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César Chávez Day of Service

CCDOS2020 Email Banner

CSUSM hosts the annual César Chávez Day of Service (CCDoS), along with MiraCosta College's (MCC) Service Learning and Volunteering Center. This year, the CSUSM and MCC communities service with purpose on Friday March 29th. We serve to honor the legacy of César Chávez, and the contributions of farm workers to our society. César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong fought for workers’ rights among countless farmworkers and allies, and their impacts extend beyond the Latinx community. 

This year’s theme is Service – a Lifetime Commitment. We acknowledge that participating in service looks different for everyone – for some it is embedded in their careers as non-profit or activist leaders, for others it means signing petitions, donating food, or volunteering at their child’s school or family church, but that we all find ways to continue committing to a practice of service throughout our lives.

Whether you are new to service, or have already built a foundation of service in your life, we hope that you can join us on the 29th to build our community at San Marcos around a shared value and commitment to a lifetime of service.

See below for registration link and service site information. We hope to see you there!

To learn more about the history of César Chávez's fight for farmworkers' rights, watch "César's Last Fast." To learn more about co-founder of the UFW, Dolores Huerta, and about how Larry Itliong and other Filipino workers started the famous Grape Boycott, watch the documentary "Dolores." Both films are available for stream through the CSUSM library.

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Registration Link

Registration extended - deadline Monday 3/25, 7pm. 

Schedule

  • 7:30-8am Check in and Breakfast
  • 8-8:35am Pre-Event Program
  • 9:00am Buses Leave to Service Sites
  • 1:00pm Buses Return to Campus

Day of - What to Expect

Location:

  • University Student Union, enter from the 4th floor. The event will be held in the Ballroom on the 2nd floor. You can either take the stairs or use the elevators in the building.
  • Plan to arrive at the Ballroom early for a prompt check-in at 7:30 AM, grab your t-shirt, and to find a seat for breakfast ahead of the morning program.

***The event is rain or shine, dress accordingly. Ponchos will be provided if needed.

Dress code:  

  • Wear comfortable and sturdy close-toed shoes, and clothes that you can get dirty. It should not rain, but some of the sites may be muddy.
  • Dress for sun protection: hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, and sunscreen are recommended.
  • See your individual site's information below for additional details. 

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

  • We will be providing limited drinks, so plan to bring a refillable water bottle.

Transportation to Sites

  • You are strongly encouraged to take the CSUSM provided transportation to your site as some of the locations may be difficult to find and parking is limited.
  • Bus transportation will be provided to and from CSUSM main campus to sites in North County.
  • Bus transportation will be provided to and from CSUSM Temecula and Habitat for Humanity.

Cancellations

When you registered, you should have received a confirmation email with a link to cancel your registration. If you cannot find this link, email civicengagement@csusm.edu. 

COVID-19 Protocol - General Prevention

The campus guidelines still recommend the general safety protocols for infection control:

  • GET VACCINATED - Use VaccineFinder to locate a COVID vaccine near you
  • Stay Home when you are sick or have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19
  • Face Coverings - when required and recommended utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or Community Protective Equipment (CPE)
  • Practice Cough Etiquette - Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow
  • Hand Hygiene – Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or utilize hand sanitizer when running water and soap is not available
  • Distancing – Although physical distancing is no longer required it is always recommended to give people their space when it is possible.  It is equally important to know what the comfort level is when you approach another person during your initial greetings. Hugging and handshakes are not recommended
  • Avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. 

 

Site Information

  • Boys & Girls Club of Vista [Accessible Site] - The Spirit of Cesar Chavez Day of Service at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista

    Project Summary        The Boys & Girls Club of Vista needs your help 1. Prepping for our K/1st grade Summer Camp activities (tasks may include: making copies, making templates, tracing templates, cutting, gluing, etc.),  2. Prepping for our upcoming free community event on May 18th (tasks TBD, but may include putting together hygiene kits, making inspirational inserts and community resource cards, etc.), and 3. Making 2 Cesar Chavez inspired bulletin boards.Project Site 

    Requirements/Project Safety           This activity is accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

  • Botanical Community Development Initiatives [Accessible Site] - Food Justice Through Community Farming

    Project Summary        Volunteers will participate in the following: harvesting/organizing seeds for saving, prepping beds for spring/summer crops, clearing weeds & organizing farm equipment/materials, processing organic material & making compost (volunteers are encouraged to save & bring their food scraps from home!), helping with painting signs, seedling prep in the nursery, & building on-site farm projects. https://youtu.be/EB5q63fB9aw

    Project Site Requirements/Safety           Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. We encourage folks to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. We are an active farm with many "moving parts." We advise volunteers to be mindful of where they are stepping, to not exceed their physical abilities, and to ask for help when needed. We are here to work in collaboration and community, not to get hurt! Tasks are available to folks with physical limitations include seed sorting, seeding, data entry, and planting in raised-planted boxes.

  • ProduceGood - Pick Food Justice! -- A gleaning event with ProduceGood [Greek Life Only]

    Project Summary        With 40% of all food wasted and 1 in 5 people being food insecure in San Diego, ProduceGood's mission is to address these concurring issues at the same time. We invite the students of CSUSM to join us in a food recovery event called, ""Pick Food Justice!"" We will be picking oranges/lemons from a private orchard in Escondido/Valley Center, which will later be distributed to a local food bank/pantry. Because food insecurity is a very real issue for the students at CSUSM and throughout the country, we hope to educate and support the student volunteers at the same time. We will give a short talk about hunger, food insecurity, and the growing food justice community in San Diego. In past years, this event has proved to be very successful - last year we gleaned 762 pounds! We hope that we can raise awareness again with CSUSM for Cesar Chavez Day of Service 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq9hd_fQj2E&t=9s  

    Project Site Requirements/Safety           The event takes place outdoors. Volunteers should wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and bring sunscreen if it is warm weather. Depending on the weather, volunteers should bring an extra jacket (if it is cold) and sunscreen (if it is hot). We will be picking fruit for 2.5 hours in an orchard. This activity requires mobility (there is uneven ground) and strength (to lift at least 15 pounds). If volunteers are allergic to bees, they need to bring their epi-pen or medication. 

  • Lifeline Community Services - Spring Cleaning at La Casita

    Project Summary        La Casita is set up as an early intervention program for at-risk youth and provides services for (on average) 20-30 children ages 6 to 12 on a daily basis. The site is a safe space for children to go to when released from school. On a bi-annual basis Lifeline staff schedule some much-needed spring and fall cleaning at La Casita! This time is set aside specifically to organize and clean out the homework room, supply rooms, closets, playground, and anything can accumulate clutter and dirt! This helps improve productivity and set the right tone and environment for a new year with the kids. https://youtu.be/YlnWPTjurEs

    Project Site Requirements/Safety           Proper attire for cleaning. 

  • Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation - Algerian Lavendar Sea

    Project Summary   In conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish & Wildlife. AHLF is attempting to eradicate Algerian Sea Lavender (an invasive species) in the lagoon watershed. This project is 100% funded by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and corresponds and collaborates with the Coastal Program Coordinator of Southern California. Volunteering for this effort requires physical labor and the ability to walk through the mud flats. Volunteers will be hand-pulling Algerian Sea Lavender and installing tarps for solarization processes as needed. Depending on the number of registrations, we can also provide trail maintenance activities such as implementing erosion control measures, invasive species removal, and trash removal.

    Project Site Requirements/Safety          : Volunteers must wear long pants and tall muck/work boots. We can provide muck boots depending on availability and size if needed. Sunscreen, hat, and reusable water bottle is recommended. 

  • Universidad Popular [CAMP Only] - Cesar Chavez Day of Service Community Cleanup

    Project Summary        Our goal is to remember and honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist César Chávez for a Day of Service. He was the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union and pioneer in the struggles for fair wages and humane working conditions for farm workers and their families. Chávez is revered as one of the greatest human rights leaders. We are convening youth and families from the neighborhoods around Autumn, Pico, Richmar, Mission, and San Marcos Blvd, the area around San Marcos Elementary School to participate in a Community Cleanup. https://youtu.be/EB5q63fB9aw

    Project Site Requirements/Safety           Volunteers should know that we will be conducting an outdoor activity. Some risks to volunteers include but are not limited to: We will be exposed to the elements (heat/cold), shrubs, trees, and walking on unpaved or uneven sidewalks. We will be picking up trash, which can be sharp, have a foul smell, or be rotten (food). During the activity, volunteers should prioritize their teams and safety. A group of lead staff will be assembled for any questions or concerns during the activity.

  • TrueCare - Giving Back to Those Who Give

    Project Summary        This project will have 2 parts to it. 1. Volunteers will be welcomed into our San Marcos Health Center where they will write "Thank You" cards to our farmworker community. 2. We will partner with a local nursery in San Marcos where we will host a produce box distribution to address the food insecurity in our community and provide the farmworkers with the personalized "Thank You" cards. https://truecare.org/about/   

    Project Site Requirements/Safety           Participants will need to be able to pick up 25lbs (produce box) to be able to hand to our farmworkers. Nursery sites often times have uneven roads. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing to be able to move freely at the nursery site. 

  • Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley [Temecula Campus Only] - Making Garden Boxes

    Project Summary        Students will assemble recycled garden boxes to be sold in our social enterprise, the Habitat Design Center.  Pre-cut kits will be set up in stations along with necessary tools.  Students will work in small groups to assemble the boxes. Once completed, the boxes will be sold out of the Design Center to raise funds for Habitat programs but to also highlight sustainable practices and educate the public regarding Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta.  A sign will also be made that promotes the partnership we share with CSUSM as well.  Post activity questions will allow discussion on social activism and the work that defined Chavez. https://youtu.be/EB5q63fB9aw

    Project Site Requirements/Safety          Casual work clothes and close toed shoes are required. Since the event is outside, students may want to consider wearing a hat and bringing sunglasses. Also, sunscreen is recommended. All other equipment will be provided by Habitat for Humanity. This is a relatively low risk activity, but power tools and construction materials will be used. Safety training is held prior to the event and trained staff are on hand to oversee all activities and to identify any unsafe practices.

  • Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos - STEM Mural

    Project Summary       This project will include painting a STEM-themed mural that will be displayed at one of our stand-alone Clubhouses, the Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Branch. This Clubhouse serves elementary-aged youth in San Marcos. This mural will add vibrancy and identity to our STEM spaces where we host STEM programming for our youth. We are looking for a team of no more than 16 volunteers to contribute their painting skills to this project! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hrn7OANhshbxpdWPD6QbV-ENwm0OMlUK/view?usp=sharing

    Project Site Requirements/Safety         N/A


Event Co-Sponsors

Mira Costa Logo
CSUSM Department of Service Learning and Civic Engagement Logo in Cougar Blue color

If you would like more information about this event, contact us at civicengagement@csusm.edu