"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
January 1, 2005
A new year...a new beginning. Some of us will make resolutions, only to break them within a week or two (myself included). But there is one resolution I will not break and that is I will no longer remain silent. I will not sit idly by because there are so many problems in this country that need addressing - pre-emptive war, the environment, the attack on human rights, the mortgaging of our future, corruption and deceit. I can say that the 2004 election served as a catalyst. In class we talked incessently about these issues and many of my students were demoralized about the outcome of the election. They asked how they could get involved; how they could make a difference. Each one us will chose to funnel our energies into an area that interests us and where we can do the most good. I have compiled this website with my students in mind. Many of these organizations deal with peace, justice and social isues which should concern all of us today. They are secular in spirit and are not affiliated with any religious organization. For more information visit their websites.
Education (Undergraduate and Graduate)
The California Institute of Integral Studies offers a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies. Coursework in areas like Self and Society, Culture and Community, and Global Studies are offered. Contact them at www.ciis.edu
The International Institute for Humane Education offers graduate and certificate programs in humane education. This is a growing area within the fields of education, non-profit organziations and social justice venues. Contact them at www.IIHEd.org.
New College of California offers programs for social change. Undergraduate and graduate concentration studies range from and Arts and Social Change emphasis to Youth in Society/Education Emphasis. Contact them at www.newcollege.edu
Interested in an MBA program which meets the needs of students who want to use their degrees inline with environmental or social issues? Check out New College Green MBA, an accredited, onsite program in Northern California. For information contact them at www.greenmba.com or email: info@greenmba.com
For those thinking ahead, the Saybrook Graduate School offers masters and doctoral programs emphasizing the humanistic tradition. For information go to www.saybrook.edu
Hutchins Institute for Public Policy Studies and Community Action at Sonoma State University offers a variety of programs ranging from a Liberal Studies Degree completion program to a Master's program emphasizing the interrelationships among three themes: ecological issues, economic/social justice issues, and the moral and psychologicadimensions of change. Contact Francisco H. Vazquez, PhD, Director at francisco.vazquez@sonoma.edu
The School for International Training (SIT) provides graduate educational opportunities in social jjustice areas. If you're interested in non-profit work around the world you should contact them at www.sit.edu.
The Woolman Semester at Sierra Friends Center-Peace and Justice Through Learning and Service. A program for students in 11th-13th grades grounded in the Quaker values of peace, justice, sustainability and service. Call 530-273-3183 or visit them at www.woolman.org
Environment
Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth is a local organization that is interested in environmental issues from safe food to clean streams. Their website is full of programs whether it is cleaning up the local streams to where you can buy organic food within the Bay Area. For more info contact them at www.Acterra.org.
Are you interested in clean, renewable and safe energy? Check out GreenAction for Health and Environmental Justice at www/greenaction.org or call (415) 248-5010. There are volunteer and internship programs available.
Are you wondering how you can translate your interest in ecological sustainability into a viable career? Explore how you can align your skills, interests and values with your work and find a satisfying professional career in tune with sustaining life on our beautiful planet. Contact www.geocities.com/greencareers
Friends of the Urban Forest are looking for volunteers. Contact them at www.fuf.net or call 415 561-6890.
The Student Conservation Association, Inc. offers internships in environmental and conservation areas. It's hard work and demands commitment, but the experience and rewards will be worth it. Check them out at realinternships@thesca.org or visit their website at www.theSCA.org.
Miscellaneous
Build Hope...East Bay Habitat for Humanity are looking for volunteers. Contact them at www.eastbayhabitat.org or email at info@eastbayhabitat.org.
Want to give back to our nation by teaching kids, building homes and helping communities respond to disasters? Contact www.americorps.org or call 1 800-942-2677.
Life is calling. How far will you go? Regardless of how old you are, the Peace Corps wants you! You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, and willing to spend 27 months in training and service abroad. A combination of job experience and education or a four-year degree is required. Call 800-424-8580 or visit www.peacecorps.gov.
Non-profit organizations
Foundation for Sustainable Development promotes international development programs in areas of health, education, law, human rights and other social justice areas. Internships and volunteer programs are available. Contact them at www.fsdinternational.org.
The International Forum on Globalization is a research and educational organization which provides analyses and critiques onthe cultural, social, political, and environmental impact of economic globalization. Visit their website at www.ifg.org
When I gather more information I will add it to the list. Information on these organizations are available in my office, Building 1-102. If you have any questions contact me at bellro@smccd.net.