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With record numbers of displaced, humanitarian needs are among the most pressing global challenges. This reality is compounded by climate change, conflict, transnational crime, and abject poverty; trends that often intersect and amplify human suffering.  The Humanitarian Action program raises awareness about humanitarian issues and builds skills and strategies for effective and compassionate action.

• The Program offers students with the opportunity to:
• Minor in Humanitarian Action.
• Intern with organizations such as Save the Children, AmeriCares, Caroline House, Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), and the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
• Enroll in our Peace Corp Preparation Program.
• Join our dynamic Humanitarian Action Student Club.
• Participate in co-curricular activities including immersion trips to the United Nations, an alternative spring break to work with refugees in Abilene, TX, and humanitarian simulation experiences.

Humanitarian Action Club

Interested in how you can take humanitarian action? The Humanitarian Action Student Club raises awareness on campus about global emergencies and builds strategies for responding to humanitarian crises.

From responding to natural disasters to refugee support to education and advocacy, students make the connection between their coursework and real, humanitarian needs on the ground.

• An Annual Fall Fest is held in November which raises awareness of the work of the Humanitarian Action Club and raises funds for the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI), our local resettlement agency in Bridgeport.
• Each year, a Walk in My Shoes refugee camp experience is organized to help raise awareness of the refugee crisis and to promote advocacy efforts.
• A spring break trip is offered each March for students to work with refugees at the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) resettlement areas in Texas.
• In honor of Earth Day, the Club raises funds and awareness through an Annual Filter Build; up to 100 filters are assembled by the Club and sent worldwide to communities in need of clean, potable water.
• Fairfield students participate in conflict and disaster simulations offered by the Consortium for Humanitarian Service and Education (CHSE), providing students with the opportunity to experience what humanitarian work entails.
• Students participate in Jesuit Refugee Services' (JRS) Advocacy Day, which includes briefings with congressional staff on issues related to refugees and migrants.

Humanitarian Action Fellows

Bobby Schattle ’25, Carl Mesier ’25, Grace Lannigan ’25, Mia Van Mater ’26, and Ben Tran ‘27

Service and Simulations