The Defenders of Democracy, a nonpartisan grassroots advocacy organization currently focused on a collaborative community approach to violence prevention, will host a free forum in response to the growing epidemic of violence in our country entitled “A Community Confronts Violence: A New Vision,” the event is set for Thursday, Oct.12,, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Nazareth Student Center, Marywood University.

Michael Fanone, the former District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Officer, who nearly died on Jan. 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, 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.

Copies of Officer Fanone’s bestselling book, Hold the Line, will be available for sale. Officer Fanone will stay to autograph copies following the event. Munley Law is the presenting sponsor of the forum. While the event is free and open to the public, registration is required. Register at: marywood.edu/communityviolenceforum.

“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.” 

The Defenders of Democracy, established and administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, fosters issues in civic engagement and supports the work of the organization to educate the public and to promote activities that strengthen democracy.