Communication, Mobilization, and Political Participation:

Lessons in Fostering Progressive Change Within Our Communities

by Samuel Roberts, Public Communications Officer, SANDAG

Summary:

Since Samuel Roberts (MPP) graduated from UCR’s School of Public Policy in 2020, he has been heavily involved with pursuing equitable policy initiatives across a variety of fields. Whether it be through work with the California State Parks, his organization San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery, or at San Diego’s Association of Governments (SANDAG), Sam has sought to bridge community and support work towards the creation of equitable policy solutions around California. In this upcoming seminar, Sam will discuss how his work surrounding health and environmental policy, as well as his passions for community building and volunteering, intersect with and informs his current role at SANDAG, San Diego’s regional transportation planning agency.

Bio:

Samuel Roberts is an alum from both UC Riverside (BA, 2020) and USC (MPP, 2023), where he has pursued the study of public policy to help ensure equity throughout California state and local policy. Currently, he serves as a Public Communications Officer for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). He is the co-founder of San Bernardino for Rapid Recovery, an organization centered around COVID recovery through the provision of at-home education and vaccinations for individuals in the Inland Empire. Some of his past jobs have included managing communications for a variety of public institutions, working as a UC Advocacy Network Campus Leader, and serving the California State Parks.