UR Co-Hosts Virtual Community Speaker Series on Civic Action

March 24, 2021

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — A new four-part virtual speaker series aims to provide citizens in the Greater Richmond area with the tools they need to be effective in taking civic action.  

The Tools for Civic Action in Our Democracy NOW series, which is free and open to the public, will begin April 1. Registration is required.

Each session is dedicated to introducing participants to four tools for civic action. Events include:

Civic Tool: Understanding Our Democracy, April 1, 6:30 p.m.
Julian Hayter, University of Richmond associate professor of leadership studies, and Ana Edwards, public historian, will explain how shared pasts inform the crises in democracy experienced today.

Civic Tool: Collective Self-Care, April 8, 6:30 p.m.
Ashley Williams, yoga therapist and founder of Mindful On Life and BareSOUL Yoga, will share why inner work is necessary for civic action — and how awareness and self-identity can be used to pursue collective resilience.

Civic Tool: Discovery, April 15, 6:30 p.m.
Richmond librarians and researchers will explain how information is valued and share practical tips on how to turn data and evidence into action. This discussion, moderated by Martha Heeter, executive director of PlanRVA, features panelists Nia Rogers, public affairs research librarian at VCU Libraries; Patty Conway, community relations coordinator at Henrico County Public Library; and civic leader Amy Wentz. 

Civic Tool: Difficult Conversations, April 22, 6:30 p.m.
The series finale will feature real-life stories from people who have had difficult conversations that helped bring forward understanding. Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will guide discussions about ways to explore key tools to participate in brave conversations.

The series is co-hosted by University of Richmond’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, the VCU Center for Community Engagement and Impact, and the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond.

For more information and to register, visit rvaengage.org.

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