Caring for the community: ASU School of Social Work adopts Tucson park

By Fran Eastwood, MSW admissions coordinator

Fascinated by the idea of environmental social work, Molly Gebler, an academic success coordinator for the Tucson location of the Arizona State University School of Social Work and a Green Ambassador, set out to find ways she could help improve the environment in her hometown.

It started when Gebler located a nearby park that desperately needed to be cleaned.

“I thought this would be a fun thing. I found a park that is really close to campus,” said Gebler, who sees this cleanup as the first of many community projects. “I really liked the idea of having a more casual format outside where you can chat with students, faculty and staff while doing something nice for the community.”

In conjunction with Tucson Clean and Beautiful, the School of Social Work adopted the David G. Herrera and Ramon Quiroz Park and has been regularly cleaning it for the past year.

Earlier this month, the city of Tucson officially acknowledged the school’s efforts with a dedication event at the park. It included a permanent sign that hangs on the fence recognizing their commitment.

“I think it is important to build community, to be seen as part of the community and investing. Even if it’s a really quiet thing and no one knows what we’re doing, I think it has a big ripple effect and a deep impact,” said Tucson Program Coordinator Heather Voelkel. “It’s really important for social workers to care about the environment, and this is aligned with our values.”

The dedication was led by Sofia Angkasa, finance director of Tucson Clean and Beautiful. Angkasa hopes more residents will be inspired by the School of Social Work’s efforts, as other members of the neighborhood were when they saw the clean-up effort and asked to join the group.

“It’s not about the trash; it’s about the community,” Angcasa explained. “If you think there is a problem and someone should do something, that person is you.”

After the dedication, the team immediately returned to their work, removing 12 bags of refuse in less than an hour. Associate Professor Mick Beyers summed up her choice to participate: “I saw the park clean-up as an opportunity to contribute to our Tucson community and to share a meaningful experience with my fantastic colleagues.”

Director of the ASU School of Social Work, Elizabeth Lightfoot, shared her pride in the team’s work: “Our Tucson location of the ASU School of Social Work exemplifies the true spirit of social work by coming together to strengthen community and create spaces that welcome all,” she said.