UCI Sustainability Spring 2021 Week 7 Digest

Hosted by the Newkirk Center for Science and Society and the University of California, Irvine (UCI) the goal of this 5-part conference series is to engage the community in a discussion about the scope of the plastic problem, the impact of plastic pollution in California and beyond, as well as plastic alternatives, and policy solutions. Participants will learn about:

Plastic Health and Community Impacts, at Home and Abroad: Impacts of plastics on front-line communities in California and how California’s actions affect the global community.

Learn more and register here.

May 13, 2021
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

The Brackish Waters of Migration: Global Currents, Local Convergences

The United States has often presented itself as a beacon of light for people of other countries who wanted to leave their homelands and start a new life in the land of milk and honey. However, the reality is something different. For those who experience the need to leave, the factors pushing them away are often influenced by external forces. For those who embark on their journey experience an arduous journey culminating with a deep experience of “othering” in the societies they arrive in either in the form of social ostracization or incarceration. Increasingly, these vectors have come to bear in California. This panel seeks to bring into conversation the experiences of migrants from Asia and the Caribbean to draw into relief the shared realities that come to define these immigrants’ realities.

Learn more and register here.

May 14, 2021
10:00 am - 11:00 am

The Cahuilla Concept of Nature

Cahuilla tribal member Gerald Clarke will discuss the traditional view of the environment and the Cahuilla's relationship with the flora and fauna of Southern California. Additionally, Mr. Clarke will speak of colonization and cultural misunderstandings between contemporary America and those of California's Indigenous people.

Learn more and register here.

May 15, 2021
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Diving Deep: Dialogues on Environmental Justice - Session 1

This symposium will be a collaborative effort bringing together the humanities and the sciences, as well as other STEAM fields from around the UCI campus.

Three sessions will provide practical approaches to studying our oceans, engaging our communities around fighting for their access and preservation, and inspiring future generations to protect these fragile ecological and cultural environments.

In the first session, a panel of interdisciplinary scholars will discuss their experiences with engaging communities to tackle environmental problems.

Learn more and register here.

May 18, 2021
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Now, More Than Ever: Movement Building for Climate, Racial, and Health Justice

Join the UCSF School of Medicine Office of Population Health and Health Equity and the UCSF Center for Climate, Health, and Equity for the third event of a three-part speaker series on Climate Change and Health. The series, chaired by Sheri Weiser, MD, MPH, features three virtual 90-minute sessions on the 3rd Thursdays of the month in March-May 2:30-4pm PDT.

This is the third session of the series: Now, More Than Ever: Movement Building for Climate, Racial, and Health Justice. There has never been a more critical time for advancing health, equity and social justice while addressing climate change. This session will focus on the synergies between climate and racial justice movements and their promise in improving health, and community-based advocacy and policy initiatives to promote climate and racial justice in California and beyond.

Learn more and register here.

May 20, 2021
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Namchak Tibetan Buddhism: Compassion in Action Fellowship

The Compassion in Action Fellowship is a yearlong inner & outer change program that supports college and university student leaders in learning meditation practice, building community, and engaging in meaningful social change. The fellowship integrates ancient and modern wisdom to support young leaders of today in addressing the interconnected challenges of the twenty-first century.

Learn more and apply here.
May 23, 2021

UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation: Small Change Better World Grant

Small Change, Better World provides seed grants for one-time, limited scope projects that address a specific need. Funded projects must require less than $3,000 and be achievable within a short period of time, such as a quarter or semester.

Learn more and apply here.
May 25, 2021