CSMG Diversity Outreach Initiative

The Diversity Outreach Initiative (DOI) of the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering seeks to develop leaders from diverse Catholic communities for ministry in the Church. The initiative expresses our commitment to strengthen the Church’s social ministry by reaching out to Catholic ethnic, cultural, and disability communities and encouraging their members to lift up the richness and diversity of their gifts in our shared mission. Limited financial assistance to participate in CSMG is available (see notes 3, 4, and 5 below). Applicants should not register for CSMG until they receive written confirmation of a scholarship award with registration instructions from the Chairs of the CSMG DOI Committee. 

"I was fortunate to participate in the CSMG as a diversity candidate. It was extremely beneficial to me personally, and to my Diocese. Not only did I learn so much about the Church’s position on important issues, but I was able to network and collaborate with my colleagues to plan for more effective dissemination of this information to the people we serve in eastern North Carolina."
- Lauren Green, Director of African Ancestry Ministry & Evangelization, Diocese of Raleigh

1. What are the goals and desired outcomes of the DOI?
2. Who can participate in the DOI?
3. What is the process for applying for financial assistance?
4. What expenses would financial assistance cover?
5. When should I register for CSMG if I am applying for financial assistance?
6. How can CSMG collaborating and sponsoring organizations assist this initiative?

1. What are the goals and desired outcomes of the DOI?

• • Help our Gathering reflect the rich diversity of the Church. 

• • Develop leaders from diverse Catholic communities who will share Catholic Social Teaching and take action with their community and the broader Church. 

• • Cultivate strong, long-term relationships of mutual respect between diocesan social action offices and offices that minister to ethnic, cultural, and disability communities within the Church. 

• • Advance the social mission of the Church within culturally diverse communities, through education, outreach, and advocacy. 

• • Expand resources available to all who are working in social ministry in the Church. 

2. Who can participate in DOI?

Leaders from under-represented ethnic, cultural, and disability communities working in Catholic institutions (parishes, schools, social service agencies, etc.) may be eligible for limited financial assistance. We also encourage participation from rural and mission dioceses. Awardees do not have to be Catholic; however, they must work with or serve a Catholic entity. 

When reviewing applications for financial assistance, priority is given to new applicants who 1) demonstrate leadership, 2) currently work with a national CSMG collaborating organization or diocesan social action office, or 3) meet the diversity criteria of this initiative and live in a USCCB designated Home Mission Diocese. 

CSMG participants are normally limited to no more than three years of scholarship assistance through the Diversity Outreach Initiative so that we can make this opportunity available to as many people as possible. Returning applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; however, preference will be given to first-time participants. Scholarship assistance will be extended only for registration and/or hotel accommodation, and will not be provided for participant travel to and from Washington, D.C. 

Anyone attending or supporting the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering is encouraged to contact our Diversity Outreach Initiative Committee about opportunities to support or participate in DOI. 

3. What is the process to apply for financial assistance?

4. What will assistance cover? 

Scholarship awards will be applied to cover the cost of registration and shared hotel accommodations, though individuals are strongly encouraged to fund their participation as fully as possible through their own resources. Scholarship awards do not extend to cover transportation or incidental expenses. 

5. When should those needing financial assistance register for the Gathering?

If you are applying for financial assistance, DO NOT register for CSMG before receiving written approval of financial assistance and specific registration instructions for DOI participants. Applicants will be notified of the status of their financial assistance requests by early December 2024. Participants will not be reimbursed if they register for CSMG in advance of receiving written approval of DOI financial assistance. 

6.  How can CSMG collaborating and sponsoring organizations assist this initiative?

• Identify leaders from diverse ethnic, cultural, and/or disability groups, and encourage them to attend CSMG. 
• Nominate potential recipients to receive financial aid and attend CSMG by emailing their names and email addresses to @email. The individual(s) nominated will then need to complete and submit an application form. 
• Invite others to participate in CSMG and to support our Diversity Outreach Initiative! 
• Give a financial or in-kind donation to support CSMG’s Diversity Outreach Initiative and scholarship program. Collaborating and sponsoring organizations may discuss contribution and benefits options by contacting Yohan Garcia via email at @email or by phone at 202-541-3373. 

CSMG Diversity Committee Members