The OrthoWorx Diversity Committee and Kosciusko Community YMCA announced their first Diversity Discussion for 2019, “Faith for All: Understanding Global Religions and Their Practices,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the YMCA.

This free, educational event is open to the public and will feature a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Allyn Decker, vice chancellor, Ivy Tech Community College, Warsaw. The panel will include leaders from the Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism faiths.

First launched in December 2017, the Diversity Discussions are a platform to showcase diversity and learn about current and sometimes difficult topics.





Decker said, “I am honored to moderate this panel because respecting religious diversity helps us all ‘love our neighbors as ourselves,’” he said. “Exploring others’ core beliefs, religious practices and world views helps us find common ground and also appreciate the differences that can make our own faith traditions distinct. I look forward to an evening of good conversation and deep learning.”

The event will feature questions that the community may have about different faiths. There are boxes at the Kosciusko Community YMCA and Ivy Tech Community College for community members to anonymously submit questions about each specific faith.

“As the makeup of our community changes, people may naturally have questions about other faiths, and this is an opportunity to authentically address those questions,” Decker said. “The Diversity Discussion will create a unique space for community members of any faith to converse, share ideas and create connections.”

The OrthoWorx Diversity Committee, consisting of volunteers from OrthoWorx member organizations and other community leaders, has focused on both creating new programs and promoting already-existing, diversity-related programming for residents of Kosciusko County.

Nichole Rouached, manager, communications and projects, from OrthoWorx, said, “The Diversity Discussions have been popular amongst our community members. The fabric of society is constantly changing, greater access to technology means we are processing more information, often quickly making judgements. Diversity Discussions are opportunities to slow down, listen to different leaders and people sharing their stories. We are creating a level of engagement that is often left behind in our tech-driven world – listening and good conversation.”

The Diversity Discussion Series will be a periodic event hosted by the Kosciusko Community YMCA with OrthoWorx and will feature a different topic each time.