In these times of significant division and conflict, we bear the responsibility to find meaningful ways to engage in conversations about challenging and complex issues. One way Iliff responded to the current moment was the “We Advocate Freedom!” Teach-in Series, a six-session series, started on Thursday, June 27th, 2024. This series aimed to create a space where students, faculty, staff, and the community could come together in-person and remotely to discuss and navigate these important topics together.

Session 1 • June 27, 2024

Strategies Toward Effective Social Change:
Personal and Institutional Commitments

This 1st in a series of 6 sessions will invite dialogue on the multiple paths advocates for change can work within or outside dominant systems to advocate inclusion and freedom. We will hear from veteran leaders and have the opportunity to wrestle with the moral, ethical, and spiritual realities of advocacy on complex and uncertain issues. The conversation will explore the issues of protest and consequences; non-violent and violent resistance; community organizing, and internal/external approaches.

Facilitated by President Lee H. Butler, Jr.

Speakers

  • Dr Teresa Smallwood
  • Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi
  • Bro. Daniel Klawitter

US Political Leaders Conversations on Israel-Palestine: Protests, Cease-fire, and Two-States

 Spirited and Spiritual Resistance: Community Chaplaincy and Religious Leadership

UMC Social Principles and the Impact of Socially Responsible Investments

 Book Discussion: Angela Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement

 Book Discussion: Angela Davis, Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement