With this post, we’re inaugurating a new weekly StudentNation series in which we’ll be highlighting interesting student events, offering an incomplete but, we hope, illustrative survey of the scope and breadth of  student activism coast to coast. All of these events are open to the general public, not just students and faculty.

SUPPORT STUDENT FILMS IN SACRAMENTO

WHAT: The 2010-2011 Media That Matters Short Film Festival WHEN: Sunday, 1-16-11, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM WHERE: The Guild Theater, 2828 35th St. Sacramento, CA

This is a film festival of socially conscious shorts, all made by student and independent filmmakers. Subjects covered in this year’s fest include health insurance abandonment; the lasting impact of the Sean Bell incident in New York City; wrongful imprisonment in Guantanamo; problems with bottled water; and much more. Admission: $5.00.

GOING GREEN IN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

WHAT: ‘Let’s Raise a Million’ Clean Energy Retrofit 2011 WHEN:  Monday 1/17/11, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM WHERE: Warnersville Community Center/ 601 Doak Street/ Greensboro, NC

The Let’s Raise a Million Project works to reduce carbon emissions in low-income communities. Volunteers go door-to-door to replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient ones at no cost to residents. Sign up now to help educate residents in the Warnersville community on the benefits of sustainable living and energy efficiency.

DISCUSS THE PALESTINIAN PLIGHT IN SANTA CLARA

WHAT: An Evening with the Israeli-Based group Anarchists Against The Wall WHEN: Thursday, 1-20-11, 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM WHERE: Daly Sciences Bldg., Room 206/ Santa Clara University/ Santa Clara, CA

Come support AATW and learn more about the devastation Israel’s “separation barrier” is wreaking on the land and livelihoods of the people of Palestine. Hear about the inspiring joint struggle of the Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals resisting the wall. Donation: $10 to $15 at the door (nobody turned back for the lack of funds).

CHATTING ABOUT CHOICE IN WASHINGTON DC

WHAT: We Are the Champions WHEN: Thursday 1-20-11, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM WHERE: Center for American Progress, 1333 H Street NW, 10th Fl., Washington, DC

As the 38th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision approaches, young people are examining their place within the reproductive justice movement. Join Campus Progress and Choice USA for an innovative spin on the traditional panel. Six young leaders from the reproductive justice movement will go head-to-head in three rounds discussing and debating youth activism and advocacy, abortion access and funding, and the 2012 elections. Sspeakers include Andrew Jenkins, Shelby Knox, Miriam Madrid, Amy Richards, Aimee Thorne-Thomsen and a special guest. Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of Choice USA, will be the referee.

ACTIVATE YOUR ACTIVISM AT WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

WHAT: The Social Justice Leadership Conference WHEN: Friday 1-21-11, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM & Saturday,1-22-11 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM WHERE: Wesleyan University, Middletown Connecticut

Students, faculty, and community members come together for a two day conference to debate and discuss social justice issues and leadership skills. The conference aims to empower participants with practical tools for fostering change.

Please use the comments field below to alert us to any events we should be highlighting.