students who,have enough of a positive experience to say that it's worthwhile to continue doing it." The program itself is a model project. It bridges the gap that usually exists between institutions of higher learning and local communities. It's a pro-active, liberating education instead a reactive one. Students don't simply conform to the status quo, and aren't schooled to obey the boss in boring, moronic, monotonous jobs. They instead become the cooperating instigators of a better future. When it seems there's never enough community organizers, it's encouraging to know that this program consistently nurtures practicing idealists. Every institution of higher learning should similarly uphold their res.ponsibil- · ity to local communities, and to students looking for meaningful work. Starting such a program today, though, must almost be a political act, since Universities are financially pinched; the CS program began in 1969 amidst heady, experime~tal days on the young, well-funded Santa Cruz campus. While money for a new program may be a .. major obstacle, describing the pathway is relatively easy; due to the established curriculum. According to Friedland, "All you would have to do is spend a week here and you can learn enough to start a program." It helps to be connected to the political life of the institution, and to run in academic circles. Such a program could even be organized outside of established institutfons. With the will and determination to make a difference, there is a way to make it happen. 'In fact, that's just what the program teaches. The program coordinators can be contacted at: Community Studies, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064. Phone: (408) 459-2371. Alumnus Jered Lawson cannot be reached by telephone since he lives in a new yurt in the UC campus Farm & Garden center, teaching students to organize organic community'supportedfarming cooperatives. For more specific information on the Community Studies program, see the next two pages. ·. ' ". J' :~: .... . /.:~· .. _ ,' ; . '· ·. · .. .. : ... . RAIN Summer 1994 Volume XIV, Number 4 Page 49 ... .... :. ·· .
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