Good Trouble
September 7, 2023
This fall, we invited speakers to share stories exploring what may be considered abnormal or against societal norms. To some this can be considered trouble, but in reality they are pushing the boundaries and moving society forward. This leads us to the theme of this event, Good Trouble.
Jillian Tullis
"Keep it in your backpocket"
Discussing her work as a hospice aid, Tullis believes sometimes 'good trouble' can look like a tiny scrap of paper with the words, "I quit."
Vinny Seepaul
"Gadfly"
As Vinny takes big steps in his journey of self-discovery, he notices the societal discomfort around his identity and shares what we can learn from that discomfort.
Generation (Re)Generation: Transforming Climate Anxiety Into Action
May 1, 2023
On April 20th, There’s More partnered with the Environmental Integration Lab to present a collection of stories around the theme “Generation (Re)Generation: Transforming Climate Anxiety Into Action”. This theme was crafted to acknowledge the fears that come with climate change and transform them into effective solutions.
Chase Kendrenah
“How Curious Questions Can Cure Climate Change”
As a member of Generation Z, older generations often tell Chase that the issue of climate change is “in her hands”. Chase learned that to make an impactful change, it is essential to educate past and future generations about sustainability.
Mackenzie Guy
“Saving the Salish Sea 73”
Mackenzie spoke about the pivotal moment of seeing killer whales off the coast of Washington when she was a child. This sighting not only prompted Mackenzie’s interest in conservation, but also the anxieties that come with threatened species.
Ramona Tellez
"Out to Sea"
Ramona reflects on the devastating moment where she discovered the Duwamish River, her childhood playground, was polluted. By connecting with her community and feeling part of the generation of change, Ramona has coped with her anxieties by feeling hopeful for the future.
Growing Pains and Spectacular Failures in Community Engagement
March 29, 2023
There’s More partnered with the Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness, and Social Action and The Office of the Tribal Liaison to explore this very idea. The theme, “Growing Pains and Spectacular Failures in Community Engagement” was crafted to demonstrate the messy and sometimes uncomfortable lessons learned in community engagement work.
Dr. Laura Rivard
“Not Even Clipboards”
Dr. Rivard spent a summer volunteering for the group Kupanda Kids, which assists refugee children in San Diego. The summer was filled with various field trips that provoked chaos, near-death experiences, and cultural misunderstandings. When one asked her “are we going to go on fun trips again next summer?”, her answer was undoubtedly, “of course we are.”
Dr. Danell Scarborough
“But, But, I’m A Good Person”
When serving as the Executive Director of the Citizens Review Board for the City of San Diego, Dr. Scarborough faced lots of pushpack, complaints, and even requests for her termination. She reflects that community engagement is not always rewarding or even successful, but nevertheless important.
Dr. Emily Young
“Resilience and Rethinking The Impossible”
Young ponders the question of how humans alter the natural world for our resilience and survival, or destroy it to precipitate our own demise. Her stance is that the greatest change comes from what is happening locally, and feels that tackling the issue of climate change can start right here in San Diego.
Sarah Diamond
“Dropping the Ball”
Diamond prioritized proving herself knowledgeable to her clients rather than listening to the needs of the communities she was working in. In a powerful conclusion, Diamond reveals allies must not overstep in community engagement efforts, but instead highlight and support the work already being done in those communities.
Enduring
March 1, 2023
The spring semester is a time of new beginnings. In spring, new life begins to bloom after enduring the harsh climate of winter. In our first There’s More live event of the Spring 2023 semester, our storytellers spoke on that very topic: enduring.
Kristina Garland
"Put Your Head Down and Do The Work"
Garland revealed that her attitude on the outside is not always what is reflected on the inside. Garland lives with chronic illnesses, and this diagnosis has caused her entire outlook to shift. Living with this invisible battle within her has caused her to endure every day of her life. Yet, she shares that through her struggles, she has found beauty in the mundane and importance in slowing down.
Amanda Petersen
"Enduring Love"
Petersen spoke humorously of her grandmother who was an “absolute asshole”. But after her passing, Petersen uncovered the reasons why her grandmother was very specific about family traditions. Petersen has found her own ways of enduring these family traditions, while knowing what can be open to change for future generations.
Farrah Karapetian
"Memories Metronome"
Karapetian spoke of times where her loved ones were forced to endure - whether it was medical complications or war narratives. Nevertheless, Karapetian reminds us that music allows us to decide how we are going to face these challenges.
Coming Together
November 9, 2022
There's More Live partnered with USD's Office of the Tribal Liason to create the theme "I Can't Leave." We had three amazing storytellers participate and create beautiful stories that incorporated this theme.
Sahmie Wytewa
"An Act of Resistance & Representation"
George Floyd's words "I can't breathe" incited Sahmie to think about her own community and the injustices that it has faced throughout history. The theme "I Can't Leave" represents how hard it is to leave your home and community, and how even if you do leave, you can find your way back through unexpected pathways.
Ash Valentin
"Logan Heights"
Ash told a story about the culture shock she experienced during her first year at USD and the way this led her to realize how important her community was to her.
Dr. Angel Hinzo
"This is Home"
Dr. Hinzo discussed how people can make different types of connections during their lives and how home can change. Her story showed how it does not matter how far you go, home will always be there waiting.
Big Moves
October 12, 2022
We hosted our monthly There's More live storytelling event with the theme: Big Moves. These storytellers explained how big moves can come in the form of physical moves, intellectual progress, and emotional growth.
Jesús Martínez Saucedo
"Para Mi Mamá"
Jesús Martínez Saucedo, spoke about two big moves that happened in his life. His story touched on experiences carried from childhood into adulthood and the affects they leave on our lives.
Dr. Tim McCarty
"Circles"
Dr. McCarty's story focused on the educational system in the U.S. and how he navigated the system with his wife and son.
Evelyn Diaz Cruz
"Crisis of Confidence"
Professor Cruz's story focused on the struggles of standing up for oneself and how a supportive family can give us courage and strength.
