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This year’s Advocacy Month theme “How We Come Together: Keeping Dreams Alive” is centered around hope as arbiter of change. We ask, How does hope keep dreams alive and dreamers resilient?

During divisive times, we’ve found that hope has the power to sustain us through struggle and transform our fear into action. Our upcoming events will revolve around community engagement, collective healing, and seizing pivotal moments of action. Advocacy Month calls everyone to lead with radical hope. 

What is Public Service And Is It For Me? with IOP Fellow Santiago 

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 10:50 am-12:05 pm | Forten 123

Berry IOP Fellow, Jon Santiago will lead a panel exploring pathways into public service such as Peace Corps and Teach for America. 

Hosted by: The Fredrick E. Berry Institute of Politics

Mental Health Political Advocacy Coalition (MHPAC) Meeting

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 4:30-5:30 pm | Meier Hall 316 B

Come learn about how to engage in mental health political advocacy opportunities, wellness workshops, and events!

Hosted by: The Mental Health Political Advocacy Coalition

“Future Forward: Young Leaders” Panel Discussion: Advocacy Month Kickoff Event

Wednesday, March 4, 12:15-1:30 pm | Veterans Hall Side B, Ellison Campus Center

Social change is driven by the work that lies at the intersection of community organizing and policy development. Learn from elected officials and community organizers as they share how the fight for justice moves from the streets to the statehouse. They will share the impact of grassroots advocacy on public policy, bridging direct action to legislative priorities. 

Hosted by: The Center for Civic Engagement

Legacy of Civil Resistance: Taking Action 

Friday, March 6, 12-1 pm | Zoom

How can we turn frustration and fear into grounded, collective action? Join this interactive workshop to explore how the 1995 Montgomery Bus Boycott offers lessons for building justice today. Through a short video and optional pre-readings, we’ll look at how everyday people - and in particular Black women - transformed overwhelm into coordinated action during one of the most influential movements in U.S. history. We’ll reflect on the parallels to our moment and consider ways to act without pressure or burnout. You’ll leave with clarity, inspiration, and one doable next step. 

Hosted by: The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Center for Teaching Innovation.  Learn more about Legacy of Civil Resistance. 

Community Connections at the Salem Council on Aging!

Monday, March 9, 10:30 am-1 pm | Salem Council on Aging (SCOA)

Are you looking for opportunities to build community while having fun in a stress free environment? Join us during SSU's community time for games, sharing lunch, and laughs, with older adults on Mondays in March starting March 9, 2026 at the SCOA! Additional dates include Monday, March 23rd, and 30th. Please select one or more dates that you are interested and available to participate! If there is enough participation, we will continue to offer this opportunity in April. Register  Transportation Provided. 

Hosted by: The Center for Civic Engagement 

Developing an Advocacy Campaign 101

Monday, March 9, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm | Meier Hall 316 B

Are you a passionate advocate who wants get involved in advocacy but don't know where to start? Join the CCE and community organizers from Neighbor to Neighbor to learn how to develop an advocacy campaign! Register

Hosted by: The Center for Civic Engagement 

The Role of Congress: Checks and Balances in the Age of Trump

Tuesday, March 10, 12:15-1:30 pm | MLK Room, Ellison Campus Center

Talk by Michael Evans ’76, former Chief Counsel, U.S. Senate Finance Committee 

Hosted by: Politics Policy and International Relations, Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics, Economics, Center for Economic Development and Sustainability, and Sociology

Learn more about The Role of Congress: Checks and Balances in the Age of Trump

Call your Rep and Spin to Win!

Tuesday March 10 | 1- 4 pm | Ellison Campus Center Lobby 

Care about eliminating campus hunger? MassPIRG is hosting phone banking event so you can show your support for the Hunger Free Campus Bill by contacting your legislatures! MASSPIRG will provide you with helpful tips and resources to make the call! 

Hosted by: MASSPIRG

Tax Policy after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Who Benefits? Who Loses?

Wednesday, March 11, 12:15-1:30 pm | MLK Room, Ellison Campus Center

Talk by Michael Evans ’76, former Chief Counsel, U.S. Senate Finance Committee

Hosted by: Politics Policy and International Relations, Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics, Economics, Healthcare Studies, Geography & Sustainability, Center for Economic Development and Sustainability, and Sociology

Learn more about Tax Policy After the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Mindfulness and Self-Care

Wednesday, March 11, 25, and April 1 2026 | 4:30-5:30 pm | Meier Hall 316 B

Come learn valuable mindfulness techniques and strategies for overall wellness. 

Hosted by: The Mental Health Political Advocacy Coalition and OT Department

MASSPIRG Lobby Day at the Statehouse

Thursday, March 12, All Day Event | Massachusetts State House

Over the past three years, MASSPIRG Students and the Hunger Free Campus Coalition has helped win $3 million in state funding for the Hunger Free Campus Initiative. But our work is not done. 38% of public college and university students in Massachusetts are food insecure. We must pass the Hunger Free Campus bill and call for increased funding in next year's budget in order meet students' basic needs. MASSPIRG and the MA Hunger-Free Campus Coalition will be hosting an advocacy day on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the MA State House in Boston where we will be convening anti-hunger advocates and students from across the state to meet with our elected officials in favor of passing the Hunger Free Campus Initiative bill (S.939 / H.4408).

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! MASSPIRG will provide a virtual training on lobbying in the days leading up to the event, and will provide a printed packet of materials, including talking points and a sample meeting agenda. They will pair up new advocates where possible.

Hosted by: MASSPIRG and the Massachusetts Hunger Free Campus Coalition 

Civic Leadership and Law with IOP Fellow Sullivan

Friday, March 13 | 1:40-2:55 pm | Forten 123

Berry IOP Fellow Tanisha Sullivan will lead an engaging panel discussion on civic leadership and law.

Hosted by: The Fredrick E. Berry Institute of Politics

Community Dinner

Friday, March 13 | 2 - 4 pm | Ellison Campus Center Commuter Lounge

This event will bring students together for a free community meal while connecting with campus and local resources that support basic needs. There will be tables highlighting services that can help students navigate challenges related to food insecurity, housing instability, and other barriers that impact their well‑being.

Hosted by: MASSPIRG

Donation Drive for the Salem State Food Pantry 

Sunday March 15 I 12-3 pm I Salem Market Basket 

An off-campus donation drive will held at the Salem Market Basket to gain non-perishable goods and essential needs for the on-campus student pantry! To gain more information about this event please contact Ash at a_smith59@salemstate.edu.

Hosted by: MASSPIRG

Community Connections at the Salem Council on Aging!

Monday, March 23, 10:30 am-1 pm | Salem Council on Aging

Are you looking for opportunities to build community while having fun in a stress free environment? Join us during SSU's community time for games, sharing lunch, and laughs, with older adults on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the SCOA! Additional dates include Monday, March 30th. Please select one or more dates that you are interested and available to participate! If there is enough participation, we will continue to offer this opportunity in April. Register  Transportation Provided. 

Hosted by: The Center for Civic Engagement and the Civic Engagement Fellows

Speak Now, Speakeasy

Thursday, March 26, 6-8 pm | Starbucks Cafe in Charlotte Forten Hall

The Center for Civic Engagement, Center for Performing and Creative Arts, and Frederick E. Berry Library invites you to our Speakeasy! Whether you take the mic or take a seat, take part in transforming our shared space into an unapologetic speakeasy rooted in collective resistance and empowerment. Grounded in expression and liberating creativity, this storytelling space invites people to engage in thought provoking dialogue as their most authentic self. Fun, engaging, and casual, our speakeasy celebrates the strength of community and art as a tool for healing. Register !

Hosted by: The Center for Civic Engagement, Center for Performing and Creative Arts, and Frederick E. Berry Library

Healthy Masculinity and What That Looks Like in 2026 - Men’s Mental Health Event

Tentative Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026, Time: TBD

Join the Mental Health Political Advocacy Coalition (MHPAC) for their collaboration with The Brotherhood and Brothers In Arms, a men’s support group based in Lawrence, as they discuss the concept of masculinity and accompanying challenges, creating a safe space through vulnerability and connection. 

Hosted by: The Mental Health Political Advocacy Coalition and the Brotherhood