California State University, Northridge will commemorate the life of Cesar Chavez on Wednesday, March 27 at the third annual Cesar Chavez Service Fair. This photo was taken at last year’s fair. Photo by Jenny Donaire.

Continuing one of California State University, Northridge’s values of maintaining alliances with the community, the Department of Chicana/o Studies and Unified We Serve are hosting the third annual Cesar Chavez Service Fair on Wednesday, March 27 in honor of the late labor leader.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Cleary Walk West in front of Bayramian Hall. More than 50 nonprofit vendors and organizations will distribute information about volunteer opportunities. The event is open to students, faculty, staff and the community.

“One of the values CSUN is founded on includes giving back to the community and making meaningful connections with community members,” said Justin Weiss, coordinator of Unified We Serve, the campus’ volunteer program. “This event is a great opportunity for participants to sign up with nonprofit organizations and make a significant difference in the community.”

The event also will be “infused with culture,” featuring music, salsa dancing lessons and free food. Among the organizations expected to attend are those providing services to the homeless, youth mentorship and beach cleaning.

Chavez was an American civil rights leader who dedicated his life to improving working conditions and the quality of life for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. He founded what is today known as the United Farm Workers. CSUN will be closed April 1 in observance of Chavez’s life.

“Our first service fair featured Chavez’s granddaughter Natalie Hernandez,” said Weiss. “Since then, we were inspired to continue this event.”

For more information about the event, visit the Unified We Serve website.

College of Humanities, Department of Chicana/o Studies, Division of Student Affairs