The annual Earth Charter Community Summit week at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh begins Monday, Sept. 30 and will run through Friday, Oct. 4.
The objective of the Earth Charter festivities is to raise attention and support the values and principles of a sustainable future. The slate of events are sponsored by the UW Oshkosh Provost Office, Campus Sustainability Office, the Student Environmental Action Coalition, the Community Gardens Club and University Speaker Series and Volunteerism. All students are encouraged to participate.
The Earth Charter is an international document that promotes ecological integrity, social justice, democracy and peace. In 2002, UW Oshkosh became the only institution in the state and one of only eight colleges and universities that, as an entire institution, endorses the Earth Charter.
The week kicks off with Chasing Ice in the Reeve Union Theater from 12:40 – 2:30 p.m. Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet.
Also on Sept. 30, the annual Earth Charter Banquet and Keynote address will take place. The speaker, Brian Czech, director of the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy, has been a leader in advancing the steady state economy since the 1990s, when he described the fundamental conflict between economic growth and environmental protection as part of his Ph.D. research. The dinner and lecture, co-sponsored by the University Speaker Series and Volunteerism, will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. in Reeve Union Ballroom. A suggested donation of $5 for students and $20 for faculty, staff and community members is encouraged. Contact Brad Spanbauer to register in advance or purchase a table.
Earth Charter week continues on campus throughout the week with events and presentations, including “Public Attitudes Toward Wolves and Wolf Policy in Wisconsin” in Sage Hall 3235 at 3 p.m. Oct. 1; a presentation by the local Growing Oshkosh’s Dani Stolley in Sage 3232 at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 1; “A Place Called Home: Nyumbani Village, Kenya” in Sage 3239 at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2, a Fair Trade Event in Sage 1210 from 6 until 9 p.m. Oct. 2 and a bike expo in the Reeve Union concourse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3.
The week rounds out with the annual Creating a Stronger Community Contest presentation at Beckets Restaurant Oct. 3 from 6 until 9 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about and vote on a finalist for the people and groups who submitted ideas for their community-building projects.
On Friday, Oct. 4 from 5 until 8 p.m., the finale, a Community Garden Party, will be held at the UW Oshkosh Community Gardens, which is located on 3rd Street, off of Wisconsin Avenue and the Fox River.
For a complete rundown of Earth Charter Community Summit events, visit the website.
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.