Social Action Summit provides student opportunities
Saddleback College’s Associated Student Government and Diversity Student Council are hosting a Social Action Summit on Wednesday, Jan. 26., which includes a community action and volunteer fair. This free event kicks off at 1 p.m. in the bowl by the OCTA bus loop.
“The most significant aspect for the planning committee was working to plan a conference that provides actual opportunities for students to find their voice and take action in their communities,” said Audra DiPadova, director of student development. “How can you take action and work to serve others if you can’t articulate what motivates and impassions you?”
There are a wide variety of non-profit and charitable organizations for the crowd to interact with, including opportunities to explore volunteer positions.
Justin Huft, 20, a psychology/cultural anthropology major and vice president of Inter-Club Council of ASG, has helped plan the SAS event.
“I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to go,” Huft said. “This event will give students the opportunity to network with some local community volunteering organizations, as well as learn some important things about how to initiate a positive change at a grassroots level.”
Musician Jah Mex, who incorporates the sounds of jazz, Latin, soul and rock into his music, is making a guest appearance during the live reggae concert. Team Rubicon, an organization that helps countries with natural disasters, will be taking time to explain its duties, mission statement, goals and how to get involved.
Free food and beverages will be served in the Student Services Building, Room 212, at 4 p.m.
After dinner, a Creative Expression Workshop and spoken word poetry performance by Project V.O.I.C.E. takes place. Project V.O.I.C.E. reaches out to young people, encouraging them to seek a better understanding of themselves, the world, and to realize that their values and beliefs are significant.
Afterwards, Jeffrey Briar will host a laughter yoga session. The event wraps up with the Power of Words campaign, which originated with Saddleback’s Diversity Student Council emphasizing the choice of better words to help prevent harmful situations.
“If anybody walks away from the event feeling like they are empowered to make a difference in the world, then the event was a success,” Huft said. “That’s what I’m hoping will happen. I want there to be a chain reaction of social action.”
ASG and DSC are not only holding this event for students, but instead, for anyone that wants to make a difference in the world.