Civic Action Hour
Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference; promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.
Spring 2024 - EVERY TUESDAY FROM 12-1 PM
Missed a Civic Action Hour? Check out the recordings here
| Date | Civic Engagement Event | Host | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Wed) Jan 24 | From the River to the Sea: Palestinian visions of freedom and Peace | Dr. Maha Nassar | What do Palestinians mean when they say, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”? In this talk, historian Dr. Maha Nassar explains the origins of the phrase and how it reflects diverse Palestinian views about the past, the present, and the future. |
| Tue, Jan 30 | Removing Barriers with the Curb Cut Effect | Kate Mohler and Jason Reiche | People with disabilities need their communities to create safe, accessible, supportive environments. Changes made to accommodate people with disabilities often end up benefiting the entire population, a phenomenon known as the curb cut effect. Presenters will explore the curb cut effect, provide examples, and introduce the social model of disability, which encourages us to look for flaws in the environment, not in people. |
| Tue, Feb 6 | How to Engage with the Arizona Secretary of State: Insights into the Fellowship Program, Poll Workers, and Key Details on the Presidential Preference Election | Celina Olivas |
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of how individuals can actively engage with the Arizona Secretary of State. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the Secretary's Fellowship Program, learn about opportunities to contribute as poll workers, and receive important details regarding the upcoming Presidential Preference Election. |
| (Wed) Feb 14 | Arizona Historical Society: Local Stories, Local Action: History and Civics | Jaynie Adams | Looking at the connection between history and civics through the lens of local and state history. |
| Tue, Feb 20 | Arizona First! | Beverely Elliott | Beverely Elliott from the African American Museum of Southern Arizona will share Historical Impact. |
| Tue, Feb 27 |
What's on the Ballot: 2024 |
Avery Xola | 2024 Election Overview. |
| Tue, Mar 5 | Homelessness: Myths & Realities by St. Vincent de Paul and Andre House | Morgan Dirks, David Palladini, and Mateo Miramontes | Discussion about homelessness in Arizona. |
| Tue, Mar 19 | The Horrific Situation for Female Directors: Gender in Filmmaking | Paulette Stevenson | In 2008, after making history as the first woman to win Best Director for "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow expressed her frustration to a reporter on the lack of opportunities for female filmmakers saying, "Hollywood is supposedly a community of forward thinking and progressive people, yet this horrific situation for women directors persists. Gender discrimination stigmatizes our entire industry. Change is essential. Gender neutral hiring is essential.” Despite her call for change little progress has been made since then. Female filmmakers continue to face fewer opportunities and harsher scrutiny compared to their male counterparts. In this civic action hour, we will delve into the history of female filmmakers and explore ongoing efforts to enhance women's presence behind the camera. |
| Tue, Mar 26 | Former Members of Congress Town hall | Congressman Bill Enyart and Congressman Erik Paulsen. Moderator Mesa Legend. |
Discussion between two former members of congress (This event will be held in person & online). Room: Navajo Room |
|
Tue, April 2 |
Educational Barriers For Immigrants by Aliento | Mario Montoya & JC Medina | We will discuss Education Barriers faved by the Undocumented, mixed status, and DACA population. Provide resources. |
| Tue, April 9 | Arizona Department of Environmental Quality | Meghan Smart and Len Drago | The power of community science and environmental education to help protect Arizona's environment (Meghan Smart)- touch on topics on how the agency works with volunteers to collect credible data to identify and fix pollution sources. Tribal relations and impact (Len Drago)- go over the power of Tribal relationships and how it's key in Arizona. |
| Tue, April 16 | How to get Involved in Washington, D.C. | Jesus Rendon | Are you curious on what it's like to intern in D.C? Current White House Intern will share his experience working at the Hill and give insight on how you could gain experience as well. |
| Tue, April 23 | Arizona Sustainability Alliance: Think Globally, but Act Locally | William Donato | The presentation will discuss the history and program of Arizona Sustainability Alliance as well as provide tangible ways each person can make a difference in their community. |
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact getengaged@mesacc.edu.