EarthLab presents an inclusive gathering focused on climate justice and community building. Across the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses, University of Washington students actively engage in vital discussions about climate change and its profound implications for social justice. Now, we invite UW undergraduates from all campuses to unite for a transformative half-day event at the Husky Union Building.
This free event is a platform for grassroots conversations to build a stronger climate community, where student voices take center stage. Through facilitated discussions grounded in principles of social justice and equity, we aim to ignite excitement and optimism for concrete next steps towards collective climate action at UW.
Join us to connect with peers and faculty, to exchange ideas, and to be empowered to drive meaningful change.
The event is flexible so arrive / leave when you can. See the agenda below.
Agenda
10-10:30 a.m. Welcome, land acknowledgement, setting norms – Breakfast
– Ben Packard, Executive Director, EarthLab
– Dianne Harris, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
– Julia Parrish, Associate Dean, College of the Environment
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Conversation 1: Group discussions
11:15-11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Conversation 2: Group discussions
12:15-1 p.m. Networking and student tabling – Lunch
FAQs
What is the goal of this event?
One of EarthLab’s goals is to connect people, ideas, and knowledge from across academic disciplines, sectors, communities and more to develop lasting and equitable solutions to climate change. While we’ve hosted several events for faculty to come together, we recognize that many students are leading this work, yet remain disconnected from each other and from UW academic leadership. EarthLab is committed to bridging that gap, understanding that this event will be the first of many efforts to do so.
Who is this event for?
This event is for any UW undergraduate student from any campus or major who cares about climate change and its relationship with social justice.
-Are you currently advocating for climate justice issues?
-Are you interested in learning more about climate justice, but don’t know where to start?
-Do you wish more faculty and deans on campus understood what students really care about regarding climate justice?
-If you identify with any of the above, this event is for you.
I’m a UW student, but not at UW Seattle. How can I attend?
We’re so glad you’re interested. If transportation is a hardship, please email earthlab@uw.edu and we’ll see what we can do. We’ve also included transportation options below.
-Transportation options from UW Bothell: To take public transit between UW Bothell and UW Seattle, Take 372 U-DISTRICT STATION EXPRESS
-Transportation options from UW Tacoma: To take public transit between UW Tacoma and UW Seattle, first take 594 Seattle to Stop 99254 @ Sodo Busway & S Lander St (NB) then transfer to the 1 Line on the Light Rail.
-Plan your trip with Metro Trip Planner
I’m not an undergrad. Can I come?
Faculty, graduate students, and staff who are interested in helping us facilitate the event are welcome, please email earthlab@uw.edu to learn more.
I can’t make the whole event. Can I still come?
Yes! We know three hours is a lot to ask for one day, so we’ve structured the event to coexist with class schedules. Stop by for one conversation, lunch, or all the above. By connecting with us now, you’ll be the first to know about future climate justice-focused events.
What will happen at the event?
Here’s the plan:
-After introductions, setting group norms, and breakfast, we will host group discussions on a variety of climate justice topics that are most important to you.
-You will self-select which discussion to join and meet peers from across academic disciplines and communities to better understand how this issue connects with your work, study, and life.
-Together, you will decide on important take-aways from the discussion that will be shared with the larger group and, eventually, with the EarthLab Board of Deans – a group of 13 deans committed to supporting EarthLab’s vision for an equitable, just and sustainable world where people and planet thrive.
-After two rounds of discussions, we’ll reconvene the group for a networking lunch, where student groups are welcome to share flyers and information about their work and you can continue making new connections while breaking bread.