The Space Between Us: Immigrants, Refugees and Oregon

Global displacement is on the rise, thanks to intractable conflicts, economics and climate change. Oregonians have and will continue to see the results of international migration in our neighborhoods. In this conversation, Manuel Padilla, who has worked with refugees in Haiti, Chad, and Washington, D.C., asks participants to consider questions of uprootedness, hospitality, identity, perception and integration and how we might build more informed, responsive, resilient and vibrant communities. Manuel Padilla has a B.A. in philosophy from Portland State University and an M.A. in peace, conflict and development studies from the UNESCO Chair for the Philosophy of Peace. He has done peace work in Haiti, Chad and Washington, DC, working with internally displaced people, immigrants and refugees. Currently he implements reconciliation workshops in refugee contexts with the Jesuit Refugee Service, works with youth through restorative justice frameworks, and volunteers with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s Circles of Support and Accountability program. His professional interest is rooted in his deep spiritual desire to use group processes and dialogue to foster cultures of encounter and vulnerability to transform conflict and build civil society. An Oregon native, he is happy to be back, rediscovering roots and enjoying all life has to offer here. The Marylhurst Speaker Series is hosted by Marylhurst University’s Department of Interdisciplinary and Applied Liberal Arts. This talk is offered through Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Project, free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state’s future.