What is the official name of the club, and what is your primary mission?
We are Second Nature Collective! A pop-up third space where wellness meets activism. Our mission is to facilitate healing by bringing people back to each other and back to Mother Earth through curated experiences.
How many members do you have, and what is the typical “vibe” of a meeting?
Everyone who plans, attends, and supports our events are considered members of the collective. We have around 50-80 people at each of our large-scale events. We also host more intimate gatherings, anywhere from 10-30 people may show up.
The vibes at our events are homey and playful — like a family party. You can expect people of all ages and backgrounds gathering around good food, good music, fun and grounding activities, environmental education, and opportunities to help your neighbors through mutual aid.
We love serving our local community, and having fun while doing it!
What specific branches of science do you focus on (e.g., Biology, Robotics, Environmental Science)?
Environmental justice is our focus. We believe every person has the right to a healthy and clean environment, access to nourishing food, and a social net that supports their needs. Our events are always rooted in environmentalism and social justice.
What is the most ambitious project the club has tackled this year?
Back in March, we hosted “March Forward”, a dance party on an urban farm, and it was our first official fundraiser! Proceeds went to a mutual aid group called Amor al Valle. They do free grocery runs for families in the Valley affected by ICE.
Over 100 people came and we raised ~$1000, which helped feed about 12 families.
What has been the club’s proudest moment in the last 12 months?
At the “March Forward” event, California State Senator Caroline Menjivar (who represents the San Fernando Valley) came and awarded our entire team with Certificates of Recognition! Her message read: “Your actions embody the highest ideals of community service and social justice.”
How does the club contribute to the local or the border community?
We contribute to our local community by creating safe spaces for people to gather. We always have an element of mutual aid at our events, so people can give back to their neighbors. Some of our events center on volunteering to restore the land. We also integrate teachings of environmentalism and Indigenous ways into our programming. In everything we do, we honor the original stewards that came before us.
What are the long-term goals for the club?
Our goal is to acquire a community farm for us to host all of our programming! This is where our vision of environmentalism, mutual aid, and holistic wellness can live year-round. Until then, we will continue hosting events in accessible green spaces across the San Fernando Valley with our amazing partners.
Anything else you would like to say to ecolyst.org readers?
If you have a dream to start a club or build an organization that helps people and the planet, know that you will find your community to make it a reality, and be supported each step of the way! Our community has been extremely generous from the time we started hosting events about a year ago — from sharing resources and advice, offering their spaces for us to host, showing up to volunteer, and more. None of this would be possible without our wonderful, supportive community.
