SLC, Twin Lights
Parking Lot 7 to the Student Life Center
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The Courage to Confront Conspiracy: Rebuilding Trust in a Time of Mistrust

• Wednesday, February 18
• Presenter: Christian Perez, adjunct Political Science, assistant director Brookdale Long Branch
• Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Location: Twin Lights, Student Life Center

In an age defined by misinformation and division, conspiracy theories have eroded public trust and weakened our shared democratic values. This presentation examines how these narratives take root, spread, and corrode civic dialogue and faith in democratic institutions. Drawing from recent examples and social science research, it explores how fear, isolation, and digital echo chambers fuel conspiratorial thinking, while highlighting practical strategies that citizens can use to counter misinformation in their own circles—through critical thinking, civic education, and compassionate engagement.

From “Libtards” to “M*sshats”: Conflict Transformation in the Age of Anxiety

• Wednesday, February 18
• Presenter: Laura McCullough, Professor of English
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Location: Twin Lights, Student Life Center

Anger, fear, and sadness are tough emotions and are even harder to process in “the age of anxiety.” It takes practice to learn to self regulate during conflict. We all are on edge; we all get triggered. But what do we do to keep our dignity and ideals and also listen to people whose dignity and ideals seem to be the polar opposite. We’ll explore a concept called Conflict Transformation, which is not the same as conflict resolution. It’s not always about finding a solution; sometimes it’s about changing the way we see a problem.

No More Waiting — The Call to Act: The Story of the Greater Red Bank Women’s Immigration Committee

• Wednesday, February 18
• Presenter: Greater Red Bank Women’s Initiative
• Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Twin Lights, Student Life Center

Listen to a panel of local women who, as a cohesive group since 2016, have succeeded in making a difference in the lives of immigrants in the Red Bank area. Find out how their committee has adapted and evolved to help immigrants overcome obstacles, has advocated for change in legislation at the national, state and local levels, as well as how they keep themselves together, motivated and still going strong. Hear the advice they have for young adults who would like to become involved in activism that addresses causes they feel strongly about, but aren’t sure where to begin or how to get involved.

Democracy at MonmouthCares: Wraparound and Youth Mental Health

• Wednesday, February 18
• Presenters: MonmouthCares, Marin Kirby De Leon, Executive Director and Chad Majczan, Director of Community Relations and Resource Development
• Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Twin Lights, Student Life Center

MonmouthCares is the Monmouth County Care Management Organization (CMO) whose mission is “to facilitate positive change so that children with emotional and behavioral challenges, along with their families, have the greatest opportunity to live, thrive, and develop in their communities.” Staff provide face-to-face care management and comprehensive service planning for youth under 21 by utilizing an evidence-based model called Wraparound. MonmouthCares was officially established in 2001 as a part of the NJ Children’s System of Care and is a contracted agency with the Department of Children and Families. Both the birth of this statewide system as well as the Wraparound model have democratic beginnings with a clear focus on youth and family voice, strength, and collaboration. Come learn more about this work and think about how Wraparound – as a philosophy and a practice – can be applied to other settings and systems.

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