Faith communities, spiritual traditions and the helping professions all carry powerful resources for connection, meaning and community. At a time when many people feel isolated, overwhelmed or divided by political, social and religious conflict, this institute will explore how practitioners, community leaders and faith-based organizations can move from shared values to collective action.

The UNC School of Social Work is hosting its second annual institute on spirituality for public health professionals, scholars and practitioners on Friday, Oct. 9.

“Building Interfaith Community: Dialogue and Action for Social Change” will feature a keynote address from Pamela Ayo Yetunde, co-founder of Buddhist Justice Reporter and the Year of the Black Woman Spiritual Direction program, as well as the author of several books.

The institute will bring together social workers, mental health providers, chaplains, clergy, spiritual care providers, public health professionals, students and community leaders to examine common threads across spiritual and religious traditions: connection to something beyond the self, connection to other people and responsibility to the wider community.