7 Ways to Find Peace During 8th Annual Peace Initiative
The theme of the College of Charleston's eighth annual Peace Initiative, March 23–27, is "Promoting Peace Through Understanding."
The College of Charleston’s eighth annual Peace Initiative, March 23–27, is a weeklong series of events dedicated to cultivating peace through understanding, connection and community.
Launched to encourage people to come together to strengthen and renew their connections to one another and themselves, the Peace Initiative aims to promote peace within ourselves, our communities and our world.
To this end, the initiative brings together campus and community experts to explore practices and techniques – like yoga, mindfulness, meditation and gratitude – that promote peace and wellbeing.
Below are seven ways to find peace, connection and understanding during the College’s 2026 Peace Initiative. All students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate.
Learn How to Find Common Ground
Monday, March 23
12–1 p.m.
Tate Center, Room 202
Tired of shouting matches and hot takes? Come to this fast-paced workshop and learn how to actually talk to people who disagree with you – and maybe even like them afterward. Build skills around finding common ground, overcoming difference, conflict de-escalation and managing difficult conversations. Sponsored by the Office of Civic Engagement, this event will feature Mike Lee, director of the Civility Initiative, and is a great opportunity to gain insights and enhance your skills in navigating meaningful conversations. Real tips to connect, real conversations, zero lectures.
Peace Circle: Personal Storytelling with Tessa Updike
Tuesday, March 24
12:15–1:30 p.m.
Maybank Hall, Room 112
Make new connections, deepen existing relationships, gain self-insight, practice the art of deep listening and expand your empathy and compassion by sharing and learning from each other’s stories and experiences. RSVP required.
Drum Circle with Kim Lea and Friends
Tuesday, March 24
6:30–8 p.m.
Cistern Yard
And the beat goes on! Join us for some improvised music-making to promote joyful self-expression and community togetherness. Find out how rhythm can bring people together to connect and inspire. RSVP required.
Incluza-Palooza:
Celebrating Unity Through Engagement and Entertainment
Wednesday, March 25
6–8:30 p.m.
Education Center, Septima Clark Memorial Auditorium, Room 118
Part community action, part variety show, Incluza-Palooza brings together local performers, community members, college students and agencies for a fun and positive evening to honor the rich variety that makes Charleston great. Engaging tabling will kick things off, with the entertainment – featuring the Bernard Sisters, Mr. Enlightenment, Porto Seguro, Kymmya Starr Davidson, India Association of Greater Charleston and the cast of Happyland – beginning at 7 p.m. Participating agencies include Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach and AMOR Healing Kitchen.
Holding Space: Yin Yoga and Journaling
Thursday, March 26
5–6:15 p.m.
159 Rutledge Ave.
Kim Markin of Modern Minds leads a 75-minute experiential class combining Yin Yoga and guided journaling to cultivate calm, acceptance and inner peace. Yin Yoga focuses on stillness and breath, inviting awareness of physical, mental and emotional experiences as they arise and pass. The subsequent guided journal reflection will help participants observe their experiences with clarity and compassion. RSVP required.
Peace Parade with ECDC
Friday, March 27
10–10:45 a.m.
Beginning in the Cistern Yard
This annual event is always a favorite! Celebrate peace, people and harmony with the students of the Early Childhood Development Center and Memminger Elementary School! CofC students from the sororities and fraternities, as well as some surprise guests, will join in, too!
Meditation Retreat
Friday, March 27
2–4 p.m.
Addlestone Library, Room 227
Unwind from the week with a quiet, calming, contemplative meditation retreat offering guided meditation and reflection. Refocus, recenter and rejuvenate! RSVP required.
For more information and the full schedule of events, visit charleston.edu/psychology/peace-initiative.
The Peace Initiative is collaboratively hosted by the Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Office of Community Engagement, Office of Civic Engagement and Office of Student Wellness and Well-being.
