Bean East in Portland

iuStudents leaders from the our Residence Hall “neighborhood” (Bean East, Bean West, and GSH) have been hard at work planning a trip to Portland on Saturday, May 9. The itinerary includes the Portland Art Museum, Saturday Market, the Chinese Gardens, and Powell’s Books. Look for announcements around the Hall and sign up soon!

UO Freshmen Project

A university research project is inviting freshmen and sophomores to participate in a survey that will help future first-year students transition to college life. Participants will receive $50!

Those who are interested should take a one minute survey (http://tinyurl.com/ny2oh9e). If you qualify, the directors will contact you. You may also contact the directors for more information at uofreshmenproject@gmail.com.

Summer Volunteer Openings

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GoEco, an organization devoted to placing students in volunteer positions throughout the world, is accepting applications for this summer. This is a perfect opportunity for students interested in ecological and humanitarian issues.

Vigil for Eric Gardner

CALC
Community Alliance of Lane County

Action Alert
What you can do to  promote a more just and peaceful world.

Vigil Today For Eric Gardner
and All Victims of Police Brutality
Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza, 5pm

          In response to the NYC grand jury’s failure to indict the police officers responsible for the murder of Eric Garner, there will be  a candlelight vigil Sunday, 5PM at Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza.
          Organizers will provide candles and lighters, but depending on the turnout we may not have enough, so if you have any at your disposal, feel free to bring them! If you would like to make your own signs and bring them, that would be great too! “Black Lives Matter” is a great one. Also, bring umbrellas and dress warm and waterproof in case it rains! Hope to see you all there and we ask that you all share this event with EVERYBODY you can, ALL people are welcome.

Alternative Spring Break

asb-uo

It’s a bit early to be thinking about Spring Break, right? Wrong. The UO has developed five programs for students interested in using this week to help others and become educated in a variety of social justice issues. Choosing one of these programs is a great way to bolster your resume. More importantly, participants regularly report that these trips have enhanced their awareness of national and global issues and have contributed to their personal growth.

The themes for Spring 2015 include issues surrounding environmental studies  (Hawaii and Guatemala), human rights (Watsonville and San Francisco), and food justice (Los Angeles).

Applications are due November 5. To learn more about these programs and apply, click the image on the left.

Homelessness, Security, and the Politics of Dys-Appearance

Are you concerned about political policies toward marginalized people? Would you like to know more about how we can help them achieve a sense of security and well-being? Then come to the lecture by Dr. Chad Kautzer (University of Colorado, Denver) on November 6 (4:00-5:30 PM) in the Knight Library Browsing Room. This will be a great opportunity to think about society’s policies toward and obligations to the homeless. Please click the image below and consult the Calendar for more information on the presentation. For a complete overview of the Homelessness Project, please go to the UO Philosophy Department’s Community Philosophy Institute.

homeless

Lecture Abstract:
In disability studies, the concept of “dys-appearance” refers to bodies made visible through disabling social norms, practices, and environments. Chronic lack of shelter and access to private facilities often produce dys-appearance, as private lives are forced into public spaces. In this talk I consider three forms of security—in law, capital, and recognition—that contribute to this private-public dynamic of “homelessness” today: the policing and criminalization of the unhoused; mortgage securitization; and social recognition that supports trust and mitigates personal vulnerability or insecurity, that is, security as a dimension of “home.” Each of these works to define the public and private, but only the last, I argue, does not seek security at the expense of the insecurity of others.

Walk the Whit

When: October 25 (12:45-3:15 PM)
What: East Blair Co-Op (940 W. 4th Avenue)

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Have you heard the hype?
Do you want to check it out for yourself?

The Daily Emerald recently published a story on the nightlife in Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood. It’s definitely a fun place to be at night, but there is more to this area of town than restaurants and bars. The Whit has a long tradition of envisioning community life based upon the principles of progressivism, sustainability, and justice. Join Dr. David Reis on an excursion to the Whit to explore the character of this neighborhood—its history, traditions, and ultra-hip, counter-cultural vibe. We will visit the East Blair Housing Cooperative to learn more about this organization and then take a short walking tour of this eccentric and vibrant part of Eugene. Click the image of the Whiteaker neighborhood flag for the full announcement.

RSVP

To reserve your place, contact David by October 23.

Monster Mash 5K

monster-mash

Calling all Bean East Road Runners!

Did you miss out on the Run With the Duck race, or would you like to tackle scenic Alton Baker Park again? Well, register now for the Monster Mash 5K race. Wear a Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize, or, if you’re more serious, see if you can beat your time from last week. Let’s go!!

Run With the Duck!

RunWithTheDuck

Calling all Bean East Road Runners!

On October 19, you have the chance to run with Puddles in the university’s 5th Annual Run with the Duck 5K. Check the Calendar for registration information (it’s free!).  Register soon to ensure you get a cool t-shirt to commemorate the event (it’s free too!). Looking forward to seeing you at the starting line–c’mon, let’s go!!

Living with Conflict, Searching for Peace

Why does Israel seem to be a site of persistent social conflict?
How can better relationships be forged between Israeli and Palestinian neighbors?
What strategies can we envision for achieving a lasting peace in the region?

On Sunday, October 5, Dr. Menachem Mor (Dean of the Humanities, University of Haifa), has agreed to meet with Bean East students to address the contemporary social climate in Israel. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history of Israeli-Palestinian relations, to reflect upon the current social climate in Israel, and to share ideas about how we can take constructive steps toward political, social, and economic justice. This conversation is the first event of our academic program, “Envisioning Community.” I hope you will come to learn about and discuss this very important topic. Consult the Calendar or click the Lillis lecture hall for further information.

lecture-hall-uoregon

Meet Your Faculty Fellow

Hi everyone! If you would like to view the presentation I gave at our September 26 orientation meeting, just click the following link:

Bean East: Introduction

As I mentioned during this talk, our theme for this year is “Envisioning Community.” Let me share with you what I mean by this:

ENVISIONING COMMUNITY

What does it mean to live in community?
What values are central for the formation and maintenance of viable, productive societies?
To what extent should human flourishing include discussions of animals, plants, and the environment?
How should we approach difference and how can we achieve the “good life”?

These perennial questions have captured the imaginations of political and religious figures, philosophers, novelists, poets, and artists throughout the world. This year we will explore issues that will help you think more deeply about these questions and sharpen your own vision for living in community.

I plan on scheduling lectures, films, off-campus excursions, and other events that I hope will encourage you to think more deeply about these issues. Of course, the success of the program depends upon your participation, so please take a moment to bookmark this website, check the Calendar regularly, subscribe to the RSS feed, and, most importantly, get involved! I am looking forward to meeting you and engaging in provocative discussions and intentional reflection.

Why would you ever want to speak with your faculty fellow???

(Click on the snowy Knight Library to find out.)

knight library

Welcome Bean Easters!!!

PuddlesWelcome to the UO, Bean East! I will use this website to post information and announcements relating to our academic program, weekly meetings, and current events. Please bookmark this website, check the Calendar page regularly, and subscribe to our RSS feed so that you can stay connected with our activities and events. In the meantime, click on Puddles to get revved up for Game Day.