These presentations, free and open to the public, are held in the Theatre Lobby.
Keynote Speaker
Kyle Kramer, M.Div.
A Part or Apart? The Art of Belonging Well in Nature Part 1
Monday, June 23, noon-1 p.m.
A Part or Apart? The Art of Belonging Well in Nature Part I: The Need for Belonging in the 21st Century presents humanity with two pressing and interrelated challenges: how can we cultivate thriving human communities in which all people can flourish, and how can we do so in a way that respects the beauty, bounty, and limitations of the natural world? In other words, how do we learn to belong truly and well, with each other and in the natural world, to be a part rather than apart? In the first of a two-part address, organic farmer and author Kyle Kramer diagnoses some of the root causes of our social and environmental challenges and shares how he chose to respond by adopting a simple lifestyle on a small farm and by cultivating meaningful human relationships.
A Part or Apart? The Art of Belonging Well in Nature Part II
Tuesday, June 24, noon-1 p.m.
A Part or Apart? The Art of Belonging Well in Nature Part II: Lessons Learned in the Joys and Challenges of Belonging further explores the theme of belonging well in nature and human communities. The lecture will reflect on the human, ecological, and spiritual lessons learned from a decade and a half of organic farming, family life, and directing graduate theological and ministerial formation programs side-by-side with Benedictine monks.
Water of Life
Wednesday, June 25, noon-1 p.m.
Keynote speaker to be announced. Panelists will discuss the relationship between water and social justice. This keynote will feature communities that have used water projects to address various other sustainability issues.
Healing Our Global Home
Thursday, June 26, noon-1 p.m.
This keynote lecture will feature a panel of Sisters of Charity who are working with a variety of earth-sustaining activities and projects. Sisters of Charity Paula Gonzalez, Jean Miller and Joyce Richter will talk about the importance of living sustainably in a complex world. Solar energy, sustainable building, green burial and earth education will be considered.
Advocating for Mother Earth
Friday, June 27, noon-1 p.m.
Caroljean Willie, SC, serving as an NGO at the United Nations, will discuss global sustainability. She will use examples of projects and programs throughout the world that strive to address multiple issues of sustainability and justice such as fracking, climate change, water availability and good production. She is a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences and author of two books.