During the fall 2022 semester, new freshmen and other members of the Meredith community participating in the Summer Reading Program will explore one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change.
Climate conversations: women at the forefront will focus specifically on the efforts of women working to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Rather than a single book, this year’s program will include a multimedia website that hosts a variety of resources on climate science and climate activism. A range of articles, podcasts, TED talks, literary works, and fine and performing arts articles will appeal to the many ways students learn and process information.
“We are excited to offer climate change stories and information in a variety of media formats,” said Chrissie Bumgardner, Co-Chair of the Summer Reading Program Committee. “Students enjoy consuming information in different ways – and each format offers a slightly different perspective, which provides a richer, more comprehensive view that will, in turn, enrich our conversations.”
Given the program’s focus, Bumgardner said the committee also values the sustainability of the use of digital resources. And she noted that in researching potential materials for the website, committee members tried to seek out stories that offered a hopeful perspective.
“We know students have been through a lot over the past few years, and climate change is such an overwhelming topic,” she said. “We thought it was important to counter some of that anxiety with positive stories of women working to bring about real change.”
Students, faculty and staff will be notified when the website is operational. In addition to the various resources, the website will also include a series of questions to help guide the discussions held in September.
Over the summer, the committee will continue to work with others on campus to identify potential related events and programs that may be offered by departments.
“Given the broad nature of the subject, there are many ways for our colleagues to incorporate the theme into their curricula and courses,” Bumgardner said. “We hope to provide students with a range of experiences and perspectives in as many disciplines as possible.”
Learn more about Meredith Summer Reading Program
