 | Nonviolence in action since 1981 | | | | | | Note from the Executive Director
A Sense of Awe | | I recently read an article that shared the health benefits of experiencing awe. Research shows that feelings of wonder provide physical and mental health benefits such as a calming of our nervous system and triggering the release of oxytocin, the “love” hormone that promotes trust and bonding. Dr. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at the University of California, Berkeley believes that awe is especially important in the age of social media. “We are at this cultural moment of narcissism and self-shame and criticism and entitlement; awe gets us out of that,” Dr. Keltner said. It does this by helping us get out of our own heads so we “realize our place in the larger context, our communities,” he explained. Dr. Keltner found one of the most reliable ways to experience awe was in the simple act of witnessing the goodness of others. Seeing others doing acts of kindness helps us feel better and influences us to also perform good deeds. I often find myself in awe of the incredible people who make FNVW's nonviolence work happen. Together we are making a positive difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. Thanks for being a part of our community. With Revolutionary Love, Leah | | | | FNVW uses the principles and practices of nonviolence to transform conflict and to address the root causes of violence in our community. Your financial support moves our mission forward! | | | | | | | | We Belong to Each Other
Stories from Authors Stanley Kusunoki and Kao Kalia Yang In a wide-ranging discussion with host Jarren Dean Peterson, acclaimed authors Stanley Kusunoki and Kao Kalia Yang discuss the power art has to speak the truth and connect us to our shared humanity. They provide intimate examples of how their courageous storytelling has impacted their own and their audiences’ perspectives and lives. | | | | | | Stanley Kusunoki, whose Japanese American parents were incarcerated in the U.S. internment camps during World War II, is the author of three collections of poetry; 180 Days, Reflections and Observations of a Teacher; Items in the News; and Shelter in Place—Poems in a Time of COVID-19. He has taught creative writing to young people through programs at The Loft, Asian American Renaissance, Intermedia Arts, and S.A.S.E., Among his honors, he was awarded a MN State Arts board "Cultural Collaboration" grant to create, write and perform "Beringia-The Land Bridge Project" with Ojibwe performance poet, Jamison Mahto at Intermedia Arts. He is the co-host/curator of the Literary Bridges reading series at Next Chapter Booksellers in St. Paul. He most recently was the High Potential Coordinator at Red Oak Elementary School in Shakopee. | | | | Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American teacher, speaker, and writer. She is the award-winning author of the memoirs, The Latehomecomer, The Song Poet, Somewhere in the Unknown World, and Where Rivers Part. Yang co-edited the groundbreaking book, What God is Honored Here?: Writings on Miscarriage and Infant Loss By and For Native Women and Women of Color. Yang is a librettist for The Song Poet Opera (commissioned by the MN Opera). She's also written several children’s books that center around Hmong children who live in our world, who dream and hurt and hope in it. Yang’s work has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Chautauqua Prize, the PEN USA literary awards, the Dayton’s Literary Peace Prize, as Notable Books by the American Library Association, Kirkus Best Books of the Year, the Heartland Bookseller’s Award, and garnered four Minnesota Book Awards. | | | | Additional information is available on their respective websites: poeteacher.com and kaokaliayang.com This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. | | | | | | Free Spring Break Program for Youth
Where Art and Violence Meet - Part II
April 1-4 | | | | - Activities include leadership and peace building workshops, painting, chess, spoken word, creative writing, open gym
- Lunch provided
- Youth gift cards rewarded April 4th
- Parents welcome to come with a child
- Register/hold spot by Friday, March 29th
- Bus passes available!
Sanctuary Covenant Church
2018 Aldrich Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411 | | | | | | | | | | AVP-MN Basic Level Workshop for Ages 15-25
April 13-14 | | This workshop will provide an exceptional space for teens and young adults to practice conflict resolution and build community on the University of Minnesota's beautiful East Bank. | | | | The two day in-person workshop schedule is: Saturday, April 13th, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm - lunch and dinner included
Sunday, April 14th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - lunch included Workshop Location:
Liberal Arts Engagement Hub
Pillsbury Hall, Room 120 310 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455 | | | | | | This workshop is open free of charge to all community members ages 15-25, regardless of previous experience. You do not need to be a University of Minnesota student to attend. Thank you to Hennepin County for making this possible! Youth participants who return for a later workshop will receive a $50 Visa gift card as a thank you. | | | | | | Introducing Our Spring Semester
Interns, Community Engaged Learning and
Work Study Students | | | | Each semester, Friends for a NonViolent World (FNVW) partners with colleges and universities to engage students in our programs. Students develop skills in community engagement, advocacy, organizing and the behind the scenes work of nonviolent social change. FNVW benefits greatly from their passion and insights! | | | | Learn more about more about who these students are and how they are contributing their skills and talents to FNVW at: fnvw.org/students | | | | | | | | Minnesota Women's Press & Changemakers Alliance
39 Years of Voice and Vision
April 13th | | | | The Minnesota Women’s Press will be commemorating 39 Years of Voice & Vision on April 13. FNVW is excited to be a part of the steering committee for this event. Festivities include storytelling from diverse, Minnesota voices, such as Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) facilitators. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed opportunity to build community and discover solutions together. WHO: Changemakers Alliance Badass members, event sponsors, and their invited guests WHERE: First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mt. Curve Ave., 55403 [directions, parking, bus] WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 12-4pm, including live-stream, light food and drinks, tables of insights and products. | | | | | | | | How Youth Violence Happens: A Conversation With Shea Holt | | "Looking back, the more I’d hold things in, the less I cared about anybody. It did really come down to that: 'Nobody cares about what I feel. I don’t even know what I’m feeling, other than I feel frustrated and angry and I don’t even know why.' ... To know that you’re not just by yourself is an incredibly huge thing." - Shea Holt | | | | Alternatives to Violence Project workshop facilitator, Shiny Shea, recently spoke with Mikki Morrissette from the Minnesota Women's Press about his life and what he has learned about the nature of violence. FNVW is a part of the Minnesota Women's Press Changemakers Alliance. Together we are doing deep work on how media and community can work together to talk about solutions to public safety, especially related to gender-based violence. | | | | | | | | | | People Camp 2024
Gathering the Community - Growing in Unity | | | | People Camp is a unique, one week, intergenerational community living experience run by FNVW and open to all. Early Bird registration begins today! Sign up now to receive up to $40 off each registration. A 3-day camp option is available again this year. | | | | We can't wait to see you at People Camp! | | | | At People Camp you'll discover: - Shared community life and work
- Opportunities for recreation and connection
- Inspiring social justice themed workshops and action opportunities
Check out the People Camp Guide or Video to learn more about what People Camp is all about! "At People Camp I enjoy time together in shared community. I enjoy the trees and creative spaces and watching my kiddos be independent and enjoying free play!" | | | | | | | | In case you missed it...
FNVW's 2023 Annual Report | | | | At FNVW, individuals with a passion for nonviolent social change come together to accomplish far more than the sum of what we could achieve alone. Our power lies in collective action. This report is filled with inspiring examples of how FNVW championed nonviolence in 2023 and made a positive impact in people’s lives and in our community. 2023 FNVW Annual Report | | | | Special thanks to Anika Aguirre for doing the design and lay out for the 2023 FNVW Annual Report.
It looks amazing! | | | | | | FNVW works to promote and create peace and justice in our community by using the principles and practices of nonviolence to transform conflict and to address the root causes of violence. Your financial support will help us move our mission forward into the future! | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | | Friends for a NonViolent World
P.O. Box 4564 | Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
651-917-0383 | info@fnvw.org | | | | | | | | | | | |
New Everyday Nonviolence Podcast Episode 
