Moscow event aimed at uniting community, overcoming divisiveness
News Brief by Tracy Simmons | FāVS News
This story has been updated.
Palouse organizations will host “United in Community” in May, building on momentum from two recent events: the United Against Hate Summit and a separate December presentation by “Extremely American” podcaster Heath Druzin.
Scot Nakagawa will deliver the keynote address, bringing 42 years of social justice advocacy experience. Nakagawa, political strategist and co-founder of the 22nd Century Initiative, has worked against authoritarianism and for inclusive democracy since 1988, collaborating with the National Anti-Klan Network and the Highlander Research and Education Center.
Kate Bitz, Western States Center program senior organizer whose work has been featured in The Washington Post and NPR, will facilitate discussions.
The previous United Against Hate Summit drew nearly 200 Moscow residents. Separately, Druzin spoke at a December event titled “An Inside Look at Extremism in the Northwest and How it is Shaping Our Lives and Politics.” Druzin’s podcast investigated Christ Church and its leader Doug Wilson’s growing influence, with its second season reaching over 1 million downloads.
The May event aims to strengthen community connections through organizational presentations, discussion groups and collaborative planning. Topics include addressing theocracy, finding common ground, supporting public schools, affirming inclusion and connecting with University of Idaho students.
The event runs May 17, 1-4 p.m. at the 1912 Center in Moscow. Registration is closed, but a waitlist is available at unitedchurchofmoscow.com.
