SCA “Release Valve”

Friday, April 4, 1:45-3:15

To envision the Future of Memory, we must first take care of the NOW. California archivists, memory keepers, and cultural heritage workers entered 2025 facing dual hardships: the devastation from the Los Angeles wildfires and the disruption caused by executive orders impacting our work, livelihoods, and profession.

If you need a space to process or escape these new realities, even if only for 90 minutes, please visit the “release valve” rooms presented by the Local Arrangements Committee. Each room is designed to provide outlets for reflection, meditation, creation, advocacy, expression, and observation, or serve as a non-structured space where attendees can engage as much or as little as they desire.

Decompression Session in the Archives

El Camino room

Join us in a safe, non-judgmental, and private space to express your feelings, share your thoughts and experiences, or just be present in solidarity with other attendees facing extreme stressors and concerns.

Salvage and Memory: Sharing Our Expertise with Communities in Need

Cabrillo room

This session focuses on how the expertise of SCA AGM attendees can aid in the salvaging and memory-keeping efforts of those affected by the LA wildfires. In an open Q&A session, visitors to this room will be virtually connected to community members seeking advice on how to care for memories held within both physical objects and intangible forms. Those familiar with conducting oral histories and DIY preservation in a community setting are especially encouraged to attend.

Create, Meditate, Advocate with Zine making

Garland Ballroom

This room will be equipped with supplies and inspiration to create zines, collages, and other assembled artworks. It's perfect for those who want to work with their hands to focus, find solace, socialize, mobilize, or simply have fun.