2020 Sessions

We must work persistently for just peace. Our humanity cries out for us to rapidly expand bridges over the next decade that will effectively dismantle white supremacy and nationalism, heal Earth, repair healthcare and economic systems, and strengthen democracies to guard human rights. Just peace means human flourishing for all.
All presentations will be online (Central Time US and Canada). Registration is NOT required.

11AM – Learning How to Be a Community Organizer
Modern community organizing builds power for social change by developing authentic relationships with intentional relational meetings often called “One-to-Ones”. Attendees will discuss the practice of these meetings and the importance of self-interest as part of an interactive conversation; this through reflection on experiences, values and one’s sense of community.
Presenter: Michael Evans of The People’s Lobby
2PM – Octavia Butler and Afrofuturism
Explore the intersection of African culture with technology and futurism. This very exploration gives way to the cultural aesthetic that is affectionately known as Afrofuturism. Janelle Monae, a R&B musician, and the many iterations of Black Panther are just two examples of this movement. Afrofuturism was primarily brought into existence by Octavia E. Butler who is best known for her sci-fi and literary work on the critique of modern-day hierarchies, diversity, survival and violence. Part of Feminist Futures.
Part of Women’s Studies Series; Facilitators Drs. Tennille Allen & Karen Trimble Alliaume
4PM – Circles As Bridges
Build bridges across difference and identities by participating in a Peace Circle. Participants will engage in deep and respectful listening and storytelling within values-based, safe space that will grow consciousness about who we are as individuals and community members to take action with greater consciousness and compassion.
Facilitator: Dr. Christie Billups
7:30PM – Performance with post-show talkback – “Unveiled”
“Rohina Malik, the hugely talented writer-actress at the center of the Victory Gardens solo show “Unveiled,” is a remarkable new theatrical voice in Chicago. In her rich, upbeat and very enjoyable 70-minute collection of five character studies of Muslim women in modern-day America, Malik gives voice to characters from whom we hear far too little in the theater.” - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune.
Dr. Mike McFerron, organizer
VIRTUAL EVENT

9AM – Can a Person Be Forgiven If They Haven’t Said ‘I’m Sorry’?
Participants will explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son by discussing the following question: Does the father forgive the son before the son returns and repents, or can he only forgive the son after the son returns? Session discussion will explore unilateral forgiveness and bilateral forgiveness and under which circumstances each form is appropriate.
Presenter: Dr. Tommy Pfannkoch
10AM – Fostering Peaceful Dialogue in the Online Classroom
Participants in this interactive workshop on fostering peaceful dialogue in the online classroom will identify, develop, and discuss strategies in online discussion forums and virtual live sessions that promote a peaceful and respectful environment for learning.
Facilitator: Sam Kinser
11AM – Religious Literacy in Public Schools
Our approach at Prospect High School is nondevotional and academic; we acknowledge that there are multiple authentic expressions of religious devotion in the world. Our goal is to build understanding for a more just and peaceful world as we study the world’s rich diversity of religious expressions.
John Camardella, Mt. Prospect High School – High school educator on World Religions and Interfaith
1PM – The Use of Social Media Platforms to Conduct Circles: Benefits and Drawbacks
Due to the recent pandemic, Restorative Justice Circles are being conducted on virtual platforms. We will discuss the benefits, drawbacks, and obstacles to virtual circles.
Presenters: Dr. Morris Jenkins and Gina Paris
2PM – Trust Without Borders: Lessons from the Middle East, Africa, and at Home
Trust Without Borders will focus on the speaker’s experience in the Middle East and Africa, including building trust and relationships with migrants and refugees, as well as the importance of telling one’s story for building bridges.
Brian Hickey, Associate Director in the Office for Human Dignity at the Diocese of Joliet
7PM - ANNUAL GROS MEMORIAL EVENT
Creating a Better Future: An Interfaith Conversation

9:30AM – Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed
The Theatre of the Oppressed, developed by Brazilian Augusto Boal, seeks to motivate people, restore true dialogue, practice just peace, and create a safe space for participants to rehearse taking action. We are “spect-actors!” – Boal.
Facilitator: Jo Slowik
11AM – Peace in Democracy: Informed Citizenship in the 2020 Election
We have the opportunity to help create a better future for our communities, nation, and world by being informed and active citizens. Participants will discuss how individuals can participate in the upcoming elections, emphasizing situations of college students and absentee voting, and exploring peace-related positions of the candidates.
Presenter: Dr. Steve Nawara, Assoc. Professor of Political Science
12:30PM – Constructing Connections: Bridges as Symbols
Looking at the Peace Bridge in Niagara through 3D tech, we will explore the image of bridges as a symbol for connection. Participants will construct bridges together in a virtual space imagining skills and resources necessary to “bridge” across a current issue to a better tomorrow.
Facilitator: Dr. Liz Sturm
3:30PM – Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed
The Theatre of the Oppressed, developed by Brazilian Augusto Boal, seeks to motivate people, restore true dialogue, practice just peace, and create a safe space for participants to rehearse taking action. We are “spect-actors!” – Boal.
Facilitator: Jo Slowik
