Are you interested in learning Gandhi and Dr. King's philosophies and how they can be taught and applied today?

Are you interested in examining violence and nonviolence in your own life and community?

Join us for our 2014 Gandhi Institute 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: 

• the life and teachings of M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
• Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
• Tools for inner change based on mindfulness
• Deep ecology and the Work That Reconnects 

The Intensive will be interactive with a focus on group-based learning. Each day will focus on a different theme: Gandhi's history and philosophy, nonviolent movements (especially focusing on the Civil Rights Movement), violence and nonviolence in our own lives, deep ecology and the Work that Reconnects (philosophy and exercises developed by Joanna Macy and colleagues). We will combine individual reflection with small group learning each day, engaging our heads and hearts.

Lunch and nutritious snacks will be provided each day.

Only 25 Spots Available!  

Sliding scale.

Cost & How Payment Works

Here's an approximate break down of what it costs us to make this Intensive happen:

$3,500 staff time preparation and facilitation
$500 building costs
$250 materials
$1,250 food
$1,100 administrative costs (publicity, registration, financial management)

= $6,600 / 20 participants = $330 per person

We ask that you contribute according to your financial ability, with a minimum contribution of $75 at the time of registration to confirm your spot. 

If you cannot contribute $330 before the Intensive, we're not going anywhere, and we are happy to take your payment during the Intensive or in monthly payments after.

If $75 is beyond your means, please contact us to discuss a scholarship. We are committed to helping everyone to attend.

If you can contribute more than $330 for the week, the balance will be considered a tax-deductable donation to the Institute (you'll get a receipt letter), and you'll be helping others to attend who have fewer financial resources.

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

George Payne
George has degrees from St. John Fisher College, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and Emory University (Candler School of Theology). Among his trainings and certifications include the 5- Day Advanced Training in Kingian Nonviolence through the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) through Monroe Community College and the Sport in Society Program at Northeastern University, Interfaith Dialogue and Pluralism Education through the Hickey Center at Nazareth College, and Restorative Circles and Conflict Transformation through Partners in Restorative Initiatives (PIRI).

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.

Register Now!