirming space that cultivates a transformative college experience. We serve and empower students, staff, and faculty by providing CARE (community, advocacy and accessibility, restorative practice and wellness, and equity education and engagement) centered programing.

We are located in building B207 and B215.

What is the Social Justice Center (SJC)?

The Social Justice Center (SJC) is an accessible flex-space resource used to showcase programming that advocates for community, accessibility, wellness, and engagement. It is the central engagement space for the office of Community Care and Institutional Transformation (OCCIT) located in Building B (B207 and B215) used to cultivate internal and external partnerships that center care, social justice, and equity education. Our two-room flex-space is equipped with AV Systems, Bluetooth and WIFI capabilities, soft seating, modular tables, Art, books, and more to provide a quiet space for study, hold meetings, leading workshops, discussions, screen films or documentaries, and hold community or campus engagements.

Social Justice Center (SJC) CARE Framework: “CARE”: Community Care, Advocacy and Accessibility, Restorative Wellness, and Equity Education and Engagement.

Community Care: Engagement, programming, and collaborative internal and external partnerships

• Provide community care with professional development programming and a commitment to collaboration, and partnerships.

Advocacy & Accessibility: Active accessibility, available space, and academic, professional development, and care centered research funding support

• Drive community care with commitment to advocacy and accessibility through communication, listening, relationships, and dignity

Restorative Wellness: Mental, physical, and social care, community wellness, and restorative practices

• Support community care with resources that provide solidarity, restorative practice, strategic rest, meaningful dialogue, and intentional wellness.

Equity Education & Engagement: Workshops, presentations, and equity educational opportunities to support valued engagement

• Provide community care with useful resources, and a commitment to equity education, learning resources, social justice, and engagement.

Social Justice Center (SJC) Roots [Anchored Values]    

• Equity Education
• Space and Accessibility
• Community Care Funding
• Care and Mental Wellness
• Engagement and Programming
• Community of Internal and External Partnerships

Social Justice Center (SJC) -Scene Time (Film & Documentaries): Stay Tuned! Every Monday & Wednesday | 11:30AM – 2:30PM | Social Justice Center B207

The Social Justice Center (B207) fosters critical discussions that shift culture, advocate for change, and raise awareness of social justice issues. This is done through Film & Documentaries

Social Justice Center (SJC)& Start (a) Book Club – Fall Quarter (Thursdays), 11 – 1 pm | Social Justice Center B207 (Starts Oct 15, 2026)

Starting this quarter, in collaboration with the Social Justice Center (SJC), ELI professor Renée Tinsley, and ELA professor Cathy Smith will host the (Start a) Book Club in B207, every Thursday starting on October 15, 2026, 11am – 1pm.

​For more information about the Book Club, contact Renee Tinsley at:​

renee.tinsley@bellevuecollege.edu.​

​For more information about the Social Justice Center (B207), contact Dr. Hasaan Kirkland at sjc@bellevuecollege.edu​

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All are welcome to attend!

Social Justice Center (SJC) – “My Block” – Oct 7th 1 – 4pm | Social Justice Center B207

The Social Justice Center (SJC) “My Block” is a Social Justice Center (SJC) Program centered on welcoming Bellevue College Students back to campus and to the “SJC” B207 and B215. Music, Fun, Treats, Connection, and Community! If you have any questions, contact Dr. Kirkland, Director of the SJC. hasaan.kirkland@bellevuecollege.edu

SJC Staff Commons:  Stay Tuned For our next Fall Event | Social Justice Center B207

Staff are welcomed to, engage in conversation, find relatable experiences, and learn together. This program is centered on BC Staff, but all are welcomed. Social Justice Center (SJC) programming is rooted in providing equity education and social justice information, related to shifting the culture through connection, and sharing time to be appreciated, supporting one’s well-being, finding moments of rest, and being informed. Staff Commons is available once per quarter facilitated by the Social Justice Center/Office of Community Care and Institutional Transformation. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Kirkland, Director of the Social Justice Center (SJC). hasaan.kirkland@bellevuecollege.edu

Social Justice Center (SJC) Community-2-Campus Connections:  Featuring Alum Jake Prendez and Judy Afitia-Gonzalez Founders of Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery | Social Justice Center B207 – Oct 28th 1 – 4pm

The Community-2-Campus Connection is an Social Justice Center (SJC) resource (with diverse Bellevue College department partners) that provides the Bellevue College community with access to an outside community partner that supports several helpful community concerns, including health and financial resources, estate planning, food support for families, taxes, fun excursions, Art, legal advice, and community engagement in the surrounding areas. During this time, a community speaker will visit the Social Justice Center (SJC) to provide information, facilitate conversations, and offer support. Feel free to stop by on this scheduled date to learn, listen, and get involved with our community partners. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Kirkland, Director of the Social Justice Center (SJC). hasaan.kirkland@bellevuecollege.edu

Social Justice Center (SJC) Community Collage Day: Nov 11, 2026, | Social Justice Center B207

Lift every creative idea with a visual experience using Collage. This opportunity provides Bellevue College participants (Students, Faculty, or Staff) with an opportunity to express themselves. By creating a community collage, the Bellevue Community can participate in a self-guided exploration of their own visual delight, reflecting, empowering, and grounding their presence at Bellevue College. Come and join us as we create together! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Kirkland, Director of the Social Justice Center (SJC). hasaan.kirkland@bellevuecollege.edu

SJC Conversations:  Stay Tuned For our next Fall Event | Social Justice Center B207

Share space with fellow BC students, present your questions, open a dialogue, engage in a discussion, have that great conversation on Politics, Equity Education, or Social Justice, that helps you shift the culture at Bellevue College. Join us in the SJC for “Social Justice Center (SJC) Conversations”. These conversations will be led by a Bellevue College Faculty or staff, or by fellow BC Students. Contribute to the conversation, listen, think, laugh, and learn together.  If you have any questions, contact Dr. Kirkland, Director of the Social Justice Center (SJC). hasaan.kirkland@bellevuecollege.edu

Social Justice Center (SJC) Care, & Wellness: Stay Tuned! | (Feb 22 & May 6) First Session 11am – 12pm, Open Engagement 12pm – 1pm, Second Session 1pm – 2pm | Social Justice Center B207

Social Justice Center (SJC) Care & Wellness (RSVP & Open to All) – Once a quarter, the Social Justice Center (SJC) will offer a campus-wide wellness and care resource for academic departments, staff, affinity groups, administrative teams, or students to engage in a moment of rest, wellness, and mindfulness. These experiences provide participants with two sessions on the date of the event. One session will be a first-come, first-served RSVP, and the second session will be open to all, but again, first-come, first-served, up to 30 participants (number determined by the space provided in the Social Justice Center (SJC)). The Social Justice Center (SJC) Care & Wellness provides a resource for necessary exposure to the skills, tools, and methods that help restore self-care, self-mindfulness, and self-productive energy. Come, rest, reflect, and restore. This experience is available on a “first-come, first-served” basis for the open session and the RSVP session. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Kirkland, Director of the Social Justice Center (SJC). hasaan.kirkland@bellevuecollege.edu

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Restorative Practices

Promoting and centering a campus culture where harm is prevented and repaired through open dialogue, courageous conversations, restorative practices, and community building in a supportive environment.

To request a training, restorative circle, or activity, please complete the request form. For more information, please visit our restorative webpage or contact Michelle Strange | Director of Restorative Practices at restorative@bellevuecollege.edu if you have additional questions or concerns.

SJC Think SPACE: Reservations Only | Social Justice Center B207

This is an opportunity for student or staff affinity groups, academic departments, or administrative teams to meet, think, eat, and develop plans related to their department’s mission. (RSVP is required). At the Social Justice Center (SJC), we are pleased to share our space, provided that the intention, connection, and purpose of our shared work center on social justice, empowering our community, equity education, and shifting our culture toward support for all. Bring your affinity group, department, or office to the Social Justice Center (SJC) and use the space to inspire growth and transformation. This experience is available on a “first-come, first-served” basis, with an RSVP sign-up required through the Social Justice Center (SJC). If your group desires this resource and space is available, you will be required to send an email to Dr. Kirkland first. Once the request has been made known, you will be directed by Dr. to make a reservation for the Social Justice Center (SJC) space through 25 LIVE. This will provide your group with the option of food service through Bellevue College, if desired. (Please get in touch with Dr. Kirkland [hasaan.kirkland@bellevuecollege.edu] for scheduling). (Note: The Social Justice Center (SJC) does not offer food catering, clean-up, or meetings with meals. If your group prefers this option, your group or department must make the arrangements and cover the expense.)

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