Call for panelists: Graduate student basic needs

Do you or someone you know have experience with basic needs insecurity (food, housing, childcare, physical and mental health care, legal services)? If yes, please share your story with ​GSA and federal legislators in DC this March!

On March 26, 2020, UCSD GSA and UC Washington Center are hosting a panel focused on student experiences with basic needs issues in Washington DC. As the cost of living in California continues to rise, many graduate students are facing difficulties with food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, and excessive childcare or healthcare expenses, while many members of ​the community do not receive consistent income and services. While these issues are being addressed at the state level, there has been limited movement at the federal level to increase funding and expand necessary basic needs programs, and when discussed, the conversation is focused on undergraduate ​students. Thus, the goal of this panel is to highlight graduate student specific stories and challenges to inform elected officials & policymakers and urge them to take action on this critical issue.

You're invited to nominate yourself or your peers who have experience with basic needs assistance in areas of food, housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and/or technology. ​One graduate student from each UC campus will be selected for a trip to DC and the opportunity to share their story in front of legislators and your fellow peers. Flights & hotel (3/25-26) will be covered by your campus' graduate association and/or the organizers of this event.

Please send your nomination(s) to Emma Schuster, Vice President of External Affairs, by January 31, 2020 with a short write-up of your experience. Even if you are unable to attend, you are encouraged to submit your lived experience. They will also be accepting and recording videos with those who may not be able to attend the panel in person.

For questions or comments, email Pedro Craveiro, VP of Communication & Records