El Paso Community College (EPCC) Philosophy Club is being recognized by the American Philosophical Association (APA) for their service to the borderland.
“The EPCC Philosophy Club members willingly use their time, not for a grade, but because they are eager to discuss ways in which they can improve their border community,” club officials shared.
“Even though the club students have recognized the power of their voice, they do not simply talk. They do, a lot, as well. They volunteer, fundraise, and have created meaningful projects on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. An important mission of the club is to put philosophy into action.”
The club has provided Christmas gifts to all the children at one of the local unaccompanied minor shelters, cooks meals for the homeless shelters on Thanksgiving and has collectively explored the philosophical implications of racism and the phenomenology of the border.
Their most noticeable achievement happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the club realized that the migrant and homeless members of the border community would be the most vulnerable and they decided to proactively help. They made over 2,000 reusable face masks with filters under the guidance of medical doctor, and club member, Ejaz Gosani, and distributed them on both sides of the border, along with over 1,000 food and toiletry items.
The APA promotes the discipline and profession of philosophy, both within the academy and in the public arena. The APA supports the professional development of philosophers at all levels and works to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the value of philosophical inquiry.
The Blog of the American Philosophical Association (APA) shares a variety of perspectives from a broad array of APA members, to highlight the activities being undertaken by the APA, as well as provide a forum where the APA leadership and membership can communicate with one another more effectively.
To read the piece on the club, click here.
For more information about this story and the club in general, contact Manuela Gomez, Philosophy Instructor at (915) 831-2479, email: [email protected].
