18th Annual Shepaug World Affairs Forum

Former journalist and human rights activist Wendy Luers will join students from the Humanities Department of Shepaug Valley School at the 18th Annual Shepaug World Affairs Forum on Saturday, March 19th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in Washington Depot.

The Shepaug World Affairs Forum is an annual public event that showcases and celebrates student interest in international affairs. Each year an accomplished expert in international relations serves as the keynote speaker. The speaker engages with student panelists and community members in spirited discussion and at times debate regarding the most pressing issues that shape the world today. Wendy Luers, the founder and President of The Foundation for a Civil Society (FCS) in New York, a cultural,democratization and non-profit organization will present the keynote address and will share stories and strategies for effective leadership in the complicated world of international relations. She will also inspire Shepaug students to be leaders in both current and emerging issues. Students will present prepared remarks about leadership following Mrs. Luers keynote address.

“Mrs. Luers brings a perspective informed by her experience of working with human rights organizations and subsequently understanding the role of diplomacy as the spouse of William Luers, Ambassador to Caracas and then to Prague” says Chris Dennis, of the Shepaug Valley School Humanities Department. “The depth of knowledge and context Mrs. Luers brings to this event is exceptional. We are grateful for her commitment to working with our students.”

Students participating on the panel include Shepaug Valley school seniors Elena Gill, Sophie Glickman, Lydia Kennedy, Wyatt King, Sofia Missana, junior Abigail Creech, and freshman Ethan Cacace. Many of the student panel members recently participated at Model UN at Harvard. King and Glickman are also co-Captains of Shepaug’s Debate team. Students will prepare and present position papers on global topics including dissident leaders in Belarus, unsung heroes in environmental initiatives, and other issues that will require youth leadership in the coming years. In working with students on this event, Luers refers to a quote by Vaclav Havel “Work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed.”

Event sponsors include The Shepaug Student Project Foundation, The Shepaug Valley School PTO, The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, and the United Nations Association of Connecticut.

This is a free event and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to secure a seat. A meet and greet with the panelists will follow the presentation. Refreshments will be served. For the safety of everyone involved, masks may be required. For additional information contact Chris Dennis at [email protected].