The University at Buffalo (UB) in collaboration with the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, the Buffalo and Erie County Libraries, and the Veterans One-stop Center of Western New York will collaborate on a project, titled “Developing a Sense of Meaningful Belonging Among Veterans.” The project will take place in Buffalo, NY  from May 2021 until October 2022. The project consists of a six-day preparatory program to train six discussion leaders at UB in August 2021, and of two cycles of six monthly discussion programs for military veterans. The first cycle will take place at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center from September 2021 until March 2022 (except December 2021). The second cycle will take place at the downtown Buffalo and Erie County Library from May 2022 until October 2022. The project also includes an exhibition of veterans’ photographs and a public panel discussion at the downtown Buffalo and Erie County Library in April 2022. The wars to be covered are the American Civil War, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The theme of meaningful belonging will be explored through the following six topics: reintegration; disability; mental health; loss and suffering; reconciliation; and, public memory. The genres of humanities sources to be considered are historical writings, letters, fiction, and documentaries. The project aims to facilitate an understanding of how veterans develop a feeling of social connection and a feeling that active participation in the civilian world is possible.

Pizza and light refreshments will be served.

This project is supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, with food sponsored by the UB Humanities Institute.

Registration required. If you are a veteran interested in participating in the monthly discussion programs, please contact Dr. Vasiliki Neofotistos at neofotis@buffalo.edu.

Have you ever served in the U.S. military? Do you enjoy thinking about and discussing books and films about the American Civil War and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Come join us!

Third Wednesdays at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center (341 Delaware Avenue), September 2021 through March 2022 (except 12/21)

• Open to all veterans or current military service members.
• Discussion meetings will be veteran-led, and in person (pandemic conditions permitting).
• Participants will reflect on powerful literature and art and explore the theme of meaningful belonging among veternas.
• Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 monthly discussion meetings! Attendance at a minimum of four meetings is required and must include both the first meeting (9/15/2021) and the last (3/16/2022).