Speakers & Sessions

Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speaker David W. Orr

Keynote Address
David Orr's talk on Courage will  inspire and challenge  your thinking about environmental responsibility and Peace. 

Biography
David W. Orr is a leading environmental scholar and educator whose work bridges ecology, democracy, and moral responsibility. A Professor Emeritus at Oberlin College, he is the chief architect of the Oberlin Project, a joint venture with the city of Oberlin and the college to create a thriving and sustainable community. Prof. Orr's visionary, Adam Joseph Lewis Center, is acknowledged as “ the most important green building of the last 30 years” and one of 30 milestone buildings of the 20th century.”  David's talk on Courage will address the question, “What will you do with your one, wild, precious life?”

Keynote Speaker: Chase Farris

Keynote Address
Rotarian Chase Farris’ address, entitled "Heart of a Champion", has a relatable message for attendees of all ages, proof that Courage and a champion’s heart lies within each of us. 

Biography

Chase Farris is a former Ohio State football champion and Super Bowl champion whose life reflects the importance of striving for we - not me. Chase is the CEO of Save Our Children. He holds a B.A. degree and Masters degree from The Ohio State University and is enrolled in the Ph. D. program at Youngstown State University. Chase has lived a life of uniting for good. He  will share personal insights on leadership, unity, and the courage it takes to bring people together for the greater good. 

Breakout Sessions

Brave Spaces: Understanding the Complexity of Identity
Krystle Ciesielski – Facing History & Ourselves
An interactive conversation exploring how identity, personal stories, and curiosity help us listen across differences and build understanding.

Pastors & Laity Advancing Nonviolence (P.L.A.N.) – Parts 1 & 2
Tom Carlisi – Certified Nonviolent Communication Trainer, Ohio Council of Churches
An overview of the P.L.A.N. initiative to prevent gun violence and build peace in families, congregations, and communities, with real-world examples and participant-driven peacebuilding action planning.

Part 2 with Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh, Director of Public Policy Ohio Council of Churches.

Disagreeing Better - Parts 1 & 2
Nancy Miranda – Braver Angels Society
A two-part, skills-based experience focused on understanding differing values, communicating across political divides, and finding common ground. (participants are encouraged to attend both sessions for the full experience)

The Ebb & Flow of Food Security
Challenges in a Non–Food-Forward Society
Brendan Ortiz – LCCC Sustainable Agriculture Program
An interactive exploration of how identity, income, and systems shape access to food, highlighting inequities and community-based solutions that strengthen local food systems.

Documenters - Civic Reporting
Doug Breehl-Pitorak & Lawrence Daniel Caswell - Signal Cleveland
Learn how trained community members document local government meetings to strengthen transparency, civic engagement, and public accountability through Cleveland Documenters and how this model can be adapted locally.

In the Hearts of Peaceful Heroes
Roger Cram – Author, retired Professor Hiram College.
An exploration of how compassion, dignity, and calm can transform conflict, drawn from research on the perils of the Tuskegee Airmen and other heroes who respond to hatred without dehumanizing others.