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The "Tritons Belong" initiative engages our UC San Diego community in times when many are struggling with a significant issue. As our campus continues to be impacted by the current Israel-Hamas war, UC San Diego encourages our campus communities to engage in conversation, dialogue, and connections through our Principles of Community to enhance understanding and compassion in these times.

Fall 2024 Events and Offerings

Online Education - Antisemitism

All Tritons are encouraged to learn more about Antisemitism by reviewing the online educational event facilitated by Vlad Khaykin, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) National Director of Programs on Antisemitism.

Online Education - Islamophobia

All Tritons are encouraged to learn more about Islamophobia by reviewing the online educational event facilitated by Maha Elgenaidi, Founder & Executive Director, Islamic Networks Group (ING).

Combatting Antisemitism and Islamophobia: Best Practices in Challenging Times

UC San Diego hosted the “Combatting Antisemitism and Islamophobia: Best Practices in Challenging Times,” presented by the Applied Research Center for Civility, an initiative of UC San Diego and the National Conflict Resolution Center. The conference took place September 22-23 at UC San Diego Park and Market.

The conference brought together thought leaders from around the country to discuss best practices for addressing religious intolerance, specifically antisemitism and Islamophobia. Experts shared insights, multi-layered strategies and real-world experiences on working toward a better future.

For more information about the conference, please see the story from UC San Diego Today on "Being Purposeful and Brave."

Be Curious, Be Brave, Be Connected - Dialogue Skill Building & Practice

Following the U.S. election, the Restorative Justice Committee, Center for Student Involvement (CSI) and the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) are partnering to create discussion spaces for student voices. 

Facilitated by the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC), join us for dialogue skill building and practice. How do we have difficult, yet respectful and even productive, conversations with people who hold different views than ours, especially when discussing topics of great importance? 

These spaces will be offered virtually and in-person and are designed for students to listen and learn from one another in a meaningful way. Reach out to getinvolved@ucsd.edu with any questions.

 

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Peacemaking

Peacemaking has its roots in Indigenous frameworks of conflict resolution that are designed to address harm and restore balance within the community. It is a practice grounded in place-based core values (respect, honesty, trust, humility, sharing, inclusivity, empathy, courage, forgiveness, and love) which brings impacted community members together to work through challenging conversations and issues to reach a place of intentional listening, equity of voices, mutual understanding, and healing. Participants are encouraged to listen and speak from their hearts. It is not hierarchical, solutions-based, or fact-finding, but creates shared pathways of knowledge and practice that enable communities to co-exist, recognizing that we are all interconnected. All participation is consensual.

Peacemaking has proven instrumental in effecting substantive change in colleges and universities whose community members experience harm and conflict, and thus holds the promise of a cultural shift in the ways we interact with each other. Check back for more information!

Religious Identity Matters Dinners and Dialogues

Religious Identity Matters dinners and dialogues will bring together students from currently recognized UC San Diego student religious organizations of different faith traditions to “break bread” and discuss the experience of people of faith at UC San Diego. Check back for more information!

"American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures" with Roxane Gay | November 4

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Roxane Gay is coming to UC San Diego! The New York Times Bestselling author wrote a book chapter included in “American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures” by America Ferrera, which is the Common Read this fall for UC San Diego. The author will be at the Epstein Family Amphitheatre on Monday, November 4th at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, visit the event page.

“Breathe with Me” | October 24 - 26

“Life begins with an inhale and ends with an exhale. In-between we all breathe and live different lives. And yet, each breath keeps us together, connected, sharing the same air. ” Jeppe Hein

Breathe with Me” by Jeppe Hein is a multi-day public art and breathing project focusing on mental health, mindfulness and community. This Stuart Collection initiative, presented in partnership with the Campus Performances and Events Office, and in coordination with Tritons Belong, is available, free of cost, to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local community.

 Breathe With Me” emphasizes the importance of slowing down, centering ourselves, and recognizing the significance of mental health and self-awareness in our daily lives. As a tool for promoting understanding and compassion, "Breathe with Me" provides a space for individuals to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. By connecting breathwork with artistic expression, participants are encouraged to be more present, reflective, and empathetic. 

 The communal nature of the event promotes unity, as people from different backgrounds and experiences come together, realizing that despite our differences, we all share the essential human experience of breathing. In this way, "Breathe with Me" goes beyond being just an art project—it becomes a platform for cultivating compassion and fostering connection in the community. Join us:

  • Thursday, October 24, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
  • Friday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
  • Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
"Breathe with Me" will be at the Epstein Family Amphitheater.

Words of Welcome - Triton Like Me: Portraits of Us | October 7

The Common Read - Our inaugural Common Read selection is American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures, edited by America Ferrera. Look for “Triton Like Me” pop-up art events on October 7th which will feature the Craft Center’s portrait project. Tritons will be invited to create a multi-media self portrait and then take a copy and leave a copy.

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Triton Like Me: Portraits of Us

Monday, October 7 | 3:30-6:30 PM
Town Square

Build community with your fellow Tritons as you create a symbolic self-portrait and contribute to a collaborative UC San Diego quilt.

Supplies and sweet treats from around the world provided. Just bring yourself and your creativity!

There will be tables set up, food provided, and conversation starters that are connected to the themes in our Common Read selection for 2024-25, American Like Me.

Free for students, faculty, and staff.

  • Portraits of Us will take place at multiple occasions throughout the year

1000 Paper Cranes For Peace | September 24 - 27

Let Your Feelings & Hope Take Flight - 1,000 Paper Cranes for Peace 2.0

The Craft Center will work with students, campus partners, and community partners to facilitate an art project centered on healing, restoration, and joy. The origami paper crane project offers opportunities for us all to be in community through challenging times to heal and hope for a future of peace. With many historical and cultural roots in the peace movement globally, cranes are symbolic of hope, transformation, and wishes for longevity, well-being, and resilience.

Contribute to our community installation symbolic of hope and healing by expressing your thoughts and feelings. All emotions are valid and we can also have an array of feelings. The very process of making art and of writing down your thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic. 

Your messages will live on and be transformed along with all the cranes into hand-made paper for future community art projects at the Craft Center. Follow the Craft Center on social media for more information on these offerings and on our cranes’ continued journey.

WHEN & WHERE

September 24 – 27

  • September 24 noon – 2 p.m. at the Craft Center
  • September 25 noon – 2 p.m. at the Craft Center
  • September 26 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Celebrate the Arts event at KAHNOP – TO TELL A STORY (Ann Hamilton Concordia installation)
  • September 27 noon – 12 p.m. on Sun God Lawn

Understanding and Compassion in Challenging Times

Tritons Belong was created in response to the experiences and concerns that arose following October 7, 2023. During the winter and spring quarters of 2024, the efforts of Tritons Belong focused on "Understanding and Compassion in Challenging Times." UC San Diego offered a series of online and in-person events to help us better understand the current crisis and increase our compassion within our Triton community. Below are the four events which were recorded, and the series introduction by Chancellor Khosla. We invite you to learn more about the issues and topics addressed through the "Understanding and Compassion in Challenging Times" initiative by reviewing the recordings below.

A Message from Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla

Online Educational Event: Dialoguing Across Differences in Times of Conflict

 


Grabación en Español

 

An online educational event facilitated by the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC).

How do we have difficult, yet respectful and even productive, conversations with people who hold different views than ours, especially when discussing topics of great importance? Join conflict resolution experts from the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC). Saima Nasim and Dr. Bob Berk will share techniques and concepts for navigating differences constructively, preparing you to manage situations of conflict with confidence, both now and in the future. Discover the art of effective, respectful dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and empathy, even amidst conflict. Enhance your skills to build belonging through more inclusive communities.

Facilitators: 
Saima Nasim, Trainer, NCRC
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Dr. Bob Berk, Trainer, NCRC
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Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Online Educational Event: Free Speech in Times of Conflict

 


Grabación en Español

An online educational event facilitated by Emerson Sykes, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Adjunct Professor of Law at New York University (NYU), who will share his expertise around free speech, as protected by the First Amendment, within the context of higher education during times of conflict.

Facilitator:
Emerson Sykes, J.D.
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Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Online Educational Event: Antisemitism - Addressing the Current Moment

 


Grabación en Español

An online educational event facilitated by Vlad Khaykin, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) National Director of Programs on Antisemitism.

Presenter:
Vlad Khaykin

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Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 pm

 ADL Resources:

  • The Anti-Defamation League has created an online self-paced Antisemitism on College Campus Module for students. You may find the module here.
  • For faculty and staff, the Anti-Defamation League has created an online self-paced module called "Antisemitism 101 in the Workplace." You may find the module here.

Online Educational Event: Islamophobia - Addressing the Current Moment

 


Grabación en Español

An online educational event facilitated by Maha Elgenaidi, Founder & Executive Director, Islamic Networks Group (ING).

Presenter:
Maha Elgenaidi

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Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Other Winter and Spring 2024 Events and Offerings

Free Speech Workshops | Thursday, April 10 | Dolores Huerta Room

The Office of Student Affairs and Campus Life in partnership with the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement and the UC Office of the President for a session around free speech on college campuses and how to engage with students, staff, and other community members. These sessions are intended for staff to get an overview of current strategies and get their questions answered led by Michelle N. Deutchman, JD, the Executive Director for UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement and Heather Belk, Policy & Program Analyst, UCOP. Space is limited so be sure to RSVP!
Free Speech 101
This session will provide both an overview of First Amendment fundamentals (e.g. time, place, manner; protest/disruption) and an opportunity to discuss the challenges of applying these rules during this particularly divisive moment.
Thurs. April 11th, 2024
9:00AM to 10:00AM
Dolores Huerta Room
UCSD Lunch N’ Learn - Case Examples
By working through case studies, this session will provide staff an opportunity to dive deeper into freedom of expression issues and discuss how to mitigate the harm speech can cause for individuals, groups and the campus climate generally.
Thurs. April 11th, 2024
12:00PM to 1:00PM
Dolores Huerta Room

Dialoguing Across Differences Workshops | April & May 2024 | Multiple locations

Facilitated by the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC), the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion hosted numerous Dialoguing Across Differences Workshops throughout April and May. These sessions expanded on the tools and strategies shared in the online event. Participants were encouraged to take the opportunity to deepen connections, further. 

The Longest Table | Thursday, June 6th, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Library Walk

The Longest Table at UC San Diego was a 300-foot-long table that will span the length of Library Walk – with the goal of building community and a sense of belonging.

All Tritons were invited to share a multicultural meal at the communal table, while enjoying a variety of live entertainment, activities, and engaging conversation.

The expansive table was dressed with a tablecloth-meets-art-project, created in the weeks leading up to the Longest Table event by community members.

The Longest Table was hosted by Health Promotional Services in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Campus Performance & Events Office, The Craft Center, and Housing, Dining, and Hospitality.

For questions about the event, contact Colleen Kollar Smith, Executive Director of the Campus Performance and Events Office, at colleen@ucsd.edu.

Online Educational Training for Campus Leaders: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights on Title VI

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) facilitated an online training for campus leaders on the background of the OCR, a university’s legal obligations under Title VI, and examples of OCR investigations of complaints alleging discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. Attorneys Dr. Michael Chang and Maria Asturias shared resources on how the OCR can support campus leaders through these difficult times on U.S. campuses.

Presenters: 
Michael Chang, Ph.D., J.D., Staff Attorney
Maria Asturias, J.D., Senior Attorney

OCR Resources:

1000 Paper Cranes For Peace | Tuesdays & Thursdays, May 28 – June 6, Noon – 2 p.m.

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Art for Healing and Restoration: Through challenging times, it’s important to be in community to heal and hope for peace.

Open to All Community Members
Noon – 2 p.m., May 28 – June 6
Tuesdays at the EFA Farmers' Market
Thursdays at the Craft Center

You're Invited.
Join us in creating traditional Japanese origami cranes with messages of peace attached. You’re welcome to keep your beautiful creation or you can contribute it towards a final installation to be displayed in a prominent location on-campus.

Why Paper Cranes?
Origami cranes are a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience. Traditionally, 1000 paper cranes are believed to grant a wish.

All Recordings

Chancellor Khosla Tritons Belong Kickoff Remarks

Dialoguing Across Differences in Times of Conflict.
More Information.

Diálogando a través de Nuestras Diferencias en Tiempos de Conflicto (En Español)
Más información.

Free Speech in Times of Conflict
More Information.

Libertad de Expresión en Tiempos de Conflicto (En Español)
Más información.

Antisemitism: Addressing the Current Moment
More information.

Antisemitismo: Abordando el Momento Actual (En Español)
Más información.

Islamophobia: Addressing the Current Moment 
More information.

Islamofobia: Abordando el Momento Actual (En Español)
Más información.