Kick Off 2024 with Changemaker Week

"Changemaker Week offers a fantastic opportunity to begin the new year with educational workshops and meaningful activities dedicated to creating a better world,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. "By uniting the talents and knowledge of our university community, we can make significant strides in creating impactful change that cultivates a more just, inclusive and sustainable environment for all."

Embedded throughout the seven-day celebration are unique programs designed to expand one’s understanding of how to drive positive change and social impact. Among these free sessions is the student-led “Changemaker 101” workshop on Jan. 16, empowering attendees to define "changemaking" on their own terms. On Jan. 18, the Changemaker Institute is teaming up with the university’s Basic Needs Hub to host a documentary screening and panel discussion that sheds light on the topic of housing.

Attendees can also mingle with Tritons from dozens of student organizations at the Changemaker Organization Fair and Hot Cocoa Fest on Jan. 17. Representatives from various student groups will be on site to help fellow students discover on- and off-campus changemaking opportunities that align with their passions—whether that be social justice, unique hobbies, community service and more.

“The goal of this year’s programming is to uplift the meaningful changemaker work that has been and will be done by our campus. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the many ways our campus community is committed to changemaking,” said Audra Buck-Coleman, associate director for the Changemaker Institute. “We hope participants come away with a stronger sense of shared community about the changemaking work they are doing or want to do.”

Local business and community leaders will also be visiting campus to share their unique expertise at events such as the “Road to Regeneration: From Waste to Renewal” and “Entrepreneur Workshop - Future Focused Capitalism”—both held on Jan. 17. The former program will shine light on waste reduction methods for a more just and sustainable world. The latter offers the opportunity to hear how local figures are building a better world through their business ventures. 

UC San Diego’s Changemaker Campus designation has also recently been renewed by Ashoka U, signifying the university’s commitment to cultivating a strong innovation and changemaking ecosystem. Ashoka U is an initiative of Ashoka, the world’s largest network of social innovators. 

All Changemaker Week events are free to register and participate in. For a comprehensive view of the entire schedule, visit the online event calendar. Here's a preview of the workshops and events planned for the 2024 celebration:

Jan. 13

22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Join fellow Tritons at Mission Bay High School for a day of service in commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As part of this off-campus opportunity led by the Center for Student Involvement, engage in various service projects, such as developing the sensory garden for special education students, painting a mural and setting up a space for their new peer tutoring program. All registered participants will receive a continental breakfast, lunch, and a volunteer T-shirt. 

Jan. 14

42nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade: A Campus Tradition

Register to march alongside UC San Diego students, staff, and faculty in the city's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The group will be led by participants carrying the "UC San Diego'' banner, followed by the energetic presence of the UC San Diego Pep Band, the Eight Colleges and campus community members. University departments and organizations are encouraged to showcase their own banners, letters and signage while they march. 

Jan. 16

How to Foster Empathy and Support as a Changemaker

As part of this virtual event led by CARE at the Sexual Assault Resource Center, registered attendees will learn about the services CARE offers and how they can use IDEAS–a Bystander Intervention Techniques Model—to support individuals experiencing houselessness. This interactive program will focus on the intersection between sexual violence and housing insecurity.

Changemaker 101

In this workshop hosted at the Student Services Center, students will learn about the Changemaker 101 curriculum while uncovering new ways to make a positive social, environmental and restorative impact in their community. Presented by the Changemaker Student Ambassadors, this session enables registered participants to discover their personal definition of changemaking and what type of Changemaker efforts they aim to pursue.

Changemaking with College Corps

Through the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program, over 200 Tritons have undertaken a year of service focused on K-12 education, food insecurity and climate change. Learn more about their changemaking efforts in this panel discussion, where current fellows will share insight into their experience and offer tips on how to apply to be a member of next year's cohort. 

Jan. 17 

Changemaker Organization Fair and Hot Cocoa Fest

Connect with fellow Tritons, explore campus resources and learn about student organizations that resonate with your interests at the Changemaker Organization Fair and Hot Cocoa Fest. Students can register online to enjoy a hot chocolate bar, desserts, music and an array of activities. This free event at the Price Center East Ballroom will also feature a raffle for prizes including a JBL speaker, an Instax Camera, Squishmallows stuffed animals and $250 in Triton Cash. 

Unity Hour: Housing as a Human Right

Led by the Black Resource Center, this session of the Unity Hour series offers community members the space to build community and connections around the topic of “Housing as a Human Right.” Join this in-person event for a discussion around the intersections between housing, structural racism and the current impacts of homelessness to the university’s Black community.

Road to Regeneration: From Waste to Renewal

This event at the Climate Action Lab will feature a panel of various community leaders who are leading the way in waste reduction methods for a more just and sustainable world, starting locally in San Diego. The program will kick off with a spoken word about climate justice, followed by activities relating to the different sectors of waste reduction. 

Entrepreneur Workshop - Future Focused Capitalism

As part of this workshop hosted in the Design & Innovation Building’s Basement facility, join in an engaging discussion with San Diego business leaders who are elevating humanity through business. The session will explore the transformative power of capitalism as a force for good and help participants to get inspired to make a positive difference in their community.

Jan. 18

Public Engagement in Science: Collaborating with Your Local Community 

Visit the Natural Sciences Building Auditorium for a seminar and interactive workshop led by representatives from the Fleet Science Center. Registered attendees will learn how to intentionally and meaningfully engage the public in science and identify opportunities for building community partnerships with informal science education centers, schools and community organizations. 

Jan. 19

Gender Buffet: Houselessness and Intersectionality

Come build community through a discussion of houselessness and learn about alternative systems of care at this workshop presented at the university’s Women’s Center. This in-person program will explore how houselessness interacts with capitalism, domestic abuse, race, gender, sexuality, Immigration, and other systemic oppressions.