Thatiana Gibbs
Staff Writer
The La Verne Ocean Movement Club is a student led organization on campus that is devoted to cleaning up the local community. The club’s purpose is to emphasize the effects that individual activities have on our environment.
“The primary goal is just to spread information and awareness about our environment,” Jocel Sanchez, junior anthropology major and club president, said. “We just want to conserve our community and promote eco-friendliness.”
Beach clean-ups, beautification projects in local cities and sharing information on social media on how to be more sustainable are a few ways the club promotes sustainability.
The club was started in 2020, when four students proposed the idea while participating in a class assignment that called for envisioning a solution to a worldwide issue. When more students on campus expressed interest, the founders decided to turn their idea into the club centered on ocean preservation.
“Being a part of a community-oriented club is very rewarding and makes you feel like you’re a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Jenieva Black, senior biology major and club member. “I like how this club lets me be around nature and serves this community in a positive way.”
The club provides education on environmental safety and the problem of ocean pollution. During meetings and club events, members consider hands-on volunteer initiatives and discuss how they can make a positive impact on the local environment.
“I think it’s virtuous to help the community in some way,” said Gail Tang, associate professor of math and club adviser. “I hope that they can keep up the momentum. I think they have done a fantastic job.”
The club collaborates with on-campus groups with similar values, to host educational events and initiatives. Prospective collaborations organically arise from coming across like-minded organizations through the University’s Involvement Fair.
This method results in a grander scope of awareness for the club and its mission statement. The club also works with the Office of Civic and Community Engagement.
“The Office of Civic and Community Engagement values their consistent efforts in hosting events throughout the academic year,” said Myrna Hugo, the Community Engagement office’s program coordinator, in an emailed statement. “Working with the (club) has been rewarding. I’ve seen them evolve from a new club to a proficient group of students who can organize community events.’
The club also works with outside groups.
Going forward the club hopes to work with local schools through lectures, mentoring and activities to raise awareness about ocean pollution and other environmental issues.
The club will host an Earth Day event 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Peace and Carrots Community Garden at 2425 E St. in La Verne.
For more information on the Ocean Movement club, visit lvoceanmovement-com.webnode.page.
Thatiana Gibbs can be reached at thatiana.gibbs@laverne.edu.
Thatiana Gibbs is a senior journalism major with a concentration in print-online journalism. She is a photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. Her enthusiasm lies in research, writing, and effectively delivering captivating information to the public eye. She has previously been an assistant editor and staff writer for the Campus Times, and a staff writer for La Verne Magazine.
Lindsey Pacela, a senior journalism and psychology major, has worked as the editor-in-chief of La Verne Magazine and news editor for the Campus Times. She is currently a staff photographer for both publications.
