Created by the Center for Community-Based Learning (CCBL) and Humboldt State University Press, the magazine highlights stories of community-based learning in and around Humboldt State University and is inspired by the hundreds of students who, every year, work with community partners to apply their learning and make a difference for the community.
Each bi-annual issue of Redwood Roots will highlight the changemakers who connect the University to the North Coast’s vibrant community of activists and professionals.
“Redwood Roots celebrates the accomplishments of community-based learning practices,” explains Loren Collins, the CCBL faculty support coordinator. “Our students, faculty, and staff work alongside hundreds of community partners each year to make these experiences happen.”
The inaugural edition of Redwood Roots highlights service-related learning opportunities that address social and environmental justice concerns with community partners like the Humboldt Area Foundation, Equity Arcata, Food for People, and HSU Scholars Without Borders. Content includes profiles of HSU students leading activities during Environmental Education Day at Freshwater Elementary School, and a feature on “The Gift and Art of Teaching,” which explores social justice in HSU’s Art Education program.
In development since 2018, the Redwood Roots project has always involved HSU students who helped develop the logo, format, and overall mission of the magazine. “We value the student voice and actively seek their involvement,” explains Collins. In future issues, students from a variety of disciplines will conduct interviews, contribute visual content, and consult on the features and videos published in each digital edition. The CCBL has partnered with faculty and staff across the University to recruit more student content creators to the magazine for future issues.
“Part of our goal in creating a digital magazine was to include more diverse storytelling platforms such as short videos and the ideaFest posters you’ll see throughout our first issue of Redwood Roots,” says Collins.
To find out more, please contact CCBL at ccbl@humboldt.edu.