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WJU offers focus on election, gun rules

WHEELING — Wheeling Jesuit’s Clifford M. Lewis, S.J. Appalachian Institute is offering programs this fall to inform the public about election issues and gun legislation in West Virginia, as well as host a community development conference.

“This year, we have a number of programs planned that will educate residents in the local region about important issues — issues that will make an impact in their lives on a local, regional and national level,” said Beth Collins, director of the Appalachian Institute.

Programs for the year kick off Sept. 14 when the Institute will co-host a Community Development Conference with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. The symposium on community development investments will feature experts and practitioners who will discuss ways to build organizational capacity; expand opportunities to secure community development finance and bank financing; and provide examples of successful community development projects. The program is designed for non-profit and affordable housing providers, social service agencies, state and local municipal officials, foundations and financial institutions.

The conference will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in WJU’s Troy Theater. Registration is required by contacting the Appalachian Institute or Joe Ott of the Federal Reserve at joseph.c.ott@clev.frb.org.

On Sept. 29, join the Gun Legislation in WV Forum in the NTTC Auditorium. The discussion begins at 6 p.m. Representatives from Moms Demand Action, the NRA and academia will explore all sides of this issue.

They will discuss what gun legislation looks like in a predominantly rural region like West Virginia, and the relationship of gun control and the pro-life movement.

During October, the Institute will hold two programs that will look at issues related to the 2016 Election.

“This is a fascinating election year, and while the media is predominantly focusing on the presidential election, we believe it’s vital for us also to focus on our state elections,” Collins explained.

“Red, Blue or Purple — WV’s Complex Voting History” will look into West Virginia’s election history. Set for 6 p.m. Oct. 13 in the NTTC Auditorium, the lecture will explore West Virginia’s history from split-ticket voting to the state’s impact on the Kennedy election to today’s modern issues.

A West Virginia Issues Forum will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Center for Educational Technologies Recital Hall. The forum will explore the biggest issues facing West Virginia and how state and presidential candidates align with those issues. Representatives from the American Friends Service Committee, Center for Budget and Policy, WV Healthy Kids and Families and media outlets will join the panel forum.

For more information about any of the events, contact the Appalachian Institute at ai@wju.edu or (304) 243-4361.

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