This April, in celebration of Earth Day and the beginning of spring, the University Community Service Center (UCSC) is excited to spotlight and support the efforts of our partners around environmental sustainability and justice. We hope you’ll join one of the featured programs or events listed below – including opportunities to participate in service projects alongside our neighbors and to learn from partners. Read on to find out more, and keep checking back for more opportunities to engage!
Earth Day of Service: Jackson Park
Saturday, April 22, 10am
Location: Museum of Science & Industry Southeast Parking Lot
Come out and join the UCSC for our annual Earth Day of Service! This year, we’re working with the Jackson Park Advisory Council (JPAC) and other partners to support clean-ups throughout Jackson Park’s many historic landscapes. Join us for clean ups in the woods and beaches, help out with the Osaka Garden Cherry Blossom Festival, and get to know more about the park’s biodiversity and history while serving alongside neighbors.
Projects begin at 10 a.m. and go through the afternoon, and volunteers are welcome to join when they wish. Volunteers can also walk over with students and staff from central points on campus: gather at 9:30am out front of the Institute of Politics and the Woodlawn Dining Commons. This event is open to all members of the University community. Sign up now through the Friends of the Parks website.
Earth Day Panel: Environmental Justice in Chicago
Friday, April 21, 12-2pm
Location: Center for Identity + Inclusion, 5710 S Woodlawn Ave
Environmental justice is a cause that impacts many communities of color across the United States. Join the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the University Community Service Center on Friday, April 21 from 12 – 2 p.m. for lunch and a panel discussion from community organizations across Chicago that are working to create environmental change in their neighborhoods. This event is open to all students across schools/divisions. Sign up by Wednesday, April 19 at 12 p.m. to reserve your spot!
Feature Fridays: Environmental Sustainability and Justice
April 14 & 28, 12-2pm
Location: UChicago GRAD Lounge, 970 E 58th St 3rd Fl
Join us for our Feature Fridays conversations on Environmental Sustainability and Justice, featuring community leaders from our network of partners addressing how social justice issues such as economics, ecology, and equity are being incorporated into sustainability practices across the south side. Sessions are open to students at all levels, as well as staff and faculty. Learn more about the featured partners and sign up to attend here!
Keep checking back to learn about more opportunities. We hope you'll join us!
Questions? Email Nick Currie, UCSC Director, ncurrie@uchicago.edu.