 | Nonviolence in action since 1981 | | | | | | Note from the Executive Director
Our Kids are Hungry | | Last month my kiddo Calvin participated in FNVW's very first (in recent decades) Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Youth workshop. He loved it! Kids are hungry for connection and spaces where they can process the violence that they are experiencing. As a parent, I was so thankful to have a place for Calvin to start to discover his power to transform conflict and create change. He wants to become an AVP workshop facilitator this year. I want all our young people to have an off-ramp where they can grow nonviolent skills for managing conflict and healing trauma so we can break the cycles of violence that are causing so much harm in our community. AVP provides an extraordinary community space designed to do just that. Read on to learn AVP Facilitator Shiny Shea's story and his experience of AVP as an antidote to youth violence. I encourage you to connect the young people in your life to AVP. AVP workshops are fast paced, experiential, and life changing! There's an intergenerational AVP workshop coming up March 16-17th. Calvin and I plan to attend - I invite you to join us there! With Revolutionary Love, Leah | | Please consider making a donation to FNVW so we can sustain this new initiative in 2024 and beyond. | | | | | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | Second Chance Day on the Hill
March 20th | | | | Mark your calendars and join FNVW at the Minnesota State Capitol on March 20th for Second Chance Day on the Hill. We'll be joining dozens of other organizations to advocate for people impacted by the criminal legal system who are pursuing new opportunities for themselves, their families, and communities. | | | | The Second Chance Coalition's mission is to cultivate long-term economic stability and support for those seeking a second chance, by leading community conversations, advocating for policies that reduce disparities, and providing a diverse framework of training and resource programs. FNVW is proud to be a part of this work. | | | | | | | | Check out 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! | | | | Recap of FNVW Annual Meeting
Connect - Celebrate - Increase our Impact | | | | | | | | | | 34 people came together in person on virtually to celebrate FNVW's many successes and accomplishments in 2023. We honored Maria Musachio who stepped down from her position on the Board. We also welcomed two new Board members to FNVW, Mohamed Jama and Nancy Stevens. Thank you to everyone who moved FNVW's mission forward in 2023! | | | | | | Alternatives to Violence Project Workshops for Youth! | | | | The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is a series of experiential workshops that transform conflict through dynamic exercises, exploring the role of violence in our lives and developing new and creative paths to peace and justice. Our youth workshops create a space for folks ages 10-30 to process their experiences with violence and conflict, and support them in developing tangible and specific skills to use in their daily lives. Youth workshop participants learn to resolve conflict nonviolently in community with one another, supported by facilitators who recognize the power young people have to create lasting change. AVP Youth Workshops are available at no cost to participants! Meals are provided, and transportation assistance is available for those who need it. | | | | Know someone who would like to participate in one of our upcoming workshops? Have suggestions for organizations or groups who might like to partner with us? Let us know by filling out this AVP Youth Workshop Interest Form. Contact Katie Twyman-Metzger for more information or to explore partnership opportunities: katie@fnvw.org | | Please consider making a donation to support this powerful opportunity for youth in our community. | | | | | | | | Sign Up Today!
AVP-MN Intergenerational Combo Level Workshop
March 16-17 | | In the context of a supportive community, you'll discover your power to build safer communities and transform conflict and frustration in your life. AVP workshops are fast paced, experiential, and life changing! | | | |  | | | In this workshop, we're trying something new and exciting: We're inviting participants of ages 10 and up to participate! Whether this is your first workshop or you're ready to become a facilitator, participants of any level are enthusiastically welcomed. All participants are invited to join us at no charge. Additionally, youth participants ages 10-30 who return for a later workshop will receive a $50 Visa gift card as a thank you. Thank you to Hennepin County for making this possible! | | | AVP-MN Intergenerational Combo Level Workshop For participants ages 10 and up! The two day in-person workshop schedule is: Saturday, March 16th, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm - lunch and dinner included
Sunday, March 17th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - lunch included sign up today to reserve your spot | | | | | | | | | | 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. | | | | | | 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!" | | | | | | | | Join FNVW at the Friends School of MN Plant Sale | | | | Come volunteer with us at the Friends School Plant Sale! FNVW staff are signed up for the Hauling to School Shift on May 13th. Sign up to join us if you can. There are many other positions waiting to be filled. The Friends School of MN generously hosts the FNVW Holiday Fair. This is our chance to support their fundraising event! | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 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 | | | | | | | | | | | |
