Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Internships and Community Engagement continues the Titans of Community Engagement video series, which highlights high-impact service-learning opportunities across campus.
The second video in the series centers on a Chicana and Chicano studies course in which students study barrios. This service-learning opportunity is based on a collaboration between students and faculty in CSUF’s Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies and Chispa OC, an organization that aims to build political power for young Latinos in Orange County. In this course, CSUF students partner with Chispa to ensure local voters have the information they need to make informed choices.
Led by Erualdo González Romero, professor of Chicana and Chicano studies, CSUF students contribute to the development and delivery of campaign messaging primarily affecting residents in Santa Ana and surrounding cities. Students learn about the political processes that affect communities and gain hands-on experience in advocacy work.
By connecting with CSUF students, community members become more informed about pressing political issues and are better equipped for civic engagement. Both CSUF students and community members learn to evaluate preconceptions, challenge the status quo and identify strengths in their communities.
The class also provides an opportunity for CSUF students to learn about Chispa OC and explore futures in public policy and community organizing.
To learn more about barrio studies, contact González Romero at egonzalez@fullerton.edu.