As democracy faces growing pressure worldwide, how can our pursuit of environmental justice and democratic engagement be renewed where it matters most—at the community level? Excelsior University, the Center for Social Justice, and the Civic Engagement and Environmental Justice Rope Teams are pleased to welcome Richard Appelbaum, PhD, Fielding Graduate University faculty emeritus, for the environmental justice keynote “From Oil Spill to Civic Voice: Lessons from Santa Barbara” as part of the Democratic Engagement Dialogue Series. In this live discussion, Appelbaum will explore how environmental justice and democracy are practiced, sustained, and lived locally.

Drawing on the pivotal 1969 offshore oil spill in Santa Barbara, California—then the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history—Appelbaum will examine how crisis sparked civic transformation. The disaster helped launch the first Earth Day, galvanized the modern environmental movement, and reshaped citizen participation in local politics. Through this case, he will illustrate how engagement across differences and collective action can strengthen environmental justice and democratic life. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion after the keynote.

A distinguished sociologist and sustainability scholar, Appelbaum is faculty emeritus at Fielding Graduate University, former MacArthur Foundation Chair at UC Santa Barbara, an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, and a longtime leader in community-based social justice work.

Join us for this timely and inspiring conversation on how local action can renew environmental justice and democracy—starting where we live, learn, and lead.

Register Here.