Nonviolence is different from passivity. It is a way of life grounded in a deeply-held moral conviction. It is a strategy, a method of confronting conflict or oppression that seeks to honor life. This program equips participants to respond to conflict with persistence, discipline, and courage, in order to end oppression and establish peace that honors the human dignity of all parties.
Program Outline:
Session 1: Readying the Soil for Peace - Introduction to each other and the meaning of peace, violence and nonviolence.
Session 2: Planting Seeds of Nonviolence - Explores a spirituality of nonviolence.
Session 3: Tending the Fields Between Us - Considers ways of seeking nonviolence in our relationships with others.
Session 4: Weeds Among the Wheat - Describes the effects of structural violence and considers ways to dismantle it.
Session 5: Altering the Garden Landscape - After hearing from a guest speaker from the local community, the group explores how nonviolent movements transform systems and promote justice.
Session 6: Swords into Plowshares - Discusses gun violence and nuclear weapons.
- Immersion Experience -
Session 7: The Fruits of Reconciliation - Describes strategies for seeking reconciliation and restoration.
Session 8: Seeking New Lands for Planting - The group discerns action steps for practicing nonviolence and advocating for peace.
For more information, watch a short introductory video at
https://youtu.be/zXRMEd6Lt1U.
Registration will be limited to 15 participants, and a commitment to as much of the program as possible is required.
This program and the necessary materials are free to all participants thanks to a grant from the Daniel Rudd Fund of the National Black Catholic Congress.
