Join us for an Environmental Justice Keynote by Fielding Faculty Emeritus Dr. Appelbaum, part of our Democratic Engagement Dialogue Series

Environmental Justice Virtual Keynote – Democratic Engagement Dialogue Series

From Oil Spill to Civic Voice: Lessons From Santa Barbara

May 5, 2026 at 1PM EST

As democracy faces growing pressure from populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism worldwide, how can our pursuit of environmental justice and democratic engagement be renewed where it matters most—at the community level? Excelsior University, the Center for Social Justice, and the Civic Engagement and the new Environmental Justice Rope Teams are pleased to welcome Dr. Richard Appelbaum, Fielding Graduate University Faculty Emeritus, for an Environmental Justice virtual keynote, part of our Democratic Engagement Dialogue Series, during which he will explore how environmental justice and democracy are practiced, sustained, and lived locally.

Drawing on the pivotal 1969 offshore oil spill in Santa Barbara, California—then the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history—Dr. Appelbaum will examine how crisis sparked civic transformation. The disaster helped launch the first Earth Day, galvanized the modern environmental movement, and reshaped citizen participation in local politics. Through this case, he will illustrate how engagement across differences and collective action can strengthen environmental justice and democratic life.

Dr. Appelbaum will also highlight student-centered civic engagement and the fusion of theory and practice central to the scholar‑practitioner model. He will share insights from a recent Fielding Graduate University doctoral intensive, where students worked directly with policymakers and activists on divisive local issues including housing, economic vitality, and offshore oil drilling.

A distinguished sociologist and sustainability scholar, Dr. Appelbaum is Faculty Emeritus at Fielding Graduate University, former MacArthur Foundation Chair at UC Santa Barbara, an AAAS Fellow, and a longtime leader in community-based social justice work.

Join us for this timely and inspiring conversation on how local action can renew environmental justice and democracy—starting where we live, learn, and lead.

Registration link in development…