Finding community in a new place can be daunting. Luckily, UC Santa Cruz is filled with spaces where you can find a place of belonging.

SOMeCA is our hub, with a vast network of over 200 organizations, all rooted in a shared commitment to honor the leadership of students. Each organization is student-initiated and student-run, creating space for communities to come together to make an impact.

SOMeCA’s organizations all fall under one of three categories: SOAR (SO), Student Media (Me), and the CADrc (CA).

Student Organization Advising and Resources (SOAR) is home to organizations that work to build a community that empowers all members to find agency in line with their mission. These organizations fall into different focus categories, including academic, cultural and identity, environmental and sustainability, general interest, professional, political and advocacy, and more!

Student Media (Me) covers the bases of media production, ranging from literary journals and student films, to newspapers and magazines. Whether you’re into the silly, the serious, or a mix of both, it’s the place to get your creative fix.

The Cultural Arts and Diversity Resource Center (CADrc) forms an alliance between the African American Theater Arts Troupe (AATAT) and Rainbow Theater. Both shine a light on voices that often go unheard, using theater and creativity to boost awareness and activism at UCSC.

No matter your interest, there is a space here on campus where you can cultivate community, and we hope the following first-hand accounts from students can help you find your way!

You can find the full list of SOMeCA organizations at someca.ucsc.edu.

Photos collected from a multitude of SOMeCA events across campus. Photos 1, 2, 5, & 6 by Reggie Sasaki. Photo 3 by Kyle James Allemand. Photo 4 by Keith Gelderloos.

Kev Young – EnviroSlug

“Witnessing other students’ ability to speak their truths with conviction empowered me to push past my anxiety and speak my own truth, and it is always enthralling to see my own passion spark something in other students as well. If we continue to lift each other up, there is nothing that students can’t achieve together.”

Alyssa Windom – Student Union Governance Board (SUGB) & Black Student Union (BSU) 

“SOMeCA really made my college experience. Ninety-five percent of the friends I’ve made and opportunities l’ve been afforded have all been because of involvement in spaces like SUGB and BSU. I think I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t have their help in teaching me — and still teaching me — to be a better leader and a better friend.”

Jessica Tolentino – Engaging Education (e2) & Bayanihan

“Being a part of my organizations has made me realize that a lot of what we experience on campus should not be normalized because it affects our quality of education and quality of life on campus. I realize now how important it is to have our voices heard on campus to be able to receive the education we deserve and pay for.”

Ben Diaz Movimiento – Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlán (MEChA)

“Being an active member of MEChA, under SOMeCA, has provided me with a space to connect with fellow students who either look like me or share similar values and perspectives. Being part of MEChA has also given me the opportunity to meet other student leaders and learn from their experience.”

Darwin Melchiorre – Film Production Coalition (FPC)

“These spaces have provided a creative outlet that is not available through my classes where I have been able to build strong personal and professional networks with my peers. Being part of SOMeCA has given me the opportunity to exercise a leadership role, while surrounded by amazing people who support each other at every turn.”

Ansh Chaudhari – Cultural Arts and Diversity Resource Center (CADrc)

“Through my organization, I’ve come to understand student advocacy is more than just raising concerns, it’s about building systems of support, holding institutions accountable and creating spaces where all voices can be heard.”