We are Isla Vista; Community Care Project

Goals

The goal of this project is to inspire and cultivate a value of stewardship among Isla Vista residents. As more residents consider themselves stewards of the neighborhood, residents will proactively seek ways to ensure Isla Vista is a vibrant, clean, and healthy neighborhood. 

In 2024-2025, this program was piloted with a one week celebration bringing in over 300 volunteers. In 2025-2026, it will expand to run during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters with the goal of engaging over 450 volunteers. 

The We are Isla Vista; Community Care project involves the creation of a more vibrant Isla Vista (I.V.) by beautifying the town through community-centered volunteer activities. The Edible Campus Program (ECP) partners with several I.V. organizations to plan volunteer events, which serve to foster community and enhance the appearance of Isla Vista. Elizabeth Lane and her team, working with the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD), Isla Vista Recreation and Parks District (IVRPD), and other organizations, host neighborhood clean ups, garden volunteering days, and art projects to contribute to the community’s well-being. As facilitator, Elizabeth brings all community partners together, develops outreach and marketing materials for the events, and works with the ECP Volunteer Coordinator to recruit volunteers for events.

Last spring, the first Community Care project was launched. 300 volunteers came together and revitalized various parts of I.V. across the span of nine days. Volunteer events included building volleyball courts for Greek Park, mural painting, and packaging essential supplies into kits for the unhoused population. 

This year, the project will expand to include programs in Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Fall Quarter will focus on waste and litter reduction, featuring litter pick-ups throughout Isla Vista, compost sifting with Isla Vista Compost Collective, and garden clean-ups with Isla Vista Recreation and Parks District and Edible Campus Program. The quarter will also include a food recovery drive. Winter Quarter will shift to focus on expanding art throughout Isla Vista. Similar to Fall, the Winter series will include several creative events scheduled over 1-2 weekends. Spring Quarter will conclude the year with a weeklong series of activities focused on planting.

The We are Isla Vista; Community Care Project aims to celebrate the incredible work of community organizations and residents who dedicate their time and energy each day to giving back to Isla Vista. The program works to foster a strong sense of community and ownership among Isla Vista residents.