Hello Ohio College and University Peace & Conflict Studies Programs/Centers and related programs:
Thanks to our host JCU, we will be able to bring together Ohio College and University Departments and Centers that focus on peace, justice, and conflict transformation for the 2026 Annual OPCSN Conference! This conference asks participants to focus on how we strengthen democracy through civic engagement as a form of peacebuilding by addressing the following questions:
- How can we build bridges through participation in local governance and local nonprofits/non-governmental organizations, engaging our diverse multicultural, economic, faith-based, and social interests with understanding and civility?
- How can we envision more just, inclusive, and diverse communities?
- Civic engagement and peacebuilding may also include how we prepare our students and communities to engage in dialogue across differences, build media literacy, enhance understanding, and support a healthy democracy.
Agenda
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee/tea/welcome and display tables w/student posters related work and/or the various universities programs
Question:
- Do you represent a college or university that has a peace or conflict studies related program or center? Display tables during this time are offered at no charge for you. Please contact us at the email noted below to reserve your spot!
- Do you or your students have work you want to share about enhancing democracy through peacebuilding? Please email us at the contact email below so we can reserve a table for you/your students!
10:30 - 11:40AM
Welcome & Opening Panel: Strengthening Democracy through Civic Engagement & Peacebuilding
Panelists: John Carroll University (Center for Service Learning & Social Action), Ohio State University (Divided Community Project), + Examples from the field!
11:45 - 1:15PM
Working Lunch - Guests will be invited to sit at tables based on their interest
+
OPCSN Members Networking Luncheon
1:15PM - 4:30PM
Workshops - We are inviting all of Ohio's colleges and universities (and their partner organizations) to either be on a panel, present a 1.5 hour session on their work, or a 3 hour skill building session.
Who:
- Anyone is welcome.
- Presentations focused on the work of Ohio Colleges/Universities - faculty, staff, admin and students & Community organizations doing this work in Ohio on a related topic
Cost (includes attendance, light breakfast and lunch)
- $35 Attendees not associated with an Ohio College/University that wish to attend
- $25 per person (Ohio College/Universities w/peace/conflict studies programs - faculty/staff/admin.)
- $10 for each Ohio college student
Conference Registration Link - https://givepul.se/37ri1k
Questions? Email Jen at OPCSN at Ohiopcsn@gmail.com
OPCSN Website - https://ohiopeaceandconflict.org/
