Exploring religious freedom, respectful dialogue, and human dignity across differences
Join students and young adults from different religious backgrounds in this interactive conference on why religious freedom matters in today’s world. Together, we will consider how people of different beliefs can engage in respectful conversations about faith and conscience while building a culture of dignity and pluralism.
“Religious freedom is a cornerstone human right. You cannot build the broader human rights project without it.”
​
Sam Brownback, Religious Freedom Ambassador and Former Governor of Kansas
Keynote Speaker Lauren Willardson
for the Rising Generation Religious Freedom Conference
Lauren Willardson’s life changed dramatically when she was stabbed nine times while serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After surviving the attack, she has become an active participant in interfaith conversations and community events that bring together people from different religious traditions to build understanding and mutual respect.
​
Lauren Willardson is a policy professional and writer focused on religious freedom, constitutional principles, and public policy. A former journalist and published freelance writer, she is also a young adult representative to the National Council for Religious Freedom. Lauren has spoken at faith-based events and media engagements across the United States and Canada, and looks forward to sharing her experiences.
What You Can Expect
Food, Friendship, Learning, and Multi-Faith Dialogue
-
Kahoot Kickoff Challenge: Test your current knowledge of religious freedom in a fun Kahoot game. Compete, learn something new, and win prizes.
-
Keynote Address: Lauren Willardson
-
Student Voices Panel: Students from surrounding universities share their experiences navigating faith, belief, and respectful conversations on campus
-
Lunch & Table Conversations: Enjoy a free lunch while participating in small-group discussions about encouraging conversations of dignity across differences. Participants will also be introduced to the Dignity Index, a practical tool for recognizing language that builds respect rather than division.
Why Attend the Conference?
​
-
Hear student perspectives on belief, practice, and dialogue on today’s campuses.
-
Learn practical ways to have respectful conversations using the Dignity Index.
-
Test your knowledge in an interactive Kahoot challenge with prizes.
-
Enjoy a free lunch while connecting with young adults from across Mecklenburg County.
Potlucks for Pluralism is a cooperative initiative of Johnson C. Smith University and Mecklenberg Metropolitan Interfaith Network (MECKMIN), funded by a generous grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Meet the Mecklenburg County Alliance
Charlotte Religious Freedom Chair
Kristen Anderson
Oversee interfaith, civic, community, academic, and media outreach on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the United States Southeast Area, providing strategic direction and support for communication efforts in 10 states. Lead and mentor coordinating council communication directors and their communication teams, strengthening relationships and sharing stories of faith and service throughout the region.
RFAC National Coordinator
Hannah Smith
Hannah Smith serves as the National Coordinator of the Religious Freedom Alliance Council, leading the coordination of speakers and resources to support local alliance members. She has spent her career advocating for religious freedom as an attorney and on national media.
RFAC Chair
Bill Benac
As National Chairman of the Religious Freedom Alliance Council, Bill spearheads efforts to protect and promote this fundamental right nationwide.
Contact a Member of the Charlotte Alliance
To sign up for an event or join the alliance
