Earth Day 2013

Monday, April 22, 2013

9:05 TO 10:00AM – LOCATION: STUDENT CENTER, PLAZA ROOM WEST
Deliberative Democracy Discussion I – Climate Change and  Energy Policies  A student-facilitated, roundtable discussion evaluating Climate change and US energy policy. This session is part of an ongoing CCE project training students to talke part in deliberative discussions in the community and enhance thier civic literacy. Led by CCE LI Alliance Peace Fellows.
10:10 TO 11:05AM - LOCATION: STUDENT CENTER, PLAZA ROOM WEST
Deliberative Democracy Discussion II – Climate Change and  Energy Policies  A student-facilitated, roundtable discussion evaluating Climate change and US energy policy. This session is part of an ongoing CCE project training students to talke part in deliberative discussions in the community and enhance thier civic literacy. Led by CCE LI Alliance Peace Fellows.
10:10 TO 11:05AM - LOCATION: PLAZA ROOM CENTRAL, MACK STUDENT CENTER, NORTH CAMPUS
Are YOU Responsible for the Earth’s Well-Being?  If everyone in the world had the lifestyle of the average American, we would need 6.35 Earths in order to be able to produce all the goods and absorb all the waste. What is our responsibility for U.S. over-consumption and the ecological consequences thereof? How does it tie to our culture(s), and what ethical and moral issues are connected to this? These and other issues will be discussed in this roundtable session. Organizer: Dr. Kari Jensen, Assistant Professor of Global Studies and Geography, and her Honors students of Cultural Geography
2:55-4:20PM - LOCATION: STUDENT CENTER, PLAZA ROOM WEST AND CENTRAL
25 Years of the Montreal Protocol and Lessons for Climate Change Policy  Twenty-five years ago, an international agreement, called the Montreal Protocol, was reached to reduce the use of ozone depleting chemicals in order to protect the layer of the atmosphere that prevents harmful solar radiation from reaching the planet.  The Protocol is often discussed as a model that we can use for international climate change policy.  To date, there are no truly effective international policies that protect our planet from the impact of greenhouse gases that are responsible for global climate change.  This panel will discuss the Montreal Protocol and address the current issues associated with global climate change science and policy. Organizer and Moderator: Robert Brinkmann, Director of Sustainability Studies, Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, Moderator and Organizer Panelists: J. Brett Bennington, Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability Jane Miner, President, Students for a Greener Hofstra Rosanna Perotti, Chair, Department of Political Science Kathleen Wallace, Chair, Department of Philosophy
4:30-5:55PM - LOCATION: STUDENT CENTER, PLAZA ROOM WEST AND CENTRAL
100% Renewable Energy for Long Island Imagine Long Island being completely energy independent without increasing its carbon footprint. In this presentation, Gordian Raacke, the Founder and Executive Director of RELI – Renewable Energy for Long Island, will explain how it can be done. RELI is a member-supported organization working to protect Long Island’s environment, economy and public health.  Mr Raacke is a highly respected consultant and commentator on energy issues, to the media and government bodies. He lives in East Hampton in a home powered by 100% renewable energy. Panel: Organized by Professor Marty Melkonian
7:00 TO 9:30PM –          LOCATION: THE STUDENT CENTER THEATER
Documentary Perspectives: Moving Pictures, Moving People We Women Warriors Three indigenous women caught in the crossfire of Colombia’s internal conflict use non-violent resistance to defend their people and territory. In Colombia, there are 102 indigenous groups, some of which are facing extinction due to the constant encroachment into their lands by extractive industries and the armed groups that accompany them. This documentary tells the story of the generational struggle for the defense of cultural survival and sustainable development. Special Guest Speaker: Independent Filmmaker Nicole Karsin, director, We Women Warriors
7:30 TO 9 P.M. - LOCATION: THE HELENE FORTUNOFF THEATER (MONROE LECTURE CENTER, CALIFORNIA AVENUE, SOUTH CAMPUS)
A Special Earth Day Celebration Event The Marvelous Water Molecule: What You Need to Know The water molecule is the most abundant molecule in and on the Earth, is essential for life as we know it, and makes earth the blue planet.  Hurricane Sandy reminded all of us of the power and impact of fresh and salt water on our daily lives.  If not for the unique properties of the water molecule, flowing water would not exist on earth – water would exist only in its gaseous phase.  Dr. Fanelli will help us understand the matchless properties of the marvelous water molecule and the critical need to preserve and protect our water resources: ponds, lakes, rivers, oceans, and glaciers. Dr. Sean Fanelli Acting Dean, School of Education; Director, Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies, School of Education, Hofstra University

What is the difference between being Civically Engaged and Volunteering?

As I was introducing the Center for Civic Engagement to my fellow students, I was recently asked by them – What does being “civically engaged” really mean? Is it just another fancy word for volunteering or is there more to it?

Civically Engaged individuals are those who care about what’s going on around them and they take action to indicate this. There are many area’s that one can get involved in, but a recent report states there are five categories of civic participation. 

• Political Action
• Participation in group
• Connecting to information (news/current events)
• Social connectedness
• Service

Service is the key point in this question. This could entail volunteering but this is only a small part of being civically engaged.  This is only one fraction of being civically engaged, there is so much more! 

One of the aspects that I love about Hofstra University is that they give their students so many opportunities to be civically engaged. The Center for Civic Engagement is only one of the outlets, but upon further research one could get involved in so many other ways. Take that step and find out what there is out there!

What will you do to be civically engaged?

Globalization Day 2013

9:35-11:00am	Location: Guthart Cultural Center Theater, Axinn Library, South Campus
Breaking Borders: Continuing the Conversation with Afghanistan  Working and living in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Afghan Peace Volunteers (APVs) are a grassroots group of multi-ethnic youth and college students, unaffiliated with any religion or political group, seeking a life of equality, non-violence, self-reliance, and the unity of all people. This Globalization Day, you can join the conversation when the APVs call in to inform Hofstra students, faculty, and community members about their daily struggles and their campaign to break down borders and find friends in every country on the globe.Moderated by Ariel Flajnik, CCE Fellow and Hofstra University senior
11:10-12:35pm	Location: Guthart Cultural Center Theater, Axinn Library, South Campus
Harvest of Empire: The Untold Story of Latinos in America A screening of the feature documentary based on the award-winning book by journalist Juan Gonzalez about the history of migration into the U.S. and its roots in Washington’s policies in Latin America.Introduced by: Mario A. Murillo, Professor and Chair of Radio, Television, Film, and Co-director, Center for Civic Engagement, Hofstra University
12:45-2:10pm	Location: Guthart Cultural Center Theater, Axinn Library, South Campus
Globalization on Campus: International Students’ Perspectives on U.S involvement in the world In this session, a panel of international students at Hofstra will share their perspectives on the social, political and economic impact of U.S involvement around the world.Featured presenters: Christian Mpoy, CCE Fellow and Hofstra junior (Congo DR); Agnes Mathenge, CCE Fellow and Hofstra Senior (Kenya); Ricardo Taylor (Jamaica) Josh Stupple, Hofstra Senior, (United Kingdom/USA) Dymphy De Jong, (Netherlands) Moderated by: Megan Teehan, Hofstra Junior and CCE Fellow
2:20-3:45pm	Location: Plaza Room West, Mack Student Center, North Campus
Globalization and the Left Turn in Latin America: Rhetoric and Reality The Latin American region has undergone some of the most profound changes in recent years as a result of political and economic developments brought on by globalization. Along with a move to the left in many of the government’s of Central and South America, regional cooperation and a more autonomous approach towards the U.S. have been notable. We will explore some of these issues in this presentation.Presenter: Dr. Conrad Herrold, Associate Professor of Economics, Hofstra University
4:30-5:55pm	Location: Plaza Room West, Mack Student Center, North Campus
Nation of Sovereign Invasion: On the tangled relationship between US policy and international law Today marks the tenth anniversary of the start of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, which was initiated with the so-called “shock and awe” bombardment of Baghdad in the early morning hours on March 19th, 1993. This session will feature a discussion centering on the concepts of international law/global governance and sovereignty in relation to US involvement in other countries’ affairs, such as the War in Iraq.Panelist: William P. Schaefer, Professor of Political Science, Hofstra University, Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Organized Crime Strike Force, Northern California Region Moderated by Elena Yi, CCE Fellow and Hofstra University Junior.

Check out our Civil Rights Day Pictures!

Civil Rights Day is Here!!!

Check our Events Page for more information!

Uniondale Foreclosure Feature

Uniondale Long Island is arguably one of the most ethnically diverse and culturally rich suburbs in the nation. Unfortunately, it’s also victim to high levels of foreclosure with 1 out 5 families losing their home since the 2008 housing crisis. WRHU correspondent and CCE Fellow Chris Remington spoke to one woman who fought tirelessly to keep her living space from the banks. Furthermore, she is developing an initiative with her community which could be the model to prevent large scale foreclosures in the future.

Here is the three-part feature:

What does civic engagement mean to you?

We asked this question to our Fellows and CCE volunteers. Here are their responses:

Civic Engagement means exercising my ethical responsibility as a Hofstra student to understand and work with members of the surrounding community.

- Ariel Flajnick

I see civic participation as a vital part of being a citizen in a democracy. It should be a participatory democracy to be effective. Voting is not enough.

- Megan Teehan

Civic engagement means using your skills and passion to further the cohesion and development of your community.

-Chris Remington

Civic engagement means realizing that you are only as good as your collective community, and then actualizing that reality.

-Kayla Rivara

Civic engagement is the collaboration of peoples working together to educate and achieve goals in the community and in the world.

-Charlotte Granison

Civic engagement means opening up an active dialogue with the local community. It involves educating others on important local, domestic and international topics and encouraging action.

-Josh Ettinger

Civic engagement, in my mind, means caring enough about people and issues to do something, to raise awareness and solve (or attempt to solve) problems.

-Francesca Scaraggi

It is the ability and right of the public to partake in actions and discussion that will affect their lives.

-Anonymous

Let Fury Have the Hour

This Civil Rights Day (Wednesday, March 27th), at 7pm at the Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center Theater, CCE is having a documentary screening and discussion on the film Let Fury Have the Hour, a charged journey into the heart of the creative counter-culture in 2012 in a time of global challenges, big questions and by-the-number politics.

Here is a trailer showcasing the film and writer/director Antonio D’Ambrosio, who will join us for the screening and discussion.

Civil Rights Day: Contemporary Struggles for Obama’s Second Term

Civil Rights Day: 

Contemporary Struggles for Obama’s Second Term

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013: Civil Rights Day

“We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths—that all of us are created equal—is the star that guides us still, just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall, just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone, to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.” 
– President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address, January 21st, 2013

What are some of the major civil rights issues that must be addressed during the next four years of Barack Obama’s presidency? From the movement for immigrant rights to the defense of voter rights in communities of color, from gay and lesbian marriage to gender equality in the workplace, today’s civil rights agenda is broader than its ever been. Join the Center for Civic Engagement for a series of panels, workshops and screenings addressing these and other issues, and find out ways students can get involved in local campaigns.

All sessions will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room East, Hofstra University Student Center, unless otherwise noted.

Schedule:

10:10-11:05am After the Elections: Voting Rights Struggles on a Local and National Level
This panel will explore the voting rights debate that resurfaced during the recent presidential election, focusing on national and local voting issues and the role of grassroots organizing and community journalism in the struggle for voting rights.

Panelists:
Aura Bogado, Community Journalism Coordinator and Blogger, Color Lines (Voting Rights Watch 2012) & The Nation
Daniel Altschuler, Coordinator, Long Island Civic Engagement Table

11:15-12:40pm Immigrant Rights as Civil Rights
During the 2012 presidential election, Latinos and immigrants emerged as a key voting demographic, leading to widespread public discussion of immigration reform. This panel will explore the civil rights struggles facing the Spanish-speaking immigrant community in the local area, examining the struggle for immigrants’ rights as a component of a broader campaign for civil rights protection in the United States.

Panelists:

• Nadia Marin-Molina, Worker Rights Program Coordinator/Staff Attorney, National Day Laborer Organizing Network
• Valeria Treves, Executive Director, New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE)
• Moderator: Mario A. Murillo, Professor and Chair of Radio, Television, Film, and Co-director, Center for Civic Engagement, Hofstra University

2:10-3:45pm What Is (Gay) Marriage Equality and Where Might It Come From?  Faculty Lounge, Maurice A. Deane School of Law, South Campus
Eric Freedman outlining the two cases involving gay marriage currently before the Supreme Court and their possible outcomes, Dan Greenwood explaining why “marriage” should not be a government matter (left to religion) though perhaps “unions” could be, and all three of us commenting on what any this means for the issue in the second Obama administration.
Panelists:

• Daniel J.H. Greenwood, Professor of Law, Hofstra University
• Eric M. Freedman, Maurice A. Dean Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law, Hofstra University
• Moderator: Robin Charlow, Professor of Law, Hofstra University

4:30-5:55pm      The Invisible War: Sexual Assault in the Military

• Helen Benedict, Columbia University Professor and Author of The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Irag, and the novel Sand Queen
• Moderator: Paige Gordon, CCE Fellow and Hofstra University Class of 2013

7:00pm Cultural Center Theater
SCREENING of the Documentary Film: LET FURY HAVE THE HOUR

“Let fury have the hour/
Anger can be power/
Do you know that you can use it?”
– “The Clampdown,” The Clash

Rough, raw and unapologetically inspirational, LET FURY HAVE THE HOUR is a charged journey into the heart of the creative counter-culture in 2012.  In a time of global challenges, big questions and by-the-numbers politics, this upbeat, outspoken film tracks the story of the artists, writers, thinkers and musicians who have gone underground to re-imagine the world – honing in on equality, community and engaged creativity – in exuberantly paradigm-busting ways.

Writer/director Antonino D’Ambrosio unites 50 powerful, of-the-moment voices –from street artist Shepard Fairey to rapper Chuck D to playwright Eve Ensler to musicians Tom Morello and Billy Bragg to novelist Edwidge Danticat to filmmaker John Sayles to comic Lewis Black – who share personal and powerful tales of how they transformed anger and angst into provocative art and ideas.  Mix-mastered with historical footage, animation and performances, D’Ambrosio presents a visceral portrait of a generation looking to re-jigger a system that has failed to address the most pressing problems of our times . . . or human potential.

We are live!

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