|
|
M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
October Newsletter
|
929 South Plymouth Avenue
Rochester, New York 14608
| |
|
|
"Having flung aside the sword,
there is nothing except the cup of love
which I can offer to those who oppose me."
-M.K. Gandhi
|
|
|
2015 Open House & Gandhi Birthday Party
Come by the Gandhi House to celebrate Gandhi's birthday and learn more about the Institute.
In honor of Gandhi's birthday and another year of the Gandhi Institute's presence and contribution, we will partake in cupcakes from Small World Food while DJ (and Gandhi board member) Alykhan spins tunes. The day also includes dance performance and instruction, a magician, face-painting, an arts and crafts table, experiments in empathy, and more.
A brief program during the event will feature youth and adults who are connected with and benefiting from the work of the Institute.
Help us make this year's event another beautiful community celebration!
Sunday, October 4, 2015, 1-4 pm
929 Plymouth Avenue South, Rochester 14608
|
|
Open House Volunteers Still Needed
We are currently looking for help to set up for the event from 11-1, as well as to clean up afterwards from 4-5. Contact David Sanchez at ds32843@gmail.com if you are willing to help!
|
|
Apples, Anyone?
We will be serving apples at the Open House as a healthy snacking option. Please bring apples to share if you are able!
|
|
Can't make it to our Open House? Here are some other ways to get involved with the Institute!
| |
|
Attend a Conversation on Race
A Process of Discovery
Free, facilitated conversations about race and its impact on all of us.
Each two-hour conversation is unique and stands alone, and everyone participates.
Conversations on Race:
Brockport-Seymour Library, 161 East Avenue, Brockport
Monday, November 9th, 6 - 8pm,
Conversations on Race with Poverty:
Parma Public Library, 7 West Avenue, Hilton, 392-8350
Thursday, October 15, 6 - 8pm
Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Boulevard, Rochester, 428-8214
Tuesday, October 20, 5 - 7pm
Fairport Public Library, 1 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport, 223-9091
Wednesday, November 18, 6 -8pm
Winton Branch Library, 611 Winton Road North, Rochester, 428-8204
Monday, November 23, 6 - 8pm
|
|
Purchase a Gandhi Deck
The decks make a great birthday gift or gift. Buy a deck and help sustain the Institute while inspiring people about Gandhi by buying a deck! Click here!
|
|
Gandhi Institute Wishlist
We appreciate your willingness to donate any items.
- Annual plant/flower bulbs for the garden
- Recent model laptop for restorative processes research
- Floor lamps for Wilson High School STAR room
- Simple, quick board games for Wilson High School STAR room (ex: Spot-It, Set, etc.)
- Weed whacker
- Floor-standing presentation easels (portable, able to hold poster board and flip chart paper pads)
- Toilet Paper
- Copy Paper
- Paper Shredder
- Tea
- Honey
Thank you to Rick Dejesus, who generously responded to our request for plastic chairs in last month's newsletter, and to Veronica Holmes for the paper shredder!
|
|
Been to a Work Party?
Help keep Gandhi House clean and welcoming for all by participating in a work party. We love having company to clean the house and tend the yard and garden. Stop by an upcoming parties or contact Izzie at mkgandhivolunteer@gmail.com to schedule your own.
Upcoming Work Parties:
Thursday, Oct. 8, 4-6 pm
Thursday, Oct. 22, 4-6 pm
 
|
|
Introduction on Grief and Empowerment Work
Tuesday, Oct. 6th
7-9 pm
929 S. Plymouth Ave.
We will join together to honor our pain, recognizing that by doing so we can reconnect to our motivation and power to work for positive change. Whether you are suffering because of a personal loss or are feeling the weight of world issues, you are welcome with us.
This evening will include a brief introduction to this type of work, which is based on the writing of Joanna Macy (also known as the Work that Reconnects).
***There will be follow up Grief Circles offered regularly. Out of care for your well-being and the well-being of other participants, we invite you to attend this Introduction as a prerequisite to attend future gatherings.
|
|
Letter from the Staff
|
October 2015
|
|
Dear friends,
To honor Gandhi's birthday, here are staff reflections on the importance of this man's life. Feel free to send us your thoughts on Gandhi's influential philosophy!
In peace,
Gandhi Institute Staff
| |
|
The EVolution of a Restorative RCSD
Evan Burnett
Since Arriving at the M.K. Gandhi Institute in late August, I have been able to further understand the importance of Mahatma Gandhi and all the good he did for those he came in contact with during his life. My work at Wilson enables me to put into practice the philosophies and concepts that Gandhi preached about, such as nonviolent communication, as well as conflict resolution. There are a number of outside influences that students at Wilson have to face and it can be difficult not to bring some of those hardships with them into the school building. Being a Restorative youth educator has allowed me to reach students on a deeper level after a conflict, and ask some of the questions that their immediate teachers may not necessarily have the time to ask or deal with it. Once students settle down and highlight who has been affected by their actions, it is amazing to see how much they open up. Gandhi believed that violence oftentimes begets violence, unless another voice of reason can intervene and present ways in which others can better handle conflict so everyone involved can coexist with one another. I take pride in being that person who young people feel comfortable coming to whenever conflict arises, and offering solutions as to how they can have more peaceful days whether it is with other students or staff members.
As the year progresses, I will continue to be inspired by Gandhi's work and search for different ways that I can implement his practices by doing Restorative Justice. It is amazing to think that I have already been at the Institute for over a month but with the help of dedicated colleagues and support from the Rochester City School District, we are able to participate in Wilson High School's pre-established restorative processes.
For more staff reflections on Gandhi's life and work, check out our blog post here.
|
|
Connect with Us on Facebook
For more articles, pictures, and upcoming events, be sure to like the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence on Facebook here.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
