University Dialogue Initiative Organizes Fall Events
The University Dialogue Initiative organized several events this fall, which you can read about here.
Facilitator Training
More than 30 individuals representing more than 15 area organizations engaged in a half-day facilitator workshop on Nov. 1. The training was based on the University’s political dialogue initiative that draws on the reflective, structured methods of Essential Partners and on Ignatian spirituality practices; it was led by co-organizers of the University’s Political Dialogue Initiative: Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for Community Engagement & Government Affairs; Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., associate professor of English; and Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology. The facilitation skills will be applied in a range of contexts to create more equitable and constructive conversations around difficult topics in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Faith and Politics Community Conversation
On Monday, November 18, the University and community organizers hosted “Faith and Politics: A Conversation” at the Scranton Cultural Center. The dialogue was attended by more than 100 participants from many faiths, atheists and agnostics, different political affiliations, recent immigrants and refugees and longtime residents, students and community members from across NEPA. Together they discussed how their faith or worldview informs their political views and values. Co-sponsors included Greater Scranton MLK Commission, Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department, Marywood University, Penn State Scranton and Scranton Area Ministerium.
Reflection on Scranton Initiative in Jesuit America Magazine
The University of Scranton’s Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement & Government Affairs, Julie Schumacher Cohen, reflected on the University's political dialogue
initiative and how it fits into broader peacebuilding work and the mission of Jesuit universities to pursue both justice and reconciliation in this America Magazine article.
