Engaging Nonviolence: An Introduction
Six-week course with Anne Walter and Rivera Sun
Tuesdays January 21 - February 25, 2025
1-2:30pm Pacific / 2-3:30pm Mountain / 3-4:30pm Central / 4-5:30pm Eastern
$95, scholarships available.
Curious about nonviolence? Find out what it is and what it can do for you.
From practical skills to useful tools, this 6-week course explores how nonviolence can help you in personal relationships, conflicts in community, and social change. Nonviolence is a way of life, a set of principles, a collection of practices for navigating conflict, and a toolbox for making change. In this course, we will introduce and explore them all. Engaging Nonviolence is our introductory class in the Pace e Bene core course series, designed to lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of nonviolence as a philosophy and practice.
Join Rivera Sun and Anne Walter for this series of participatory virtual sessions featuring stories, discussions, exercises, and reflections in large and small groups. You will leave feeling inspired and empowered to create change within yourself, foster healthy relationships, and contribute to a more just and peaceful world. This course offers a unique blend of theory and practice, providing you with the tools to navigate conflict effectively and integrate nonviolence into your everyday life.
What You’ll Gain:
● Knowledge: Understand the foundational concepts of nonviolence, its historical roots, and its relevance today.
● Useful Tools: Discover how nonviolence can be a powerful approach to personal growth, conflict in community, and social change.
● A Supportive Community: Engage with like-minded participants who are committed to fostering peace and harmony.
Course Highlights: Engaging Nonviolence is open to individuals of all experience levels and will cover:
● Session 1: Understanding Nonviolence; Unpacking Violence
● Session 2: Exploring Nonviolence: Going Deeper
● Session 3: Conflict & Community: Using Nonviolence In Our Lives
● Session 4: Nonviolence, Emotions, & Inner Awareness
● Session 5: Principles of Nonviolence: Gandhi, King, and Beyond!
● Session 6: Moving Into Action For Personal & Social Change
Certification and Recognition: Upon completion of Engaging Nonviolence I, you will receive a certificate of participation and priority access to enroll in Level II & III. If you continue and complete all three levels in our program, you will earn the Certificate of Nonviolence Studies, which signifies your comprehensive understanding and dedication to the principles and practices of nonviolence.
*The three levels of Engaging Nonviolence are offered at least once a year, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
Requirements: Participants are encouraged (but not required) to purchase the Engaging Nonviolence Study Manual. It can be bought directly from Pace e Bene or on Amazon. The course will be held on Zoom. Participants must have internet access, and microphone and video on their computer. Each week, participants will be expected to complete weekly readings/viewings and come prepared for group discussions online.
Participants are strongly encouraged to invite friends and community members. Shared knowledge increases the power of active nonviolence in our communities!
Ready to explore the world of nonviolence? Join us and embark on a journey that could change your perspective—and your life.
Facilitators
Anne Walter has served in interfaith, social justice, and peace-focused ministry for over 35 years, seeking to be a bridge-builder between cultures, religious traditions, and communities. She co-founded CrossRoads Ministry, an inner-city retreat center for high school students, and Holy Hills Hermitage. Anne is the Director of Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion in Louisville, KY, a Certified Teacher of Compassion Cultivation Training©, and is committed to growing nonviolence practices toward a truly compassionate world.
Author/Activist Rivera Sun is the Editor of Nonviolence News, a nationwide trainer in strategy for nonviolent movements, and the author of many books and novels, including The Dandelion Insurrection and The Way Between. She serves on the Advisory Board of World Beyond War and Backbone Campaign. Rivera helps coordinate Campaign Nonviolence Action Days and our Nonviolent Cities Project. www.riverasun.com
Scholarships
No one is ever turned away from our courses. If you need a scholarship, simply email: info@paceebene.org. We will ask if you would like to make a sliding scale donation or if you would like a full scholarship. Any answer is fine. No explanation needed. That's it! Please take us up on this offer if it is helpful for you.