CWS Annual Ecumenical Summit
Workshop Information
Faith Communities and Civic Engagement in the 2024 Election
Webinar 1
Dates and times: Thursday, September 12, 3 p.m. ET
This workshop will focus on how congregations and faith based organizations can do the critical work of voter engagement in the midst of this year's election cycle. The sacred duty of voting one's values is important to faith communities. A key goal of civil rights work is to gain equal access to the ballot box, something that continues to be an issue amidst increased voter suppression policies. In this workshop we will learn how congregations among CWS covenant members can conduct meaningful non-partisan 501(c)3 friendly voter education, voter registration and voter mobilization with their constituents, and additional ways that people of faith can be allies to New American voters who are naturalized immigrants or refugees. Activities we will discuss include issue education, the spiritual significance of voting, how to utilize media and social media, how to register people to vote, early voting, making a plan to vote, polling chaplains, identifying new polling locations and connecting with local Get Out the Vote activities.
The workshop will be moderated by Rev. Noel Andersen, CWS National Field Director joined by incredible panelists including Rev. Kendal McBroom, Director of Civil and Human Rights, General Board of Church and Society- United Methodist Church; Rev. Leslie Copeland-Tune, Senior Associate General Secretary & Advocacy Director, National Council of Churches USA; and Rev. Christina Cosby, Presbyterian Church USA Office of Public Witness, Representative for Domestic and Environmental Policy Concerns
Three Steps to Engaging Conflict Productively
Webinar 2
Dates and times: Friday, September 13, 3:30 p.m. ET
In this increasingly polarized world, conflict is all around us. The church is not immune. Leaders are tasked with managing conflict they did not create and cannot directly control. Managing conflict well requires more than being a non-anxious presence. It takes specific skills and attitudes. In this session, you will learn three key steps leaders need to know to engage conflict productively. This session will not only help you increase your skill, but it will lower your anxiety as well.
Demystifying 21st Century Migration: What We Know; How We Can Best Prepare
Webinar 3
Dates and times: Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. ET
Cross-border migration has come to epitomize the complexity and interconnectedness of 21st century global challenges, from the rise of political nationalism and growing labor shortages in the Global North, to armed conflict and the mounting impacts of climate change throughout much of the developing world. How will migration flows and corresponding attempts to manage those flows evolve in the coming years? How are the needs and motivations of migrants likely to change, and how should we expect the US and other governments to respond? Amidst the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanies the issue of migration in current US discourse, what can faith-based actors do to help prepare communities and uphold our collective tradition of welcome?
Join us for an engaging discussion hosted by Richard Santos, President & CEO of Church World Service, and featuring Susan Krehbiel, Associate for Migration Accompaniment Ministries in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Dr. Sarah Miller, Senior Fellow with Refugees International and Adjunct Faculty at Georgetown University, and Erol Kekic, Senior Vice President of Programs, Church World Service.
Welcoming Newcomers: Faith Communities Leading the Way
Webinar 4
Dates and times: Thursday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. ET
This convening will delve into the transformative role of congregations and faith communities in supporting and integrating newcomers. In this session, we will feature a panel of faith leaders who are pioneering innovative housing and community-based solutions to create welcoming and inclusive environments. These leaders will share their firsthand experiences, shedding light on the challenges they have faced and the creative strategies they have implemented to overcome them.
Our discussion will be co-facilitated by Stacey Clack, Director of Community Belonging and Transformation at Church World Service and JJ TenClay Missionary & Refugee Ministries Coordinator for Global Mission at the Reformed Church in America and will have 5 panelists from churches with transformational stories of how they are responding to welcoming refugees in their community
Embracing The Unity of Christ in the Midst of Disagreement
Webinar 5
Dates and times: Thursday, October 10 at 11 am ET
The WayFinder Introductory Workshop offers Christian leaders a transformative experience in conflict transformation. Participants will gain fresh perspectives on seeing, listening, and speaking across differences, while engaging in the practice of lament and cultivating hope. This workshop equips attendees with confidence and practical tools to navigate challenging conversations in the spirit of Christ, regardless of their faith background.
The workshop's relevance is heightened by the recent national release of "Leap of Faith," a groundbreaking documentary from Nicholas Ma, creator of "Won't You Be My Neighbor". This film explores how faith communities can address polarizing issues with love and understanding, perfectly complementing the workshop's goals.
Leading the workshop are two distinguished presenters: Rev. Jazmine Brooks, Vice President of Partnerships at The Colossian Forum, brings her experience as a pastor and her passion for educational opportunities and multicultural programming in service of the Church. With a background in Philosophy and Religion and a Master of Divinity, Rev. Brooks is dedicated to supporting churches, schools, and nonprofits in conflict transformation work
.Andrew Long-Higgins, leader for the United Church of Christ's Global H.O.P.E., brings a wealth of experience in humanitarian assistance, conflict resolution, and mediation. His background includes work with internally displaced Syrians and coordinating dialogue processes addressing international conflicts. Long-Higgins' expertise in public administration and international affairs adds valuable perspective to the workshop.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from these experienced leaders and gain practical skills for transforming conflict in your community. Don't miss this chance to be part of a movement towards unity and understanding in our often divided world. Register now to secure your spot in this transformative experience.
