SCA Meeting, Dec. 14

The Sewanee Civic Association (SCA) will meet at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the EQB Building. Social time with wine begins at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins at 6 p.m. Dinner costs $13 per person. The business meeting begins promptly at 6:30 p.m., followed by a brief program. The program portion of the evening is free and open to the public.

Jim Peterman, University of the South Professor of Philosophy, and Director of Civic Engagement, will present the program on “The Dao (Way) of Civic Engagement on the South Cumberland Plateau, 2010-16.” In his talk, Peterman will discuss the way in which the University of the South has recently sought to deepen its commitment to both local and distant communities as a way of enhancing its students’ preparation for responsible, engaged citizenship.

Peterman has held various roles in Sewanee’s civic engagement programs since 2011, taking on the directorship of an integrated six-person office in 2015. He was a recipient of a 2015 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. The awards are presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to recognize demonstrated effectiveness in public service. In 2014, he was recognized by Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace with a service award for calling attention to the need for universal health care in the U.S. and coordinating signup events to help community members apply for Affordable Care Act coverage. His community work arises from his academic teaching and research on ethics, social justice and early Chinese Philosophy.

This year, the SCA is celebrating 108 years of civic opportunities in the community. The association brings together community members for social and community awareness. The SCA is the sponsoring organization for Cub Scout Pack 152, Sewanee Classifieds and the Sewanee Community Chest. Any adult who resides in the area and shares concerns of the community is invited to participate.