Recording of Environmental Justice Virtual Keynote – Democratic Engagement Dialogue Series
From Oil Spill to Civic Voice: Lessons From Santa Barbara
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 hosted Dr. Richard Appelbaum, Fielding Graduate University Faculty Emeritus, for an Environmental Justice virtual keynote, part of our Democratic Engagement Dialogue Series, during which he explored 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 examined 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 illustrated how engagement across differences and collective action can strengthen environmental justice and democratic life.
Dr. Appelbaum also highlighted student-centered civic engagement and the fusion of theory and practice central to the scholar‑practitioner model. He shared 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.
Don’t miss the recording of this timely and inspiring conversation on how local action can renew environmental justice and democracy—starting where we live, learn, and lead.