We Recognize International Self-Care Day
July 24 is International Self-Care Day, a global reminder that caring for our physical, mental, and emotional health is a daily commitment, 24/7. It encourages individuals and communities to take active roles in their well-being through rest, connection, movement, or reflection.
At the UCC Library, we understand the many demands on students, faculty, and staff. This day invites us all to pause and ask: What do I need to feel well today? To support that reflection, the Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library offers a range of digital and streaming resources focused on wellness, balance, and self-care. Reading is a powerful form of self-care—so come spend some meaningful time with these resources.
Books and eBooks: Some insightful books include Self-Care for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, which focuses on honoring your emotions, nurturing yourself, and building confidence. If Our Bodies Could Talk by James Hamblin offers a fascinating guide to understanding and maintaining the human body, covering a wide range of topics such as aging, diet, and sleep. And for all the mothers out there, Mother Nurture by Rick Hanson, Jan Hanson, and Ricki Pollycove is a comprehensive guide to supporting a mother’s health physically, emotionally, and in intimate relationships.
Academic Search Complete: Browse peer-reviewed research on mindfulness-based stress reduction, mental health among college students, burnout prevention, and the role of self-care in healthcare.
Films on Demand: Watch the film Stress Management to gain a deeper understanding of how stress affects the body and discover practical strategies for managing it in daily life. For those interested in maintaining emotional well-being or simply learning more about mental health, the film Maintaining Mental Health offers helpful tips and insights to support a healthier mindset.
Kanopy: This streaming platform offers a variety of self-care and wellness focused films. The Mindfulness Movie: The Benefits of Mindfulness, explores the science and practice of mindfulness, providing practical tools for reducing stress and increasing awareness. Another stand out title, Minimalism, examines the rise of the minimalist lifestyle as a response to consumer culture, encouraging a more intentional and meaningful way of living.
Gale OneFile: Health & Wellness: There are plenty of insightful articles and resources available that explore overall well-being. A few noteworthy articles include: Self-Care Practices and Relationships with Vitality and Health Complaints in Self-Employed Workers. This article is especially relevant for small business owners or anyone thinking about launching their own venture. It highlights how consistent self-care can support both physical health and long- term vitality in demanding work environments. Self-Care Alone Will Not Solve Burnout; Deeper Approach to Well-Being Is Key, challenges the idea that bubble baths and quick fixes are enough. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of burnout through meaningful lifestyle changes, boundaries and systemic support.
Supporting You, 24/7
International Self-Care Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that your well-being is important, not just once in a while, but every day. At UCC, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that values balance, inclusion, and compassion.
Whether you’re beginning a self-care routine or deepening your understanding of mental health and wellness, the UCC Library is here to support your journey with meaningful resources and a welcoming space to reflect and grow.
Take a moment on July 24, and every day, to listen to your needs. Because when we care for ourselves, we’re better able to care for others, learn deeply, and live fully.
Celebrate the Legacy of Colegio César Chávez
As we honor Latin contributions to education and civil rights this August, the story of Colegio César Chávez stands out as a bold example of what student led, culturally grounded learning can achieve. Founded in 1973 in Mount Angel, Oregon, it was the first and only fully accredited, independent Chicano run college in the U.S. Rooted in the values of the Chicano Movement, the college prioritized bilingual education, community empowerment, and a model where students and faculty learned as equals.
The college was named after César Chávez, the renowned labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) alongside Dolores Huerta. Born in 1927, Chávez dedicated his life to nonviolent activism, organizing farmworkers across the country to demand better wages, working conditions, and dignity. He believed deeply in education as a tool for liberation, making the naming of the college a fitting tribute to his vision of justice and collective empowerment.
One of its most innovative initiatives was the College Without Walls program, which allowed students to engage in self-directed, community-based learning outside the boundaries of a traditional campus. This approach affirmed that education could happen anywhere in neighborhoods, homes, workplaces, and grassroots organizations keeping students connected to their communities while pursuing academic and personal growth.
Though the college closed in 1983, its impact lives on in today’s movements for equity in education.
Now, that legacy is being celebrated through the exhibit Colegio César Chávez: The Legacy Lives On / El legado sigue vivo, on view at the Umpqua Community College Library through the end of August. More than just a history lesson, the exhibit is an invitation to imagine education rooted in culture, community, and self-determination, a vision as urgent today as it was in 1973. You can request to view items from the College grounds, and pictures that have been digitized here.
eBooks – Our collection includes a wide range of titles about César Chávez and his life including several insightful eBooks such as: César Chávez: Friend to Farm Workers, a children's book by Jeri Cipriano. This resource is a great way to teach children about César Chávez and his contributions. The Political Spirituality of César Chávez: Crossing Religious Borders, by Luis D. Leon examines how Chávez drew from Catholicism, indigenous beliefs, and other spiritual traditions. The book reveals how this blend of faith shaped his approach to activism and social justice. The Words of César Chávez edited by Richard J. Jensen and John C. Hammerback, presents a collection of Chávez’s major speeches and writings, revealing the rhetorical power and strategies of a master communicator while offering valuable insight into the history of the farm workers' movement he led from the early 1960s until his death in 1993. To Serve the People : My Life Organizing with César Chávez and the Poor, By Leroy Chatfield with Jorge Mariscal, is a book about Leroy Chatfield and his experiences in activism and working with César Chávez. From the Jaws of Victory : The Triumph and Tragedy of César Chávez and the Farm Worker Movement by Matt Garcia is a comprehensive account of the rise and fall of the United Farm Workers, revealing how the union's groundbreaking grape boycott propelled its success while internal conflicts and César Chávez’s leadership challenges contributed to its decline.
At the UCC Library, we’re proud to support educational journeys that center equity, heritage, and history. As we honor the legacy of César Chávez and the groundbreaking work of Colegio César Chávez.
Let’s continue learning from the past and shaping a future where every student has the power to thrive. Stop on in and see the exhibit.
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