3/7: Cultivating Hope – Nurturing the Possibility of a Better “We”

Pacific University’s 3rd Annual Spirit of Civic Engagement Summit will take place on Saturday, March 7. The 2026 theme is Cultivating Hope: Nurturing the Possibility of a Better “We” and the event will feature three unique tracks: Collective Imagination, Radical Empathy, and Practical Peace. Attendees can choose to follow a track or mix-and-match sessions.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. RSVP ASAP for the best opportunity to attend, as this event regularly reaches full capacity and can no longer accept RSVPs.

2/27: “Unrooted Bloom” Screening & Discussion

In honor of Black History Month, join the Graduate and Undergraduate Black Student Unions in an exclusive film screening of The Unrooted Bloom: A Journey Between Worlds in a Divided America. The Unrooted Bloom is an intimate documentary following Amber Allen-Peirson, a biracial Black woman navigating life between polarized worlds. Through her daily experience—teaching, activism, and family life—interwoven with her poetry, the film explores identity, belonging, and resilience. The film screening will be followed by a discussion with Amber Allen-Peirson and Director Cassidy Friedman.

MLK Day 2026: On campus and beyond

Although Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a Pacific University holiday, we encourage you to think of it as a “A Day On, Not A Day Off‘. 

This National Day of Service was established over 30 years ago to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

A wide variety of events and gatherings will happen in the Portland Metro area for MLK Day – find one that resonates with you in our campus guide. Then, plan to join us in the University Center for a day-after gathering on Tuesday, January 20th!

Ongoing: More Youth Basketball Coaches Needed!

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Youth Basketball program (serving 5th – 8th grade) has grown this year, and they need more coaches! Coaches must be age 18+ and have knowledge of basketball, but no coaching experience is required. The seasons runs Dec 2025 – March 2026.

11/12: Talking Democracy (or Not): How Local Newsrooms Choose Their Words

The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation (NCDD) will co-host a webinar titled “Talking Democracy (or Not): How Local Newsrooms Choose Their Words” on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 9:00am – 10:00 PST. This discussion will explore how the language used by local journalists and civic practitioners shapes public understanding and participation in democracy. In the wake of the 2024 election, communities nationwide are grappling with fundamental questions about civic engagement and democratic participation. For local journalists and civic practitioners, one challenge stands out: how do we talk about democracy in ways that bring people together rather than push them apart?

10/30: Banned Book Bingo

What books get banned and why? Come find out at “Banned Book Bingo” on Friday, October 30th. Hosted by the English Club and McCall Center for Civic Engagement, this interactive game comes with banned book prizes – hit BINGO and choose the book of your choice! 

10/31: TriMet Service Cuts Survey

TriMet must cut service by July 2028, to balance the costs of providing transit service with their revenues.

They have outlined options for ways to cut service and save money, and are asking folks to identify the priorities they feel are most important for TriMet service.

10/14: Oregon Voter Registration Deadline

It’s part of the Pacific culture to vote in each November election – we literally win awards for it! Is your voter registration up to date so you can join us? Boxers can choose to vote in Oregon or any other home state. If you’re already registered you need to update your mailing address so your ballot comes to your current address (including dorm room). The deadline in Oregon is October 14th – other states might be even earlier. Find everything you need at pacificu.edu/pacificvotes or take the Pacific Votes Pledge for individual support. 

10/11: Tree Planting w/ SEA and Circle-K

This weekend, Pacific’s Students for Environmental Activism (SEA) is collaborating with Circle-K for their first tree planting of the semester! You’re invited to join them on Saturday, Oct 11, at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands to help preserve this beautiful site. They will be planting trees and shrubs with Friends of Trees, a volunteer organization. Transportation to the site is provided, and they’ll be leaving campus at 8:20am and returning by 12:30pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided! 

9/30: The Environmental Impact of Food

Peter Spendelow, Senior Researcher at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality & Director and Founder of Northwest Veg, will be on campus Thursday, September 30th to answer questions about “Environmental Impact of Food”. ** Ice Cream available! ** There is no need to RSVP unless you are bringing a big group – just show up!