Advocacy/Social Justice Day Focuses on Food Justice and Nourishing Community

Marywood University will focus on food justice and nourishing community during events at this year’s Advocacy and Social Justice Day, Wednesday, October 23, from 9 a.m.–7 p.m., at the Liguori Center (Regina Hall) and at the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts on the university’s campus.

Co-organizers of the event are faculty members Lea Dougherty, M.S.W. and Jeremy Rich, Ph.D. Campus events throughout the day will include an artwork display, issue circles, and simulations about pressing social justice issues.

Featured public events include a legislative panel, “Advocacy101: Building Relationships to Help Shape Policy,” with John Blake, District Director and Economic Development Specialist with the Office of U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright/8th Congressional District, 4-5 p.m. in the Liguori Center at Regina Hall.

A public keynote presentation will culminate the day’s events. Tannis Kowalchuk, Artistic Director for Farm Arts Collective in Damascus, Pa., will present “Cultivating Connection: Collaboration and Sustainability,” from 6 - 7 p.m. in the Liguori Center at Regina Hall.

Tannis Kowalchuk is a theater artist, flower farmer, and the co-owner of Willow Wisp Organic Farm. Tannis has directed and performed in over 30 original theater productions in the U.S. and Canada. She also directs the agriculture and arts programs at Farm Arts Collective's Agri-Cultural Center on Willow Wisp Organic Farm, a newly built educational and performance venue dedicated to programs in farming, art, food, and ecology. Tannis and her husband, Greg, were 2023 recipients of Farmer of the Year by Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, and Farm Arts Collective was the 2024 recipient of the Radio Catskill Community Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability.