Social Mission Resource Library

Find peer reviewed articles, implementation tools, and real world examples of social mission in practice at institutions and programs across the United States. The Social Mission Resource Library continues to grow, so check back often! If you have suggestions for resources to add, please submit them here.

You can search for Social Mission resources based on Activity Area, Topic, or both. Social Mission Action Areas reflect core operations and functions of health professions education institutions and programs that can be targeted for action to advance equity. Use this search filter if you are interested in resources describing actions, interventions, and inputs. The Social Mission Resource Library Action Areas are:  

Admissions & Recruitment This Action Area includes but is not limited to Alternative Metrics/Holistic Admissions, Pipeline & Pathway Programs, Targeted Recruitment Strategies, and Financial Support

Educational Programming This Action Area includes but is not limited to Incorporation of Health Equity Principles, Interprofessional Education, Community-based Learning, and Anti-racist Curricula

Institutional Culture This Action Area includes but is not limited to Governance & Policy, DEI Training, Faculty & Leadership Diversity, and Mentorship

Community Engagement This Action Area includes but is not limited to Community Needs Assessment, Community Partnerships, and Community Representation in Health Professions Education

Advocacy & Activism This Action Area includes but is not limited to Advocacy Training for Students and Faculty and External Advocacy Efforts

Measurement & Assessment This Action Area includes efforts to measure, assess, or evaluate institutional performance related to social mission

You can search for Social Mission resources based on Activity Area, Topic, or both. Social Mission Topics can be thought of as goals or outcome areas. Use this filter to see resources displayed based on outcome(s) of interest. Social Mission Topics are: 

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Diversity and representation of underrepresented groups among learners, faculty, and leadership across; The perceptions, attitudes, and expectations that define an institution, particularly as seen from the perspectives of individuals who are underrepresented based on race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, mental and physical ability, or other dimensions of diversity; Policies and governance structures that institutionalize social mission. 

Practice in underserved areas or settings Learners and providers servicing rural or underserved communities/facilities

Specialty choice Learners and providers practicing in high need specialty areas, especially primary care

Health equity champions Learners, practitioners, faculty, and administrators having the knowledge, competencies, attitudes, skills, and/or intent to address health inequities  

Community partnerships Programs and policies that address community inequities via external partnerships and practices

Patient & Community health Effects of health professions education on health outcomes at the patient, community, or population level

  • Resource Type

  • Social Mission Action Area

  • Social Mission Topic

  • Health Profession

Real World Examples
  Open Access  
In 2022, ECU received the Macy Award for Institutional Excellence for its community service learning model, promotion of primary and rural care, and efforts to recruit diverse students.

Champion Spotlight

The Social Mission Alliance features Social Mission Champions on our social media accounts and blog. The series highlights the important work done by those who are advancing health equity and addressing the health disparities of the society in which it exists. If you’d like to be considered for a Social Mission Champion feature, complete the form below.