Students for Social Justice of Merced College

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can       change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  - Margaret Mead

Statement of Purpose

Students 4 Social Justice is a student organization at Merced College that is committed to achieving genuine democracy and social justice. We invite all students to join our efforts to promote equality, freedom, peace, and sustainable development. Our main role is to provide opportunities for critical thinking and dialogue about social justice relative to local, state, national, and international issues. We also engage in the political processes by which social change occurs. 

Upcoming events:

Next General Meeting: Check the calendar below for date, time and place of future meetings. If you would like to be notified of club activities email the club's faculty adviser and ask to be placed on our email list: law.k@mccd.edu

Calendar: November 2009

Ongoing Activities

Weekend Library Hours

Historically, Merced College's library has not been open during the weekend. In 2008 S4SJ canvassed 1000 student signatures on a petition that began the process by which we can now enjoy our library every Saturday from 9 - 1PM. We are thankful that the ASMC and Academic Senate joined us in our effort, and that the administration responded favorably to our request. Currently our weekend library hours are being funded by one-time money rather than being funded on an ongoing basis. We will present our petitions to the Board of Trustees in the hope that they will correct this problem on a permanent basis.

Comprehensive Academic Study Center 

Several students and faculty members are striving to gain permission to build a more comprehensive student study center that would be staffed with professional tutors. S4SJ has been canvassing student signatures on a petition that we will present to the Board of Trustees in the hope that they will assist us to attain our goal. If you would like to assist us please print copies of the petition and return the completed form to Professor Law in room IAC 260  

Monthly Events:

Each month S4SJ presents provocative events that include plays, speakers, and our infamous series of award winning documentaries. These events are shown on campus and are usually free to the public. Check the calendar for a listing of the event of the month.

Adopt a Homeless Shelter:

S4SJ is honored to have been adopted by Sierra Homeless Outreach Shelter (SHOS). We will be gathering donations from the campus community on an ongoing basis, and volunteering to provide food and to cook on designated days (see calendar). All donations are tax deductable. SHOS is located across the street from the main campus at 3603 M St., Merced, CA 95348. You are welcome to bring donations there, or contact Keith Law (see below) or Candice Adam-Medefind at 723-1872.  The Sierra Homeless Outreach Advisory Committee meets every Monday at 6 p.m. at the shelter.

Military Recruitment on Campus Information Drive:

S4SJ is conducting a drive to assist students throughout our community who are being heavily targeted by the aggressive marketing campaigns of  military recruiters. We offer students access to critical information that will allow them to make a more informed decision about their future relative to military service. Please read our informational flyer and help us out by making copies and passing them out. There is also a link to an  opt out form that high school students can fill out and present to their school's administration so they will not be solicited at home by military recruiters. We have also prepared an opt out form in Spanish.   

We have prepared the following response to hand to military recruiters in case you are confronted while disseminating this information.

Help us out by copying and passing out this information.

Our Organization:

S4SJ is a member of the Associated Students of Merced College, and Justice Alliance of Merced.

President: Hiram Dominguez Cruz 

Vice President: Paul Arias

Secretary: Zena Garcia

Treasurer: Austin Borcherding

Faculty Adviser: Keith Law (recipient, Faculty Adviser of the Year, 2007-2008)

Co-Faculty Adviser: Dr.Amerjit Johl

Links:

Justice Alliance of Merced: www.jamerced.com

For more information concerning meetings and activities contact the faculty advisors for S4SJ:

Keith Law @ 209.386.6689

Dr. Amerjit Johl @ 209.381.6409

 http://www.mccd.edu/faculty/lawk/