UCSC Disorientation Guide ─ Campus Activism Org
Welcome to the UCSC Disorientation Guide! This resource highlights campus activism organizations, offering insights for students interested in social and environmental justice. Discover opportunities to get involved and make a difference!
UC Santa Cruz boasts a vibrant and engaged student body deeply committed to activism and social change. From environmental sustainability to social justice, students actively participate in various movements. Several organizations on campus provide avenues for students to voice their opinions and contribute to meaningful change. The campus climate fosters critical thinking and encourages students to challenge the status quo through organized efforts. Whether it’s participating in demonstrations, organizing educational events, or advocating for policy changes, UCSC students are actively shaping a more just and equitable world. This guide serves as an introduction to the diverse landscape of campus activism, showcasing the available resources and opportunities for students to get involved and become agents of change within the university and beyond. Explore the possibilities and join the movement!
Activism Resources at UCSC
UCSC offers various resources for student activists. These include centers, groups, and funding opportunities. Explore these avenues to support your activism and create positive change.
Student Environmental Center
The Student Environmental Center (SEC) at UCSC is a student-run and student-led organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental education. It serves as a hub for students passionate about environmental issues, offering resources, workshops, and opportunities for hands-on involvement in campus sustainability initiatives. The SEC actively engages in projects that reduce the university’s environmental footprint, raise awareness about ecological concerns, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among students.
The center provides a platform for students to collaborate, organize events, and advocate for environmentally responsible practices within the university and the broader community. Through educational campaigns and practical projects, the SEC empowers students to become effective environmental advocates and leaders.
California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG)
The California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) at UC Santa Cruz is a prominent student-led activism group dedicated to advocating for various public interest issues. CALPIRG works to protect the environment, promote public health, and defend consumer rights through grassroots organizing, advocacy campaigns, and educational initiatives. As UC Santa Cruz’s premier student public interest activism group, CALPIRG empowers students to make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.
Students involved in CALPIRG gain valuable experience in campaign management, policy advocacy, and community outreach, allowing them to develop essential skills for effective social change. CALPIRG provides a platform for students to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
Student Organization & Resource Center (SORC) and Registered Student Organizations
The Student Organization & Resource Center (SORC) serves as a central hub for student involvement at UCSC, housing approximately 200 registered student organizations. These organizations are vital to the campus climate and community, offering diverse opportunities for students to connect, engage, and advocate for causes they care about. SORC provides resources and support for student organizations, facilitating their growth and impact on campus.
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) encompass a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, political, and social justice issues. Students can find groups dedicated to environmental activism, human rights, and various other social causes. These organizations offer platforms for students to organize events, raise awareness, and create positive change within the UCSC community.
Practical Activism Conference (PAC)
The Practical Activism Conference (PAC) is an annual, student-led event at UCSC. It features speakers, workshops, and hands-on activities designed to empower students in activism and social change.
Overview of PAC
The Practical Activism Conference (PAC) at UCSC stands as a beacon for student-led initiatives, offering a dynamic platform for engagement in social and environmental justice. As a daylong event, PAC assembles speakers, organizations, and interactive sessions designed to equip students with practical skills in activism. This conference serves as a vibrant hub where students can connect with leading changemakers and explore diverse avenues for enacting positive change.
PAC’s core mission revolves around fostering a community of passionate individuals dedicated to addressing pressing social issues. Through workshops and hands-on activities, participants gain valuable insights into effective advocacy strategies and community organizing techniques. This conference empowers students to become active participants in shaping a more just and sustainable world, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a lasting impact on campus and beyond. PAC represents a commitment to student empowerment and social responsibility.
Workshops and Hands-on Activities
PAC distinguishes itself through its emphasis on practical learning, offering a diverse range of workshops and hands-on activities designed to cultivate essential activism skills. Participants can engage in interactive sessions covering various topics, such as effective communication strategies, community organizing techniques, and advocacy campaign development. These workshops provide a platform for students to learn from experienced activists and practitioners, gaining valuable insights into real-world challenges and solutions.
The hands-on activities offer opportunities to apply newly acquired knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of activism principles; Students might participate in mock demonstrations, develop social media campaigns, or collaborate on community outreach projects. By actively engaging in these activities, participants develop confidence in their abilities and build a network of like-minded individuals. PAC’s commitment to practical learning ensures that students leave the conference equipped with the tools and experience necessary to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Specific Activist Groups at UCSC
UCSC boasts diverse activist groups. These include the Armenian Students Association (ASA), CAPS PEP (mental health), and Planned Parenthood Generation Action, each focusing on unique social causes.
Armenian Students Association (ASA)
The Armenian Students Association (ASA) at UCSC is dedicated to creating a welcoming community space for students interested in Armenian culture, history, and identity. Through a variety of cultural, social, and activist events, ASA aims to foster a sense of belonging and promote awareness of Armenian issues on campus.
ASA provides opportunities for members to connect with their heritage, learn about Armenian history and traditions, and engage in discussions about contemporary issues facing the Armenian community. The organization also serves as a platform for activism, advocating for recognition of the Armenian Genocide and supporting Armenian causes both locally and globally.
By organizing cultural events, social gatherings, and educational programs, ASA strives to enrich the campus community and provide a supportive network for Armenian students at UCSC.
CAPS PEP ( психическое здоровье)
CAPS PEP, or Counseling and Psychological Services Peer Education Program, is a group of dedicated undergraduate students at UCSC focused on increasing awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. They act as peer educators, providing information and resources to fellow students on a range of mental health topics.
CAPS PEP aims to create a more supportive and understanding campus environment by promoting open conversations about mental health. Through workshops, outreach events, and social media campaigns, they strive to empower students to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed.
The organization collaborates with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to ensure that their initiatives are evidence-based and aligned with the university’s mental health resources. CAPS PEP plays a vital role in fostering a culture of wellness and reducing barriers to accessing mental health support at UCSC.
Planned Parenthood Generation Action Network
The Planned Parenthood Generation Action Network at UCSC is a dynamic group of young organizers and activists dedicated to championing reproductive rights and access to comprehensive sexual health care. As part of a nationwide network, they work to educate, advocate, and mobilize students on issues related to reproductive health.
The organization hosts events on campus to raise awareness about Planned Parenthood’s services and the importance of reproductive freedom. They engage in political advocacy, contacting elected officials and participating in campaigns to protect and expand access to reproductive health care.
Through educational workshops, discussions, and outreach activities, the Planned Parenthood Generation Action Network empowers students to become informed advocates for reproductive justice. They create a safe and inclusive space for students to discuss these important issues and take action to support reproductive rights for all.
Activism and Social Change Majors
UCSC offers academic pathways for aspiring activists. Explore the Community Studies major, an innovative program educating social change agents. Develop skills for community organizing and social transformation through interdisciplinary coursework.
Community Studies Major
The Community Studies major at UCSC, established in 1969, offers an immersive undergraduate experience focused on social change activism. This interdisciplinary program equips students with critical thinking skills and practical tools needed to address pressing social issues. Students engage in field studies, working directly with community organizations to gain real-world experience. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, community organizing, and transformative change.
Through coursework and fieldwork, students develop a deep understanding of social inequalities and learn strategies for creating positive community impact. Community Studies fosters a vibrant learning environment where students collaborate with faculty and community partners to address complex social problems. The major prepares graduates for careers in social work, advocacy, education, and community development, empowering them to become effective agents of change.
Recent Activism Events
Stay informed about recent activism events at UCSC, including demonstrations, protests, and workshops. Explore the latest actions and movements shaping our campus community and beyond.
Pro-Palestine Encampment and Law Enforcement Response (May 30)
On the night of May 30th, UCSC officials deployed over 100 law enforcement officers, equipped in riot gear, to dismantle a pro-Palestine encampment that had been established on campus. This action followed a period of student activism and protest related to the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The encampment served as a focal point for demonstrations, educational activities, and community organizing efforts. The university’s decision to involve law enforcement sparked significant controversy and debate among students, faculty, and staff. Many criticized the administration’s response as excessive and a violation of students’ rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. Others defended the university’s actions, citing concerns about safety, disruption to campus operations, and adherence to university policies. The event prompted widespread discussions about the role of activism on campus, the limits of free speech, and the university’s responsibility to protect both students’ rights and the broader campus community. The aftermath of the encampment clearance continues to shape conversations about activism and social justice at UCSC.
Funding Opportunities for Activist Projects
Explore funding avenues for your activist initiatives at UCSC! The Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) offers financial support to registered student organizations for eligible programs and events on campus.
Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) Funding
The Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) plays a crucial role in supporting sustainability-related projects at UCSC by providing funding opportunities. Registered UCSC student organizations can apply for funding to support programs and events that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability on campus. The CSC’s primary function is to allocate resources effectively to initiatives that align with the university’s sustainability goals, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students. Through its funding mechanisms, the CSC empowers students to implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges, contributing to a more sustainable campus environment. The CSC evaluates proposals based on their potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the university’s sustainability objectives, ensuring that funds are allocated to projects that will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the campus community and the environment; The CSC serves as a vital resource for student activists seeking to create positive change through sustainable practices.
