​The Johnny Klingler Social Action Award is intended to honor the Dehonian charism of dedication to "ministry to the lowly and the humble, the workers and the poor" (Constitutions #31), and to the ideals of social justice as expressed in Catholic Social Teaching. The Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Commission wants to lift up efforts that “touch people’s hearts,” transform personal attitudes, and spur us to greater social action of all kinds – direct service, advocacy for the voiceless and support for systemic change at the governmental or institutional level, empowerment of the marginalized and formation and education for justice.