Dec. 4, 2007
Chico State students who are concerned about environmental issues but don't know where to start now have a place that can give them some direction.The Associated Students Environmental Action and Resource Center provides ways for students to participate in environmental thought, education and activism.
Located in Bell Memorial Union Room 301, the 10-by-12-foot space is home to five interns, four staff members, an assistant director and a director.
The EARC team puts on events, provides environmental videos and reading materials not found in Meriam Library, and helps students to look for environmental volunteer, intern or job opportunities.
One of most useful tools students can take advantage of is EARC's job and internship database, which lists environmental jobs on state, local and international levels, said student Brionne Saseen, one of EARC's program assistants.
Saseen, who takes care of the database, does all the "annoying research" and individual postings on the openings, she said. The opportunities can only be found through EARC.
Saseen also puts on events throughout the school year.
On Thursday, Saseen helped with the campus clothing swap in the Free Speech Area, she said. People brought old clothes they don't use and in turn were able to bring home new clothes, an example of the concept of creating less waste and reusing more.
Saseen, who began the Sustainability Resource Center at Butte College, said she loves working at EARC more because Chico State does not restrict students.
"There is more freedom to get your hands dirty, do things you are passionate about and take on projects here at Chico State," she said.
Not only is EARC a great resource center, but it is also a place where students can come to study, use computers and work on homework, Saseen said.
"I don't see why more people are coming up here to use our computers and books when it is so comfortable and cozy," she said. "It is easy to come up here and get involved with something, or you can just hang out."
While hanging out, students can visit EARC's resource library, which is open to anyone, even the public, said Marshall Riddle, EARC's other program assistant.
Riddle is in charge of compiling the center's online resources, which consists of news articles, general archives and links regarding EARC's cause: the environment and social justice.
"Based on people coming in the library, more people are looking to become educated on the environment," Riddle said. "They have found that we are a good resource to do this."
Awareness is the biggest part of EARC, but it is now looking to incorporate action into the organization's name, Riddle said.
"Working here has given me the freedom to fight for the causes I care about and provide information to the students to take on any causes they like," Riddle said.
As for next semester, EARC is going to take on the motto that less is more, put more into the events and take on a theme of social justice.
Riddle wants next semester to take the next step to get more students involved, he said.
"We can really give a good direction to students who are interested," Riddle said. "This is the best place for students to come and get some education, for we are a great resource."
Danielle Salvato can be reached at dsalvato@theorion.com
---- EARC office and library hours: Monday through Thursday - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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