APPALACHIA & IGNATIAN PEDAGOGY

a Delegation for High School Faculty

June 13-18, 2016
Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University
Wheeling, WV

Join other faculty from Jesuit high schools for an unique opportunity to network with fellow staff, reflect, and engage in the environmental and economic realities surrounding the Appalachian region. The immersion will be coordinated by our partners at the Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University, and reflection and idea sharing opportunities will be rooted in Ignatian pedagogy.

Environmental excursions lead participants to explore the impacts on communities made in order to harvest Appalachia’s coal, natural gas, and alternative energy to feed the needs of the region, nation, and world. In meeting with activists with opposing views, participants gain an appreciation for the complexity of such issues. The unique and objective education, coupled with daily reflections, result in a “call to action” for each individual and group to implement upon returning home.  During the experience, participants will:

  • meet with communities impacted by natural gas extraction
  • visit a mountaintop removal site
  • vist a coal slurry impoundment
  • meet with a coal miner (tentative)
  • attend a panel featuring faculty from Wheeling Jesuit University who are researching energy and its impacts in the Appalachia region
  • learn more about current energy legislation and ways schools can get involved
  • network and reflect with fellow staff from Jesuit high schools
  • come together for daily reflection and prayer

About the Appalachian Institute

The Appalachian Institute at Wheeling Jesuit University promotes research, service, and advocacy for and with the people of Appalachia to build healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities.

Rooted in Jesuit tradition, the Institute facilitates objective conversation around topics pertinent to the region, including: public health, environment, energy, culture, and community development. The Appalachian Institute carries out its mission by coordinating service and experiential learning immersion trips for several high school and college groups across the country, facilitating student and faculty research and engagement opportunities, and presenting public forums and workshops throughout the academic year. The Appalachian Institute also manages sustainability programs on WJU’s campus.

Registration

Early Registration

Before April 27, 2016

Member Institutions: $450

Non-Member Institutions: $475

Standard Registration

Member Institutions: $475

Non-Member Institutions: $500

Tentative Schedule

SUNDAY, JUNE 12th 
Arrive at Wheeling Jesuit University
Orientation, Reception & Dinner
Mass at WJU Chapel
Depart for Zion Retreat and Nature Center
Check in at Zion, unpack, reflection, etc…

MONDAY, JUNE 13th
Theme: Natural Gas Industry from Environmental/Community Perspective
Breakfast
Depart for Center for Coalfield Justice
Office visit with CCJ
Bag lunch at CCJ
Driving tour of gas and coal sites
Faculty Panel
Return to Zion / Dinner Prep
Dinner at Zion with UMWA/Murray Energy Coal Miner
Pack lunches
Reflection

TUESDAY, JUNE 14th
Theme: Natural Gas Industry from Environmental Perspective
Breakfast
Depart for New Martinsville Public Library
Meet with Frac Tracker Alliance
Bag lunch at Library
Driving tour of gas sites
Return to library parking lot and depart for Zion
Return to Zion / Dinner Prep
Dinner at Zion
Pack lunches
Reflection

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15th
Theme: Mountaintop Removal and Coal Industry
Breakfast at Zion
Depart for Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, WV
Arrive at Cedar Lakes / unpack
Depart for Kayford Mountain
Tour of Kayford
Depart for Cedar Lakes
Dinner at Cedar Lakes
Seminar on Governor’s Independent Investigation on Upper Big Branch
Campfire / Reflection

THURSDAY, JUNE 16th
Theme: Coal Mining Industry from Perspective of Industry & Coal History
Breakfast at Rock Lake
Depart for West Virginia Coal Association
WVCA presentation
Depart for Whipple
Bag lunch at Whipple Company Store
Tour of Whipple Museum
Depart for New River Gorge
Dinner at Pies and Pints, Fayetteville
Depart for Cedar Lakes
Reflection and Call to Action / Final Evaluations

FRIDAY, JUNE 17th
Theme: Gas and Fracking Industry from Perspective of History & Culture
Breakfast at Cedar Lakes
Depart for West Virginia Oil and Gas Association
Presentation at West Virginia Oil and Gas Association
Lunch at West Virginia Cultural Center
Tour of WVCC and Capitol Complex
Depart for Cedar Lakes
Dinner at Cedar Lakes

SATURDAY, JUNE 18th
Depart for home from Cedar Lakes