John R. Lewis College Community
John R. Lewis College is a vibrant community with many opportunities for students to get involved, shape their environment and develop leadership skills. Student-led groups, advised and supported by staff, have a primary role in planning co-curricular programming and student activities.
John R. Lewis College’s theme of Social Justice and Community recognizes the importance of building leaders who are deeply committed to social justice and who will be equipped to engage fully in their communities. Programming each quarter includes workshops, small-group classes, field trips, debates, faculty speakers, and open mic events. Issues addressed may include prisons, labor, poverty, discrimination, environmental justice, community activism, and other topics related to the college’s theme.
Artist: Joann Moreira
John R. Lewis College Programs
In addition to participating in John R. Lewis College’s theme -related programming, examples of other activities students may become involved with include:
MCW is an opportunity for students to learn more about themselves and their community, build cultural competency, and develop multicultural leadership skills in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect. Through a series of structured exercises and discussion facilitated by John R. Lewis College staff, faculty and student leaders, participants explore issues impacting our individual identities (e.g. race, class, culture, sexual orientation, age, gender), build cross-cultural communication skills, and share in celebrating the diversity of our community. This weekend retreat, held in a beautiful redwood setting, is one of the cornerstones of John R. Lewis College programming.
Practical Activism is a day-long conference planned by a group of students working with staff and faculty advisors. The planning group forms in spring, and works through fall to produce the annual event. Offering interactive workshops, speakers, arts and music, this is a dynamic day of learning, inspiration and action. More information can be found at practicalactivism.ucsc.edu.
PRAXIS is an organization geared toward community building and social justice. By participating in PRAXIS, students gain exposure to a variety of Santa Cruz community organizations, meet a diversity of people, and explore what it means to be agents of social change.
Named after a renowned peace-seeking Sufi poet, Rumi’s Field offers a space for students who wish to learn, live, and interact using the skills of Nonviolent Communication. Taught and practiced around the globe, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) strengthens one's ability to inspire compassion from others and respond compassionately even under difficult circumstances. This mixed community of John R. Lewis College first-year and continuing students from all different parts of campus will have the opportunity to engage in dialog and resolve conflict using NVC consciousness as a tool for personal and societal transformation. Find out more about Rumi's Field »
John R. Lewis College’s Governing Cooperative appoints students to campus and college-wide committees, advises John R. Lewis College administration on policy development and provides monetary support to John R. Lewis College and university-wide student organizations.
Students for Social Change meets weekly throughout Fall Quarter offering an opportunity to find community, explore your relationship to social justice, and build leadership skills through fun activities, simulations, and small group discussions. Participants will plan and implement an event highlighting an international social change issue for other students.
Terry Freitas Commons (TFC) is a spot run by students for students; it is a great place to relax, study, and enjoy programs put on by the staff. Terry Freitas Café is also committed to serving the community through our partnership with Basic Needs with an after hours food pantry for students to secure non-perishable food at their time of need. On any given evening, the commons may host an open mic, a pool tournament, a live performance by students, or group discussion around current events. Always a friendly place to meet up with friends, Terry Freitas Commons has something for everyone.
