Better Together Days
Now in its fourth year, Better Together Days took place in March 2024. The Interfaith Action Committee, the Interfaith Leadership Fellows and the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI) worked extremely hard in planning three special events. On Tuesday March 19th, Better Together Days Networking Event allowed participants meet before the community carnival in hopes to create connections across lines of difference. On Wednesday, the Better Together Days carnival occurred. Over 110 students attended the carnival as well as 18 different on campus and off campus organizations tabling. Students engaged in dialogue with the different organizations, as well as participated in community service, walked the labyrinth, and played games! Students in Dr. Zachary Wooten's HON 212: Moral Choice in a Technological Age course also had the option of sharing "Unlikely Friendship" posters as part of a research gala. Students highlighted examples of people or organization's who've successfully worked across lines of difference for the sake of the common good. The last event was hosted by Honors Student Association on Thursday night. Malik Muhammed, WCU Alum and the Inaugural Director of Inclusion Initiatives and Social Justice Education at the University of Pennsylvania, gave an incredible talk on Building Meaningful Connections Across Differences, which was a perfect way to wrap up Better Together Days! Thanks to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for their continued support.
Interfaith Project and CCESI Partner for Community-Engaged Learning Experience
Gabi Steffy, 2023-2024 Chair of the Student Interfaith Action Committee in partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact (CCESI), led a two-day Community and Education Interfaith placed-based education experience. Students and staff went to local Chester County religious communities for interfaith dialogue, service, and cultural competence training. Community partners included the Church of the Loving Shepard, ACT in Faith, and the Islamic Society of Chester County. CCESI staff facilitated a training on how to have difficult conversations across lines of difference.
