Peace and justice symposium focuses on race relations, world relief

Mon, October 26, 2009 |

Valparaiso University's eighth annual Peace and Justice Symposium, "Peace-ing it Together: Race Relations, Mediation & Conflict Resolution, Social Activism, Law & Justice," will take place Nov. 5-7 and focus on uplifting the world's most underdeveloped communities and resolving race-related conflict within Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Prominent Lutheran leader, thinker and speaker John Arthur Nunes will give the keynote address at the symposium on Nov. 7. Nunes is known as a compelling voice applying theological insights to matters ranging from global issues to urban affairs.

Nunes is president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief – an organization that acts to end poverty and uphold human dignity by empowering impoverished communities to bring about the transformation they need in order to live healthy, safe and secure lives. Lutheran World Relief works with partners in 35 countries to promote sustainable development and increase human flourishment.

Nunes holds advanced degrees from schools affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.

Another symposium event on Nov. 5 will focus on confliction resolution and provide guidance to leaders in area schools on how to resolve race-related conflict.

"We've seen a resurgence recently in race-motivated incidents in our community and in our schools, and we're not sure why," said Jane Bello-Brunson, director of multicultural programs. "Valparaiso is not that type of community, and we will not tolerate these types of incidents, so our upcoming symposium is an opportunity for people across the region to address and resolve this issue."

The symposium events will be held in the Harre Union Ballroom, and include:

• Nov. 5 – "Conflict Resolution and Mediation," trainers from the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island will present an introduction to Dr. Martin Luther King's philosophy, thinking and strategy, with the goal of providing a framework for conflict management; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Nov. 6 – "Building Peace and Social Justice," workshops led by local school superintendents, Valpo professors and special guests who will discuss strategies to improve race relations in the community. Presented by the Race Relations Council of Northwest Indiana from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Nov. 6 – "Marriage Equality or Marriage Restoration? The Law and Politics of California's Proposition 8," a panel discussion presented by Valparaiso's School of Law from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• Nov. 7- "Keepin' it Real: Genuine Empowerment through Economic Engagement," Nunes will speak during a session from 9:30 am to noon. Following the address and luncheon, conference attendees will break into groups for a series of related workshops led by Daniel Lee of Lutheran World Relief and the Social Action Leadership Team from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Valpo's Peace and Justice Symposium brings together individuals throughout the region and campus community for discussion and action toward creating a more just and peaceful world. The symposium is free and open to the public, with the exception of ethnic luncheons on Nov. 5 and 7. Luncheon tickets are $5 and advance registration is required.

Those planning to attend are asked to register by calling Valpo's Office of Multicultural Programs at (219) 464-6769 or e-mail Amy Cook at amy.cook@valpo.edu.

More information about Valpo's Office of Multicultural Programs can be found at http://www.valpo.edu/multicultural.