Mission
UC Berkeley Environmental Network
The Student Environmental Resource Center (SERC) is designed to improve the collec:ve effec:veness and durability of diverse campus sustainability efforts by providing informa:on, opportuni:es, and services to students and student groups interested in sustainability. As a one-‐stop-‐shop for student environmental needs, SERC’s mission is to advise and empower students to tackle environmental issues. Currently the student environmental community is not cohesive in its efforts, there are few physical structures for collabora:on and resource sharing amongst the 30-‐plus student environmental groups and individual students with environmental interests. SERC’s goal is to ac:vely create a space which fosters collabora:on helps students iden:fy and spearhead their common visions for enhancing sustainability at Cal and beyond. By providing a hub for the student sustainability community, we aim to provide a network and create synergy among groups working on key environmental issues such as energy use, clean water, food jus:ce, sustainable inves:ng, recycling, upcycling and waste reduc:on.
Space:
Funding:
In October 2012 SERC secured long a short term space in Lower Sproul through the campus book store. In March 2013 a long term space was secured through collabora:on with the Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management (ESPM). SERC is now located in 337 Mulford Hall. Over 130 students faculty and staff aTended the opening events. SERC STAFF 2012 2013
Partnerships & Networking:
SERC has merged with Environmental Clubs and Organiza:ons (ECO) and has formed partnerships with ASUC Sustainability Team (S-‐Team) and the Berkeley Student Food Collec:ve (BSFC). SERC has also formed a formidable rela:onship with the Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management and mul:ple other administra:ve bodies and student groups. Over 10 organiza:ons use SERC regularly for mee:ngs and workshops
Moving Forward
Accomplishments
Events:
Co-‐sponsored a Environmental Leadership Workshop with Green Corps Co-‐sponsored three ECO forums Upcoming Events: California Students Sustainability Convergence Environmental Town Hall Green Speed-‐Networking Event Causes.com Online Organizing Workshop SERC Leadership Retreat
The Student Environmental Resource Center has set and achieved many goals in its first year of existence. Our slogan is “Center’s aren’t built they grow”, we have grown a lot and would like to thank everyone who has helped us along the way. With a long-‐term space and long-‐term funding almost secured, the SERC staff is exited to see the future development and the organiza:on as its leadership is replenished. We look forward to dynamic influence between the SERC and Cal, as the organiza:on will con:nue its mission to foster environmental progress and empower students to achieve their visions of a more sustainable world.
TGIF: $12,000 was granted to SERC to fund 7 core student staff posi:ons: Director, Finance Director, Communica:ons Director, Educa:on Director, ECO Director, Chief of Staff, and Chief Assistant. CACSF: SERC is currently in the final stages of receiving a grant from the Chancellors Advisory CommiTee on Student Fees. SERC is being considered to receive $115,000 of recurring funding, which will pay for a full :me staff posi:on other opera:onal costs. This grant will ensure the durability and development of the organiza:on.
DeCal:
Currently 28 students are enrolled in the Environmental Student Organiza:ons at Cal (ESOC) DeCal and and is being facilitated by the Educa:on Director. It is geared towards incoming freshman and transfer students interested in ge\ng involved with environmental groups and projects. The course offers the contacts, resources, and support needed for students to integrate themselves within environmental ini:a:ves.
ASUC Bills:
In partnership with CalSERVE and Senator Nolan Pack, SERC has passed two bills through student Government: SB – 85: A bill sta:ng support for SERC from the ASUC to help ensure a permanent space and resources for the future. SB – 10: A bill which binds the ASUC student government to divest its Endowment of 3 million dollars from fossil fuels. This is the only student government in the country to have taken this ac:on.