Are you interested in exploring applied nonviolence? 

Join us for our 2016 Spring Nonviolence Intensive!

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: 

• how to shift conflicts by listening for underlying values,
• how to navigate the world with humility and self-reflection upon one's rank and privilege,
• how to use rank and privilege to facilitate just and equitable social change,
• how to reconnect to hope and energy for social change, in spite of personal and societal challenges, drawing on the Work that Reconnects (from teacher and author Joanna Macy)

The Intensive will be interactive with a focus on group-based learning. We will combine individual reflection with small group learning each day, engaging our heads and hearts.

Nutritious snacks will be provided each day; please pack your own lunch.

Only 15 Spots Available!  

*We are excited to offer this intensive in partnership with Rochester AmeriCorps.

Cost & How Payment Works

We are requesting a contribution of $300 for this training. Partial scholarships available; please contact us. No one turned away for lack of funds.

We expect this training to sell out. To ensure your spot, please contribute $25 online or mail a check to the Gandhi Institute. You can pay the balance for the training in advance (online or check) or in person on the first day of the workshop.

Need lodging in Rochester?

Our best and most affordable recommendations are: couchsurfing.org or Mercy Prayer Center, which offers lovely rooms at an affordable price. Mercy Prayer Center is about a 30 minute walk from the Gandhi Institute, where the Intensive will be held each day. Alternatively, there is a hotel down the street from the Gandhi Institute, Staybridge Suites. This is more expensive and about a 10 minute walk from the Gandhi Institute.

About the facilitators

David Sanchez
David holds a degree in Sociology from Nazareth College with a focus on Middle Eastern and US domestic policy, food and energy systems and, urban development. He’s interested in studying philosophies of nonviolence and restorative justice on micro and macro levels, specifically how they transform individuals and larger social dynamics and serve as alternatives to current punitive systems. David sees youth as catalysts for social change and believes that working to harness their creative and critical thinking skills is the key to creating innovative leaders of the next generation.

Shannon Richmond
Shannon has a degree in Sociology, Criminal Justice Studies, and Violence Studies from Alfred University, including studying reconciliation and development in Durban and Cape Town, South Africa for one semester. Since 2005 Shannon has volunteered with the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), and since 2007 she has facilitated these workshops in multiple prisons and the community. She also has received training in Kingian Nonviolence with the Positive Peace Warriors Network, Peace Circles and Community Conferencing through Partners in Restorative Initiatives, Restorative Circles with creator Dominic Barter, the Work That Reconnects with Joanna Macy, and Nonviolent Communication with various trainers.

Malik Thompson
Malik is a twenty year-old gender/queer person. They hail from DC and is overjoyed to join the Gandhi Institute and larger Rochester community. Currently, Malik works at Wilson High School, supporting the school’s restorative initiatives by mediating conflicts and helping students navigate personal/interpersonal conflicts.  Malik enjoys reading, writing, taking photographs, finding holistic ways to tend to their body, and solitude.

Register Now!