University of Charleston

University of Charleston

2022 Enlightened Living Day Will Feature “Our Towns” Documentary, Virtual Workshops, Art Project, and More

The University of Charleston will focus on the exploration of what makes a community desirable and successful during its annual Enlightened Living Day taking place Monday, January 17, 2022.

The university will offer students virtual sessions with change-makers and organizations addressing environmental concerns, judicial reform, economic diversification, creative economies, diversity and inclusion, local and state governance, and more. To this end, panels and activities will be centered around best practices, examples of failures and victories, and a focus on disrupting regional brain drain.

There will be a virtual viewing of “Our Towns,” a documentary (that includes Charleston) based on the book “Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America.” Following the video, journalists Deborah and James Fallows will engage in a virtual discussion about the themes covered in both the book and film.

Afternoon sessions will include workshops, panel discussions and roundtables, led by representatives from organizations including West Virginia Can’t Wait, WVU Center of Resilient Communities, Ascend WV, WV Public Radio, area entrepreneurs (including Base Camp), Fairness WV, WV Judiciary, Charleston Main Streets, and more.

UC students will also participate in a project through the City of Charleston Public Art initiative, creating self-portraits that will be part of over 700 such portraits that will ultimately help make up a mural of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at the Community Center named for him in Charleston’s East End. The session will be led by the City of Charleston’s Public Art Director Jeff Pierson. This will be an in-person event.

The day is part of UC’s commitment to fulfilling its mission to educate each student for a life of productive work, enlightened living and community involvement.

 

Check out the full schedule of sessions:

Enlightened Living Day