PSYCHOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL 2018-2019 PROJECTS
Better Sober (UCSB)
Students in recovery are a highly underrepresented group of students who benefit from socializing in an environment where their sobriety is a priority, and where community members understand and support recovery. UCSB and Isla Vista can be difficult places to be sober, and students in recovery need as many safe spaces and events as possible in order to maintain their recovery. Better Sober will provide safe social opportunities to UCSB students who are in recovery from substance use or other addictive behaviors, and move UCSB toward becoming a recovery-friendly campus.
Contact: Angie Bryan angie.bryan@sa.ucsb.edu
DIVINE 9 (COMMUNITY)
Divine 9 Engagement Committee, established in 2018, is a group of career professionals and students invested in increasing the presence of Black Greek Lettered Organizations on campus in order to improve the campus climate and overall experience of Black students. UCSB's Divine 9 Engagement Committee has supported the access, persistence and retention of Black students across the nation as its members strive to promote racial uplift through civic action, community service, and philanthropy.
Contact: Ambur Walker, D9 Coordinating Intern ambur.walker@sa.ucsb.edu
DECOLONIZING OUR LIVES (COMMUNITY)
Decolonizing Our Lives Project (DOLP) expands and bolsters an existing support system for American Indian and Indigenous (AI&I) students, staff, faculty, community members, and allies by improving dietary, mental, and physical health of our Native and Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and local communities. American Indian/Alaska Native peoples come from one of the most food insecure populations in the United States in addition to high levels of obesity and other food-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes. This project elevates the strengths of these communities by fostering camaraderie and interconnectivity among AI&I UCSB students, staff, faculty as well as Native community members by reclaiming and celebrating our connection to the land, traditional foods, activities, ceremonies and life-ways of our ancestors.
Contact: Margaret McMurtrey mcmurtrey@umail.ucsb.edu
LATINX UCSB NETWORKING ASSOCIATION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF (UCSB)
Latinx Networking Association for Faculty and Staff (LUNA) hosts cultural and heritage relevant community building programs, and help its constituents to develop networks and relationships conducive of an increase in morale and ultimately the commitment and retention of a quality workforce for UCSB. Through participation in LUNA’s workshops, classes, and lectures, participants have started to develop positive, inclusive, and equitable forums for historically underrepresented racial/ethnic minority staff and faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In addition, these programs are providing an avenue for connectedness between faculty and staff who are concerned with the advancement and holistic welfare of Latin@/x undergraduates, graduates, administrators, staff, and faculty in the postsecondary landscape.
Contact: Viviana Marsano Viviana.Marsano@sa.ucsb.edu
LATINX UCSB NETWORKING ASSOCIATION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF (UCSB)
Latinx Networking Association for Faculty and Staff (LUNA) hosts cultural and heritage relevant community building programs, and help its constituents to develop networks and relationships conducive of an increase in morale and ultimately the commitment and retention of a quality workforce for UCSB. Through participation in LUNA’s workshops, classes, and lectures, participants have started to develop positive, inclusive, and equitable forums for historically underrepresented racial/ethnic minority staff and faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In addition, these programs are providing an avenue for connectedness between faculty and staff who are concerned with the advancement and holistic welfare of Latin@/x undergraduates, graduates, administrators, staff, and faculty in the postsecondary landscape.
Contact: Viviana Marsano Viviana.Marsano@sa.ucsb.edu
MAKING ADVENTURES POSSIBLE FOR ALL STUDENTS (UCSB STUDENTS)
Making Adventures Possible for All Students (MAPAS) purpose is to create opportunities and promote access to outdoor activities/spaces that would otherwise be financially, culturally, or personally inaccessible to underrepresented and minority communities. MAPAS will promote agency, inclusivity, environmental stewardship, community, and multiculturalism among members. We aim to do so through regular outings and meetings; whether it be camping, hiking, informational, social, etc.
Contact: Ivan Gonzalez ivangonzalez@ucsb.edu