College of Charleston announces 8th Annual Peace Initiative theme: “Promoting Peace Through Understanding”
March 23, 2026
The College of Charleston announces its 8th Annual Peace Initiative, a week‑long series of events dedicated to cultivating peace through understanding, connection and community. Events will take place the week of March 23, 2026.
The week brings together campus and community experts to explore practices for promoting peace and well-being. Techniques include yoga, mindfulness, meditation and gratitude.
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 & Well-being. Launched to encourage people to come together to strengthen and renew our connections to each other and ourselves with the purpose of promoting peace within ourselves, our communities, and our world.
All students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to participate.
Please note: RSVPs are required for some events due to space limitations.
2026 Peace Initiative Event Lineup
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026
Learn How to Find Common Ground
Sponsored by the Office of Civic Engagement
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Build skills around finding common ground, overcoming difference, conflict de-escalation and managing difficult conversations. This is a great opportunity to gain insights and enhance your skills in navigating meaningful conversations.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026
Peace Circle: Personal Storytelling with Tessa Updike
12:15–1:30 p.m. | Maybank 112
Make new connections, deepen existing relationships, gain self-insight, and expand your empathy and compassion by sharing and learning from each other’s stories and experiences.
Limited seating — RSVP required: https://charleston.edu/psychology/peace-initiative/index.php
Drum Circle with Kim Lea and Friend
6:30–8:00 p.m. | Cistern Yard
Explore the ability rhythm to bring people together to connect and inspire.
Limited seating — RSVP required: https://charleston.edu/psychology/peace-initiative/index.php
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026
Incluza-Palooza: Engagement & Entertainment
6:00–8:30 p.m. | ECTR 118
Part community action, part variety show. Join us for a fun evening with local performers, community members, college students, and agencies to honor the rich variety that makes Charleston great!
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026
Holding Space: Yin Yoga and Journaling
5:00–6:15 p.m. | 159 Rutledge Ave
Participate in a Yin Yoga practice focused on stillness and breath, inviting awareness of physical, mental, and emotional experiences as they arise and pass. This is followed by a guided journal reflection to help participants observe their experiences with clarity and compassion.
Limited seating — RSVP required: https://charleston.edu/psychology/peace-initiative/index.php
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026
Peace Parade with Early Childhood Development Center & Memminger Elementary School
10:00–10:45 a.m. | Cistern Yard
Celebrate peace with the students of ECDC and Memminger.
Meditation Retreat
2:00–4:00 p.m. | Addlestone Library
A quiet, contemplative retreat offering guided meditation and reflection.
Limited seating — RSVP required: https://charleston.edu/psychology/peace-initiative/index.php
