Social Responsibility Committee
Final Report 2007-2008
The following is a brief review of the activities of the CRC Social Responsibility
Committee during the 2007-2008 school year.
I. Global Culture Film Series
The CRC Social Responsibility Committee sponsored the showing of 7
alternative films, offering ‘not-often-seen’ perspectives on current
global situations. Students and staff were invited and attended. Many
teachers requested student-response assignments based on student
reactions to these topics. The films were as follows:
1. Amandla: A musical perspective of the power of song to
address the inequities of apartheid in South Africa. Hosted by SRC
member, Steven Coughran
2. Time Bomb: A documentary that exposes the national and
and international impact of the American national debt. Hosted
by SRC member, Sandra Carter
3. The Devil Came on Horseback: An unarmed military observer
becomes a witness to the Darfur genocide. Hosted by SRC
member, Dennis Hock
4. Who Killed the Electric Car: A fair and thorough explanation of
the various factors that resulted in the failure of the production of
electric cars in the U.S. Hosted by SRC member, Kim Codella
5. China Blue: A realistic depiction of the circumstances endured
by the young women in China who make the world’s blue jeans.
Hosted by SRC member, Maureen Moore
6. Crude Impact: A documentary that looks at the impact of the
world’s fossil fuel dependence on those whose lands are exploited.
Hosted by SRC member, Cath Hooper
7. Black Gold: A look at the economic injustice suffered by those that
produce the second-most imported commodity, coffee. Hosted by
SRC member, Jason Newman
II. Voter Registration
During the fall of 2007, the SR Committee conducted voter registration
for several weeks at various locations and times on CRC campus. The
committee was able to register about 65 students. Also, during the
registration drive, faculty were able to speak to students about the
importance of student participation in the 2008 elections.
III. Speaker Series
During the fall and spring 2007-2008, the SR committee sponsored
several speakers on CRC campus.
1. Pablo Paredes & Adin Delgado: Two former US. soldiers spoke of
their first-hand experience of the war in Iraq. This speaking
event was heavily attended, and there was enormous student
Q & A participation. Later, many faculty reported powerful
and thoughtful written student responses in classroom
assignments.
2. David Becker: A.N.S.W.E.R founder, “Act Now to Stop War &
End Racism, spoke to four classrooms, providing historical
background of modern day U.S. foreign policy. He spoke of his
international efforts to reduce conflict in the Middle East, the
Balkans, Cuba, the European Union, and South Africa.
3. Ziad Abbas: A Palestinian who experienced the expulsion
from his home, spoke to a large student audience about
the Israeli occupation. Using his own home photos and
reporting his first-hand experience, he brought understanding
and hope for peaceful resolutions to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.
IV. Earth Day April 2008
During the 2008 CRC Earth Day event, the SR committee provided a
nutrition quiz with answers regarding genetically-modified foods,
nutritional content and agricultural processing. Also, the committee
showed a book display, highlighting environmental authors and their
book titles and content. Finally, the SR committee registered 4 more
students for the 2008 elections.
V. Next Year’s Plans 2008-2009
The following ideas have been suggested to be developed next year.
These ideas include:
1. Continued speaker series
a. CSUS Professor: Dr. Faddel
b. Green Invester, David Dreissler
c. Other speakers
2. Non-Profit Philanthropy Fair
3. 60th Anniversary of the formation of the United Nations
4. Green Investing Film Series
5. CRC cafeteria food concerns
VI. New leadership
The CRC Social Responsibility Committee will be led by Steven Coughran,
an active SRC member. His leadership is welcomed and will influence the
direction of the committee very positively.
This final report is respectfully submitted June 3, 2008.
Sandra Carter, Chair CRC Social Responsibility Committee 2006-2008