Diversity Outreach Initiative at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering

The Diversity Outreach Initiative (DOI) of the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) 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 celebrate the richness and diversity of their gifts in our shared mission.

 

Limited scholarships to participate in DOI at CSMG 2026 are available (see below). Applicants should not register for CSMG until they receive written confirmation of a DOI scholarship award with registration instructions from 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.) are eligible to participate in DOI. Additionally, we encourage participation from rural and mission dioceses. Awardees do not have to be Catholic, however, they must work with or serve a Catholic entity. 

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. 

Returning applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, however, preference will be given to first-time participants. Scholarship assistance will include registration fees and hotel accommodations only. Participants are required to cover their travel expenses. 

3. What is the process to apply for the CSMG DOI Scholarship?

The deadline to apply for the DOI scholarship for CSMG 2027 is September 23, 2026.

Applicants must include references from two of the following individuals: a CSMG Committee member at one of our collaborating organizations, a campus coordinator for our Young Leaders Initiative, or a diocesan director in a related area, such as social action, human life & dignity, or cultural/disability concerns. Email the completed application with references to Payton DeAndrea at @email.

DOI scholarship recipients will be notified by late November 2026.

4. What will scholarship assistance cover? 

Scholarships will cover registration fees and hotel accommodations. Scholarship awards do not cover transportation or incidental expenses. 

5. Do DOI scholarship recipients need to register for CSMG?

If you are applying for the DOI scholarship, DO NOT register for CSMG before receiving written approval of scholarship assistance and specific registration instructions for DOI participants. Applicants will be notified of the status of their scholarship application by late November 2026.

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. 

 

 

USCCB DOI Members

Shareena Grant (Co-Chair) 
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation

Yolanda Taylor-Burwell (Co-Chair) 
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church  

Yohan Garcia 

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretariat of Justice and Peace

Primary contact for organizations interested in collaborating or sponsoring

@email  

   

 

Payton DeAndrea 

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Secretariat of Justice and Peace 

Primary contact for DOI scholarship applicants

@email