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Peace and Justice Studies Association Conference
Waterloo, Ontario
Register Here
Peace and Justice Conference
Gandhi staff member George Payne will be one of the presenters. See details below.
October 18, 2013
2:30-3:30pm
'Interfaith and Principled Nonviolence'
In this workshop we will examine ways that religion has both united and divided humanity. Participants will experience reading different passages from various faith traditions, discuss their own religious biographies in concentric circles, and learn more about the surging interfaith movement happening all over the world. I will specifically talk about M.K. Gandhi's views on religion as they relate to contemporary problems such as war, poverty, disease, climate change, and human trafficking.
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 | George Payne
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Become a
Gandhi Service Fellow!
 | | Only one week left to apply! gpayne2@ur.rochester.edu |
About the Gandhi Service Fellowship
The GSF is a year long program offered to high school 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 include:
- Alternative Spring Breaks
- Nonviolence Education Programs in ISS Rooms
- Interfaith Banquets
- Social Justice Forums
- Promotion of Urban Agriculture
- Solar Cooker Competition
- 5K Races
Request an application by contacting George Payne at gpayne2@ur.rochester.edu 585-703-9230
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Contribute $25 monthly and receive a Gandhi Institute poster
Contribute $100 monthly and receive a Gandhi t-shirt
Contribute $250 monthly and receive a limited edition Margaret Bourke- White photograph of Gandhi
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Are you a writer?
Do you have something to say about nonviolence?
We are looking for contributors!
Contact George Payne:
gpayne2@ur.rochester.edu
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Malik Thompson
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 | | Summer intern Malik Thompson (on left) |
What attracted you to the Gandhi Institute?
I met Kit Miller, the Director of the Gandhi Institute, last summer at the New York Intensive for Nonviolent Communication, which was being held in Rochester. During the Intensive, Kit ran a workshop on the application of NVC directed specifically towards teens. Being one of the two teens at the Intensive, I thought it'd be interesting to attend her session. When I entered the room the workshop was being held in, Kit offered me the opportunity to co-facilitate the workshop with her because, being a teen myself, she felt as if I would be able to offer some insights into contemporary youth culture, and I accepted the offer.
After the workshop, which Kit and I both felt went well; Kit offered me the opportunity to return to Rochester the following summer, this summer, to volunteer here, at the Gandhi Institute. Because I felt such a strong connection to the folks here, I jumped at the chance to re-connect with Kit and a good number of the other Gandhi staff, who also attended the Intensive, and accepted that offer as well. And now I'm here, having an amazing time.
What was your experience like to volunteer here during the summer?
Volunteering at the Gandhi Institute has simultaneously been a luxury and a challenge. Re-connecting with all of the wonderful people I was privileged enough to meet last summer, and meeting so many more wonderful people this summer, has been a fantastic luxury. Rochester itself is also really cool too; there is so much nature, history, and community in this city, it's hard not to fall in love with it. I'm honestly contemplating moving here.
I have also been challenged to get outside of my comfort zone many, many times since arriving here. From essentially living independently for the first time in my eighteen years of life to opening myself up to the humanity of other beings whose ideals I strongly disagree with, volunteering at the Gandhi Institute has encouraged me to rapidly evolve in my life's journey while providing the support which growth, no matter how fast or slow, requires. Volunteering here has been the highlight of my summer and I desperately hope to return next summer as well.
Nyiaesha Adrianna Colon
My name is Nyiaesha Adrianna Colon, I am 15 years old, and I currently work as a summer intern at the Gandhi Institute. I got involved with the Gandhi Institute through my program called "Citizen U" a program where youth come together to work on community projects and help us find summer jobs. I really enjoy being at the Gandhi institute....
To read more about Nyiaesha's summer experience visit our
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 | | Kit Miller |
Dear friends,
This past month has been loaded with inspiration. That feels important to us as the whole country celebrates the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech. Our goals in sharing and modeling nonviolence tie us with the proudest moments in American history. Here are some particulars:
*We finished the refugee youth project with Gandhi Fellow Fatima Bawany and had a front page newspaper story in the Democrat and Chronicle on the last day of the program!
*Marissa Balonon-Rosen's Pianos for Peace project has been making waves. See below for a piece in the Huffington Post and for other recent stories.
*We offered workshops and talks to a variety of community groups and human service workers, like the Mental Health Association, ABVI, and the Urban League of Rochester.
*We concluded a sold-out summer nonviolence intensive with visitors from Japan, Guatemala, Miami, and Washington DC in attendance (photos and reflections below).
Next month we will host another sold-out event: a four day retreat for women to learn nonviolent communication. The group of 40 is equally divided between women of color and white women. We want to learn how to speak about and heal from the violence of racism. It promises to be a very powerful event. (Thanks to the Rochester Area Community Foundation for grant support in making this event accessible to all.) Also next month we kick off after school nonviolence clubs with three enthusiastic school partners. Our goal is to make these clubs county-wide in secondary schools within the next few years.
I believe that we get all of this done with a small staff and tiny budget because we 'walk our talk' of commitment to a lived practice of nonviolence. Dealing with conflicts, focusing on gratitude and careful listening are some of the practices that fuel Gandhi staff and interns with energy, inspiration and joy.
In the midst of all of this celebration, we are having significant financial challenges. If our presence inspires you or matters to you, please support the Institute. Become a monthly donor (email me at kmiller@admin.rochester.edu). Connect us with funding from your faith community or a family foundation that might support our work. Invite people to our third annual grand opening to celebrate Gandhi's birthday and learn about our work on Sunday, September 29 2-5. Thanks for taking a minute or more to consider this request!
This comes with love from all of us,
Kit Miller
Director
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Participant Feedback from the
Summer Intensive
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The intensive changed me to the core. It has put new words in my mouth. It has given me another way to show my love.
James Daniels
I really enjoyed attending the workshop. Because of my participation this week I will encourage individuals within the city of rochester to improve their community by seeking active ways to collaborate with the Gandhi Institute.
Curtis Taylor
The nonviolence summer intensive was a great gift. The thoughtfully structured presentations and skilled presenters guided us through levels of new knowledge and welcomed both debate and compassion. The emotional and intellectual bonding among participants was a thread throughout that resulted in a life changing 5 days.
Julie Gelfand
I now understand that I am not breaking apart, I am not coming undone. I'm not washed up. I'm breaking open! That it's about time. It's okay. I trust my path.
Holly Adams
This institute will feed and energize my work with justice, peace, and integrity of creation. I will use the concepts of social justice to educate, motivate, and advocate for these ideals. Insisting on the use of an open heart to support an open mind, I will strive to communicate the wealth of nonviolence and creative change.
Jon Strickland
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In the News
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Pianos for Peace Celebration at the Gandhi Institute
on
Saturday, Sept 7th
from
11am to 2pm
We will be honoring everyone who helped make the Pianos for Peace project a reality at the Piano Park for Peace, which is here at the Gandhi Institute.
There will be live music performances, speakers (Police Chief Sheppard and University of Rochester Vice President Paul Burgett), refreshments, and photos/videos from when the pianos were in the community.
~Marissa Balonon-Rosen
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"Voices of Hope" on the
Front Cover of the Democrat & Chronicle!
Democrat & Chronicle
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 Refugee youth face countless struggles adjusting to life in America and often feel marginalized because of their backgrounds. The Voices of Hope project aimed to give these youth a sense of pride in their cultures, while helping them develop self-confidence in their abilities to succeed here. It consisted of (1) a weeklong leadership retreat to help participants develop essential skills such as communication and conflict resolution, (2) community service projects that instilled in participants a sense of responsibility to their communities, (3) a college fair to help participants plan for their future goals, and (4) a photography project that a llowed participants to express their experiences through pictures.
Column by Gandhi Board Member Jarred Jones Published in
CITY Newspaper
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Rochester and MLK's Dream
by Jarred Jones
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Rights and Freedom, it reminds us to look back at Rochester's role in the civil rights movement and the often forgotten heroes and dreams that blazed the trail toward equality in our city. The photograph at right captures a moment in history, showing a meeting of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and several prominent black leaders in the community. Among the members of this congregation is Milliard E. Latimer Sr., my great-grandfather....
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"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
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Support the Gandhi Institute by donating:
- tulip and daffodil bulbs
- copy paper
- 3 ft bookshelf
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