Make Up Opportunities for Friday Workbooks
If you missed an in-class Friday Workbook session, you can make up credit by attending an approved public lecture, scholarly book talk, or civic symposium and submitting a short reflective memo.
Workbook Make-Up Protocol
Friday workbooks are designed to build hands-on skills in policy analysis, advocacy, and collaborative discourse. When an unavoidable absence occurs, students may earn equivalent pass/fail credit (1 point per workbook) by engaging with active research scholars and community practitioners outside of class hours.
Attend the Event
Attend the full designated event in person. Take notes on the speaker's main thesis, evidence, and audience Q&A.
Write Your Reflection
Write a 1–2 page (350–500 word) reflection connecting the speaker's arguments to core concepts from class.
Submit on Canvas
Submit your reflection to the designated "Friday Workbook Make-Up" portal on Canvas within one week of the event.
Book Talk: White Flank: Organizing White People for Racial Justice
Dr. Chandra Russo will speak on her latest book, White Flank: Organizing White People for Racial Justice (University of Minnesota Press). Dr. Russo’s research investigates how white activists navigate multiracial coalitions, the sociopolitical dynamics of accountability, and the tensions between internal movement organizing and broader institutional power.
This talk is especially relevant for students in both California Politics (examining coalitional advocacy, grassroots social movements, and racial equity policy) and Global Politics (analyzing solidarity networks, identity politics, and social movement resistance across democratic societies).
Reflection Guidelines (Choose 2–3 questions to answer in your memo):
- Theoretical Connection: How does Dr. Russo's concept of a "white flank" relate to Deborah Stone’s model of the Polis (coalitions, collective loyalty, and shared meaning) versus individualistic market politics?
- Movement Dynamics: What strategic obstacles do organizers face when building multiracial coalitions, and how can activists balance internal education with external legislative or community advocacy?
- Policy & Power: How does grassroots organizing influence formal policy agendas, and where do social movements face friction when confronting entrenched institutional power?
HIV/AIDS Public Health Symposium, Community Quilting Bee & Vigil
This multi-part community health symposium brings together public health officials, community-based advocacy organizations, healthcare providers, and impacted residents to explore the history, ongoing challenges, and human realities of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Students may attend any or all segments to fulfill their workbook make-up requirement.
Visit tables hosted by local organizations focused on HIV/AIDS, collect stickers on your "passport" to win a spin at the prize wheel, and enjoy a light dinner while you learn. (RSVP required for dinner by 11/10/26)
Dr. Adina Nack will host local experts, including Ventura County’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Uldine Castel, MD, who will share their experiences navigating the U.S. epidemic, followed by audience Q&A. (No RSVP required)
Hear firsthand testimony from a resident living with HIV/AIDS, followed by a nondenominational vigil led by Dr. Peter Carlson to honor those living with HIV/AIDS and commemorate those who have passed. (No RSVP required)
Reflection Guidelines (Choose 2–3 questions to answer in your memo):
- Public Health Governance: What challenges do county-level health officers (like Dr. Castel) face in coordinating health resources, overcoming political stigma, and reaching vulnerable or historically marginalized populations?
- Community Advocacy & Nonprofits: How do local grassroots organizations and mutual aid tables fill the gaps in formal government healthcare systems?
- Storytelling & the Polis: How does hearing directly from a resident living with HIV/AIDS challenge abstract policy debates and illustrate Deborah Stone’s concept of the Polis (community-centered policy and collective solidarity)?
Proposing Alternative Make-Up Events
Have an upcoming campus lecture, town hall, or civic forum you would like to attend for workbook credit? You may propose alternative events to Dr. Marichal via email (marichal@callutheran.edu) at least 48 hours prior to the event for advance approval.