With the rise of environmental threats, existing and new clubs are looking for various ways to address environmental justice.
Currently, the Randolph Campus is home to 55 clubs, 12 of which are dedicated to the cause of student activism. Among these, Community Action and Service Club (CAS) is a prominent group looking to create change. Seniors Audrey Senaratna and Clara McKoy are the current presidents.
“We want to do more things that are involving student activism and engaging in the community rather than passive forms of service,” Senaratna said.
Last year, CAS took more internally focused efforts, such as hosting a car wash run by members of the club.
However, the group is in the process of expanding its scope of services, aiming to incorporate a broader approach.
“I think it’d be really interesting to include more environmental justice into what we do,” Senaratna added.
Furthermore, the group has a substantial network of contact for partnerships with organizations. These connections span from local non-profits to community outreach initiatives affiliated with universities.
CAS member Via Campbell has hopes for the club’s future plans.
“I hope that we can schedule a clean up at Bridal Veil Falls, because there was a lot of trash there,” she said.
Another proactive club making strides is led by freshman January Cook. This group, known as the Marine Biology Conservation Club, has a number of plans for the year ahead. Their objectives surround fundraising efforts to support maritime foundations such as Save the Whales, an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the ocean and its inhabitants.
The club’s mission encompasses multiple objectives. “We aim to change the perceptions of marine life, shifting it from being seen merely as a source of entertainment to recognizing these creatures as living beings,” Cook said.
Additionally, the group seeks to scrutinize the unethical treatment of animals in establishments like Pet Smart and local aquariums.
“We are preparing to conduct a letter-writing campaign targeting prominent for-profit aquariums in Minnesota,” Cook said.
“We hope to educate individuals about small yet impactful changes they can make in their daily lives to promote sustainability within the local marine ecosystem.” The next club meetings are on Tuesday, Oct. 10, during X-period.