Micro-Seminar: The Science of Altruism PART TWO

Micro-Seminars have two parts. Attendance to both parts is required. Registering for the PART ONE session will automatically enroll you in the PART TWO session on Friday.

Part 1: Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm (PST)
Part 2: Friday, August 23, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:30 am (PST)

Explore the science behind altruism, volunteerism, compassion and its impact on individuals both physically, psychologically, and behaviorally at an individual and community level. Students will be introduced to local and national resources for supporting individuals, communities, and systems. This micro seminar will highlight Los Angeles County’s forgotten farming history, food insecurity, food deserts, the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, and MudTown Farms. Students will also learn about Food Forward, a nonprofit organization fighting hunger, food waste, and climate change by rescuing surplus produce. Participants will have the opportunity to register for a Food Forward harvest at a local orchard, with 100% of the harvest donated to a local hunger relief organization.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the historical context, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of altruism.
2. Identify the motivations behind altruistic behaviors and the social, cultural, religious, and psychological factors influencing them.
3. Examine the impact and benefits of altruistic behaviors on brain function, biology, physiology, personal wellness, social relationships, professional settings, and communities.
4. Develop practical skills for effective volunteer engagement and implementation.
5. List three local resources for volunteer engagement.

Day 1: What Drives Us to Help Others? What’s the Impact?
- Presentation on the science behind altruism and its physical, psychological, and behavioral impacts.
- Screening of the Emmy-nominated documentary "LA Foodways".
- Discussion and exploration of the impacts of service on individuals and communities.

Day 2: Utilizing Skills and Decision-Making
- Introduction to local and national resources for supporting individuals, communities, and systems.
- Group activity: How can Trojans help? Students will create roadmaps for community engagement in small groups and share their plans at the end of the session.

Target Audience: This micro seminar is intended for anyone interested in altruism, service, resilience, community building, health, psychology, or wellbeing.

Lead By: Professor Juliet Pappas

Juliet Pappas, MSW, LCSW, holds a BA in Women's Studies and Sociology from Scripps College in Claremont, CA, and an MSW from UC Berkeley. With over 20 years of clinical experience as a licensed psychotherapist, she joined USC as a founding faculty member of the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences PBHS UPC Clinic in 2019. Beyond her professional role at USC, Juliet actively volunteers with several community organizations, including Food Forward, Union Station Homeless Services, and Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.

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