Marywood University to Host Forum Addressing Violence with Bestselling Author

The Defenders of Democracy, a nonpartisan grassroots advocacy organization currently focused on a collaborative community approach to violence prevention, will host a forum in response to the growing epidemic of violence in our country. The forum, “A Community Confronts Violence: A New Vision,” will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Nazareth Hall, Marywood University. 

The event is free to attend and is open to the public. Michael Fanone, the former District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Officer who nearly died on January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., will be the keynote speaker. Officer Fanone will discuss his bestselling book, Hold the Line, which addresses many of today’s most critical issues and how they impact our lives.

Joining Officer Fanone will be Dr. Matthew Schaffer, the Director of Psychological Services at Marywood University and an expert in threat assessment, who will lead an interactive discussion about creating a community initiative to prevent violence in our region. The event’s goal is to bring together the various governmental, public, and private entities working on violence prevention and to explore models that have been effective in other communities and countries.

The Defenders of Democracy was established and is administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation to foster issues in civic engagement. 

“The Scranton Area Community Foundation supports events that bring the community together to work on solutions that enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This event aims to convene the community to work on solutions that address violence within our communities.  It is an important topic that has come up more and more frequently in community conversations, both locally and nationwide.” 

Copies of Officer Fanone’s Hold the Line book will be available for sale. Officer Fanone will stay to autograph copies following the event.

Munley Law is the presenting sponsor. 

While the event is free and open to the public, registration is required. Register at https://www.campusce.net/marywood/course/course.aspx?catId=62.