Registration is now open! Please register here: http://ow.ly/4nnA6T
You can also get updates and show your interest in attending on the Facebook Event Page
What is a Convergence?
Convergences are one of CSSC’s largest, most exciting, and most beloved programs. They are held twice a year, and each is hosted by a different campus chapter. At this weekend-long event, students are able to attend workshops, panels, breakout groups, and caucuses on topics that fill the range of environmental and social justice. It is an incredible and powerful student-run program that has reached out to thousands of students and organizers across California over its many years of existence. Each Convergence is an exhilarating and beautiful experience that is made unique by the campus that hosts it. Each chapter brings their own team’s vision, their unique campus climate, and the work of their community to the Convergence experience.
Who is the host?
The host of the 2016 Spring Convergence is De Anza College. The college’s strategic location, commitment to sustainability and social justice, and organizing resources prove them a model convergence host campus . De Anza has a rich and powerful history of organizing and sustainability work. Much of the student body, faculty, and administration places exceptional value on multiculturalism, social justice, and equity work, integrating principles of sustainability and justice into curriculum and campus life.For these reasons, they are the first community college district to ever divest from fossil fuels nationwide, and also the first to create a Sustainability Management Plan.
What is the theme?
The theme chosen by the host is “Direct Action: Disrupting Business as Usual”
“Environmental justice has always been a struggle led by mass movement and direct action. From the disruptive protests of the 1970’s which led to the foundation of modern environmental policy to the recent People’s Climate March that greatly influenced the outcome of the Paris agreement, understanding and utilizing the methodology of civil disobedience has been the key to creating serious change.
We wish to bring focus to the less formalized side of advocacy and answer some hard questions. When is it time to march into the streets and stop traffic? How will occupying a City Council meeting bring us closer to a sustainable world? How are these tactics affected by or beneficial for addressing race, class, and gender in intersectional ways? What would MLK Jr. think?!
Because of increasing concentration of power, violence, and rhetoric in society, it is becoming harder and harder for common people to get change they need without demanding it. Creating conversation about the skills, history, and value behind direct, disruptive action is vital to the future of our struggle for a sustainable society.
Do you, your group, or your initiative have an idea for a workshop that falls under the topic of “Direct Action”? Then Apply to host a workshop at the 2016 CSSC Spring Convergence!
Find the Application Here: http://ow.ly/4mNr5k
I need a ride! Are there carpools?
We have students and youth leaders coming from all sides of the state! If you are interested in participating in the carpool as either a driver (thank you!) or a ride-along. Please see the carpool document here
Can I camp as my form of housing?
Yes! You can reserve campsites at this link: http://
The sites Sanborn and Joseph Grant Park are the closest to De Anza. You’d need to stay Friday night so keep in mind that you need to reserve a spot early before they run out.
What’s a good way to stay up-to-date on Convergence News?
Sign-up for updates from the CSSC Newsletter, like the CSSC Facebook Page, and/or revisit this page to get updates on workshops, speakers, housing, carpools, registration, and more!
What is the schedule?