The 2005-2006 Series

This is the seventh year for the Social Activism Speaker Series, which focuses attention on current social and political issues by inviting prominent activists to speak to the Caltech community and the public, and to share their experiences and perspectives. All of these events are free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required.

The Speaker Series is organized by a committee of undergraduates, graduates, and staff as well as community members. We work closely with other groups on campus such as the Caltech Y and the Caltech Democratic Club. This kind of collaboration ensures that we bring important and relevant issues to the campus.

The 2005-2006 Social Activism Speaker Series was made possible with the generous support of the Moore-Hufstedler Fund, Administrative Committee on Diversity and Minority Affairs, Student Affairs, Campus Life, the Diversity Program Fund, the Alumni Association, Jack & Edith Roberts, the GSC, ASCIT, and the Caltech Y.

Sponsored by the Caltech Y
Making a World of Difference

About the Social Activism Speaker Series (SASS)

The goal of the Social Activism Speaker Series is to expose Caltech students, as well as the community at large, to the many diverse issues that face us, both locally and globally, so that the scientists of tomorrow may use their skills, ingenuity, and leadership to address these issues. The speakers we bring to campus are from varied backgrounds and have dedicated their lives to important social struggles. Their ability to share their experiences with students-bringing new awareness and stimulating thought and discussion-is part of what makes the Speaker Series a success. Many speakers are also scientists themselves who have spent much of their career examining the social and cultural implications of their work. The series seeks to develop in the student population and other community members a respect for diversity, a confidence in one's ability to affect social change, and the knowledge of how to do so.

The Caltech Y Social Activism Speaker Series was inaugurated in recognition of the grassroots efforts and collective power of individuals to make a difference in our world. We consider the Caltech student population to be a critical audience to reach because many of these students will become the scientific leaders of the future. It seems vital, therefore, that we create an environment at Caltech that encourages reflection on the ethical and moral issues scientists face in our society.

We bring three to five keynote speakers each year to Caltech and also organize a series of smaller events throughout the year. In the past, we have been honored to bring speakers such as Dolores Huerta, who has been an unstinting advocate for the rights of women, immigrants and people of color; Amy Goodman, the host of Democracy Now! and a tireless campaigner for the recognition of equal rights for all peoples both in the United States and across the world; Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his unending struggle for peace and stability in East Timor; former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter; Congressman Bernie Sanders; and Union of Concerned Scientists co-founder Kurt Gottfried.

About the Caltech Y

The Caltech Y is about creating environments that provide students with the chance to own ideas, try them on, internalize them, and take them into the world. The Y is about helping students see that they can make a difference in the world. Because of the excellent education Caltech provides, students become leaders in the scientific community. Research shows that much of what is important about how to live life is learned outside the classroom. Relationships with peers, being exposed to new and different ideas, different kinds of people, and the opportunities to become involved in one's own community are all significant aspects of a college education.

Through a variety of programs and services, the Y seeks to create an environment in which students are encouraged in their out-of-classroom interests. They are given opportunities to practice their leadership skills, create activities for their peers, and build relationships with each other and Caltech's faculty and staff.