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2013 Nonviolence
Summer Intensive
10:00 am-5:00 pm (each day)
Gandhi House
929 S. Plymouth Ave
Rochester, NY
This experience is designed for social workers, students, teachers, activists, people of faith and any individual interested in the principles and practices of social change through nonviolence.
During the workshop, participants will learn:
- the life and teachings of M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
- Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
- Tools for inner change
- Deep ecology and the Work That Reconnects
The Intensive will be interactive with a focus on group-based learning.
Only 25 Spots Available!
Sliding scale of $0-$500.
No one turned away for lack of funds.
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Photographs from What You Say Next Can Change Your World workshop with Miki Kashtan
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Workshop participants gather together in the Interfaith Chapel at the University of Rochester
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 | | Kit Miller, Shannon Richmond and Miki Kashtan |
"I have a growing conviction about how much nonviolence is rooted, in part, in the willingness to be exposed, to take the heat, to lose what's dear to us, even our freedom, or our very lives (believe me, I am not there with that last one). The reason for this belief is that nonviolence requires an immense capacity for transcending fight, flight, or freeze reactions, so we can actually make a mindful choice how to respond in the moment. If so, finding a way to shift from "should" to "want" is absolutely essential, more aligned with the heart of nonviolence. It allows us to open our hearts, to remove the protection and the illusion of "should" thinking, to experience the humility of not knowing whether and how we can change something, and to be present for reality exactly the way it is."
- Miki Kashtan
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Interview with Gandhi Institute Intern Camila Reyes from Colombia
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Question: What skills do you hope to develop or acquire while working at the Gandhi Institute?
Camila: There are three main skills that I want to develop:
1) Listening: I want to continue learning how to listen to myself and other people, and how to create spaces where everyone's voice can be heard, spaces where people can express themselves with authenticity. This is critical for example in my country, where the people have been killed for decades because of different beliefs about political participation, land ownership, and distribution of resources. In Colombia, violence has become a strategy for people in the current system to be heard and seen. But this is not working for anyone. That is why I have realized that in order to create new conditions that foster quality connections and understanding between people the skill of listening is essential.
2) Trust: I want to build trust in myself and clarity around how I want to contribute to this world in a way that serves life. Part of the motivation that brought me to the Gandhi Institute is knowing that I'm going to be in a space where I can be the person I truly am, and that's the kind of trusting support that I think is needed to be in touch with what is meaningful for me to share with the world. In my past jobs I have been required to adapt myself to somebody else's expectations that did not always help me reach my fullest potential. That's why I am here. I have found the conditions here allow me to express myself fully, so that I can share the best of me. If I can trust in myself I belief I will be able to share that trust with others, so we can grow together. In my country we are afraid of trust, which is part of the traumatic impact of violence. I want to contribute towards the transformation of this reality.
3) Action:
I want to continue learning how best to integrate different practices like Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and restorative justice to walk towards conflict in a way that increases understanding and connection between people as part of a life system. I also want to learn how to identify and address structural pain that lives in each of us and in society as a whole. I think that the best way to integrate these skills and practices is through action. At the Gandhi Institute I have the opportunity to put these practices into action with the collaboration of a team. I am very grateful to be here!
Stay tuned for more from Camila!
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Join fellow citizens from all over the State!
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Will you be in Albany on June 17?
On Monday, June 17, 2013, citizens from across New York-from Long Island to Niagara Falls-will arrive in Albany to demand freedom from dirty energy, calling on Governor Cuomo to reject fracking and lead the nation inbuilding a renewable energy economy here and now in New York.
At this march and rally, the anti-fracking movement will, for the first time, join with business leaders, faith leaders, health professionals, elected officials, farmers, and youth to fight for renewable energy jobs that our families and communities want and deserve.
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What: Stop Fracking and Demand Renewable Energy
- When: Monday, June 17th, 12pm-3pm
- Where: Rally and March on East Capitol Lawn, Albany
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Sandra Steingraber's War on Toxic Trespassers
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The "Messages of Peace" project was part of the 2013 Interfaith Banquet organized by Gandhi Service Fellow Fatima Bawany
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Check out our new
Are you a writer? Do you have something to say about nonviolence? We are looking for new contributors! Contact George at gpayne2@ur.rochester.edu
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Apply to Become a 2013-2014
Gandhi Service Fellow!
The Gandhi Service Fellowship is a year long program offered through the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence to university and college students from the Rochester area. Students receive instruction in the practical art of nonviolence, develop personalized community service projects, meet other people interested in social change, and have lots of fun!!! Past projects have included: - Alternative Spring Breaks
- Nonviolence Education in Schools
- Interfaith Banquets
- Social Justice Forums
- Promotion of Urban Agriculture and Food Justice
- Administration of the Gandhi Institute Website
- Solar Cooker Competitions
- 5K Races
Learn more about the Gandhi Service Fellowship or request an application by contacting George Payne at gpayne2@ur.rochester.edu / 585-703-9230
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 | Gandhi Institute trailer by Anna-Kristina Pfeifer
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Letter from the Director
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Dear friends,
This month, I am writing to share numbers. Our wonderful board approved a new budget for us recently. Check it out here. We do a lot with a little! To give you a partial sense of our activities, in May we worked with the following groups:
We could put 100% focus on programs and people if we didn't have to hunt for financial support. If you are reading this, this work matters to you too. Our fundraising budget is $120,000. Help me identify 12 people who might consider contributing $10,000 each. Help with ideas, technical savvy, or from the proceeds of a birthday celebration or garage sale. Support from you with this in any way would be a special gift to all of us. Thank you for considering this request.
This comes with love from all of us here,
Kit Miller
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Gandhi River Keepers
Saturday, June 8, 2013
All are Welcome!
Meet at Gandhi House @ 10:00am (929 S. Plymouth)
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Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.
- Lao Tzu
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Memorializing the Peacemakers
a house party & fundraiser for the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) & the Gandhi Institute
THIS Friday
May 31st
5:30-9 pm
Gandhi House
929 South Plymouth Avenue 14608
*a potluck dinner will be provided
WHAT: Join us to remember and honor those who committed their lives to social justice and embodying nonviolence. Bring a photo or story about a peacemaker who has inspired you (and has passed away), and we'll collectively honor and remember them!
WHY: We want to give you a chance to learn about, practice and support AVP!
WHEN:We will start at 5:30 PM-9:00 PM, offering a light & eclectic dinner - (provided potluck by your community Alternatives to Violence Project team) - followed by a mini-AVP session on our "Memorial Day" theme, "Memorializing the Peacemakers"
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Gandhi House on 929 S. Plymouth
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Sponsored by the Genesee Valley Area Council of AVP/NY
Donations will be gratefully accepted to support our AVP work in the community, in prisons and internationally.
Questions? (585) 851-4538
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Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 am at the Gandhi House
Using stories from his own life, Tim Wise demonstrates the ways in which racism not only burdens people of color, but also benefits, in relative terms, those who are "white like him." He discusses how racial privilege can harm whites in the long run and make progressive social change less likely. He explores the ways in which whites can challenge their unjust privileges, and explains in clear and convincing language why it is in the best interest of whites themselves to do so. Using anecdotes instead of stale statistics, Wise weaves a narrative that is at once readable and yet scholarly, analytical and yet accessible. If you'd like to join our group, please contact Shannon in advance to find out what chapter we will be discussing! srichmond@ur.rochester.edu or 585-463-3266 |
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The last 100 years of nonviolence
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THE ASSISI PEACE PROJECT
The Assisi Peace Project is an inclusive and ongoing movement. We seek to unite with like-minded individuals and organizations in an effort to create dialogue, find common ground, and work collaboratively towards collective peace.
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
Walkers collect pledge donations from sponsors. Proceeds support the mission of the Assisi Institute.
If a walker is raising money on behalf of a nonprofit organization associated with the walk (other than Assisi), fifty percent of the money raised will go directly to that nonprofit organization, and the remaining money supports Assisi's mission.
Individuals who are not affiliated with a nonprofit organization are welcome to participate in the walk.
LENGTH OF WALK
2 OR 3.5 MILE ROUTE OPTIONS (Routes will be clearly marked the day of the event.)
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM - Registration & Refreshments
9:30 AM - Welcome
9:45 AM - Walk Begins (Lunch to follow)
11:30 AM - Peace Service*
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Staff from RIT's Office of Residential Life volunteer during the
United Way Day of Caring
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Ron Finley: A guerilla gardener in South Central LA
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Stay posted for upcoming work parties in our community garden!
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