Project YES!: Immersion, Empowerment and Action in 'the 209'

Biology Building, Room 101

In the past decade, Stockton has experienced a range of social conditions that have contributed to significant health disparities and poor health-related outcomes amongst its residents. Municipal bankruptcy, high unemployment/foreclosure rates, a host of problematic urban-environmental practices and an increasing number of Stocktonians living below the poverty line have given rise to the emergence of five “communities of concern” within the city limits; two of these are located just south of our Campus. In 2011, a team of local community leaders, frustrated by the inertia at the highest levels of our City governance formed Project YES!, with a view to improve the health profile, outcomes and environment of Stockton through youth and community-led initiatives. During this interactive seminar, I will challenge some powerful stereotypes about Stockton, introduce you to Project YES!, the work we do, the research we conduct and the opportunities for your potential involvement while you are here at Pacific and light a fire of social activism in you all.