OSU's "Transformation Without Apocalypse" Symposium

In a world in the midst of a debate about climate change, environmental activism is on the rise, especially among today's youth.

At Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, students and staff have organized a symposium titled “Transformation Without Acocalypse.” The symposium accommodates several different events around campus, many of which revolve around the story of one man: Tim DeChristopher.

DeChristopher is an environmental activist from Salt Lake City, Utah, who rose to fame in 2008 when he engaged in an act of civil disobedience in order to stop the destruction of Utah public land for oil mining.  His story is told in the 2012 documentary film Bidder 70, which was shown on the OSU campus as part of the symposium on February 12^th.

DeChristopher believed the use of this Utah land for oil mining was wrong, and so he took action.  DeChristopher bid on and won every parcel of land being sold by the Bureau of Land Management in an auction sanctioned by the Bush Administration.  Because he did not have the funds to pay for said land, his actions were considered illegal.

Having since served nearly two years in federal prison and founded an organization of like-minded activists, DeChristopher has made his way to Corvallis for a speech on the condition of our global climate.

On Saturday, February 15^th, DeChristopher will be speaking at the LaSells Stewart Center at 10am.

At 5pm on the same day, a workshop will be held that is free and open to the public. The workshop is called “Envisioning a Sustainable OSU” and will be hosted by the Student Sustainability Office and the Students Engaging Tomorrow club.

Tim DeChristopher has stated his position on oil mining, corporate profits, and the environment, and is inviting everyone to join him in his mission to protect the future of the environment. 

He would like to see institutions like churches and universities take money they have invested in the fossil fuel industry, and reinvest it to support renewable energy sources. This process of reallocating funds is called divesting.

“This is the most loving stance that we can have for the people around us,” said DeChristopher in an interview featured in Bidder 70.

Olivia Poblacion, an OSU senior, is involved in the Student Sustainability Initiative.  In an interview February 12th, Poblacion said that “every week or every month, we hear of another school or another city divesting."

OSU Divest Meetings are held every Friday from noon to 1pm at the Student Sustainability Center, and all are welcome.

Jesse Pettibone is the president of the Students Engaging Tomorrow club, and helps work to raise awareness of climate change around campus.  Pettibone said "[divest meetings began] February of last year, and then students began to get involved in April."

Anyone can join a divestment group or begin their own.  More information regarding divestment groups is available through the Sierra Club, or through the 350 organization.

At a Glance:
Student Sustainability Office: 738 SW 15th St. Corvallis, OR 97330
Contact:
Olivia Poblacion: ssi.director@oregonstate.edu
Jesse Pettibone: set.oregonstate@gmail.com
Future Events: OSU Divest Meetings Fridays at noon