It's the start of spring in Minnesota. The trees are budding, the crocuses are blooming, and migratory birds are returning. There seems to be a lot going on for people too. FNVW is involved with a number of amazing community events and workshop opportunities coming up in the weeks ahead. I invite you to take part! Read on for more information.

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 contributions move our mission forward!

Mohamed Jama

Mohamed Jama is a passionate advocate for community involvement and positive change. He has been actively engaged in political campaigns at various levels, aiming to create change within systems. Growing up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of South Minneapolis, he witnessed such challenges as unemployment, housing disparities, and limited access to healthcare. Mohamed sees Somali American youth in Minneapolis as champions of change who tirelessly work to improve their communities' image, foster better relationships with governments, and innovate solutions for crime prevention, education, and social justice. He credits his mother's teachings on selfless giving for his drive to actively shape a better future.

Nancy Stevens

Nancy Stevens’ work as an HR leader, executive coach, and transformation and talent management consultant is grounded in over 30 years of Human Resources Leadership experience in multiple industries including health care, logistics, retail and wholesale, restaurant, consulting, manufacturing, real estate and non-profit. As a trusted partner, Nancy has been instrumental in the development of leaders and teams, enhanced organizational performance and inspired employee engagement, culture evolution and change. Nancy is married and has 6 children and grandchildren. She enjoys music, reading, animals and volunteering.

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, the FNVW staff invites you to a visit, a rousing game of FNVW trivia, and a bite of breakfast with us.

FNVW would not exist without your awesome efforts and we want to celebrate that with you in person!

When:
April 18, 9-11 am

Where:
The FNVW Office
393 Dunlap Street, Suite 450
St Paul, MN 55104

Please RSVP to volunteer@fnvw.org

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

Sign up here to reserve your spot

The two day in-person workshop schedule is:  

Saturday, May 4th, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm - lunch and dinner included
Sunday, May 5th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - lunch included

Workshop Location:
The Hub for Nonviolence and Safety
2143 Lowry Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55412    

Sign up here to reserve your spot

Contact katie@fnvw.org for more information!

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. 

We are thrilled to share that this episode of the Everyday Nonviolence Podcast was broadcast on Northern Spirit radio's Spirit in Action show on March 30, 2024!

NSR promotes world healing by broadcasting inspirational and educational voices of peace and social justice using the language of personal story, music, and spirituality.

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.

Email leah@fnvw.org if you'd like to attend as a guest of FNVW!

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.

FNVW is excited to be attending Mediation and Restorative Services - MN's upcoming annual summit on April 25th! The focus for the day is on Developing Alternative Ways to Resolve Conflict. The event will be held at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids and will include timely topics in conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative practice.

Tickets are available at:
https://aesbid.com/ELP/MARS23/Tickets.
We hope to see you there!