FNVW E-Letter 8.24.23

Nonviolence in action since 1981

Note from the Executive Director
Coming Soon: Alternatives to Violence Project Workshops for Youth!

I've got some big news to share. In September, FNVW will begin coordinating Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops for youth through a contract we've received from Hennepin County! I feel excited and nervous at the same time. In fact, I feel like FNVW is about to have a baby.

We are doing everything we can to prepare, but so much will be learned in real time as we nurture the growth of our new youth centered AVP workshop offerings. Luckily this new program comes with resources. In addition to adding 10 hours/week to the Executive Director position, our Hennepin County contract will support a 20 hour/week AVP Youth Program Coordinator staff position. We will also have funds to provide stipends to the AVP facilitators who lead youth workshops, as they will be taking on additional case management responsibilities for the youth who participate in AVP workshops.

When a family adds a new baby, many communities and cultures provide existing family members with additional support. Nurturing caregivers and siblings helps the whole family ecosystem stay stable and strong.

That is why I am asking for your help during this critical moment in FNVW's organizational growth and development.

Our adult AVP-MN program turns 30 next year! Unfortunately, FNVW has not had enough money to fund an Adult AVP Program Coordinator since 2020. As prisons and jails re-open for community programming, FNVW is determined to raise $13,000 to add 10 hours/week of Adult AVP Program Coordinator staff time to the newly funded Youth AVP Program Coordinator Position. This creates a comprehensive 30 hour/week AVP-MN Adult and Youth Program Coordinator staff position that will support all of AVP.

I am not sure yet how we will make ends meet. But I have faith that, with your help, we can do it! Please show your support for the AVP workshops that have transformed the lives of thousands of people by making a donation today. Any amount helps.

Support AVP Today

On a personal note, I welcome words of encouragement and offers of support during the organizational labor pains and stretching that accompany this program birthing process.

With Revolutionary Love,
Leah

We're Hiring!

Please share this job opening widely:

Alternatives to Violence Project - MN
Youth and Adult Program Coordinator

Friends for a NonViolent World seeks a passionate and motivated individual to join our organization as the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) - MN Youth and Adult Program Coordinator. This dynamic role is responsible for the overall coordination of AVP-MN’s workshops and activities, working closely with the Executive Director and AVP-MN Council to expand the capacity and impact of our AVP program. The person in this position will receive AVP facilitator training through participation in AVP workshops and is encouraged to co-facilitate youth workshops as a part of their role.

The ideal candidate enjoys launching new initiatives, is skilled at organizing resources and people to make a positive impact, and cares deeply about the well-being of self and others – especially youth and incarcerated/formerly incarcerated members of our community. They will possess a unique blend of relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and creative follow through.

As the AVP-MN Youth and Adult Program Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to develop your own nonviolence skills while directly influencing the lives of young people, incarcerated individuals, and anyone seeking new ways to handle anger, deal with conflict, and develop healthy relationships. FNVW is eager to hire that special person who can build on our long standing AVP program and help realize its potential for growth in this moment when community-based violence prevention and trauma healing work is so critically needed.

This is a part-time / 30 hours a week position with opportunities to facilitate youth workshops for additional weekend hours.

View complete position description here:
Alternatives to Violence (AVP) - MN Youth and Adult Program Coordinator

HOW TO APPLY

FNVW is a Quaker-inspired organization that welcomes people from all faith practices as well as individuals with no religious orientation. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as BIPOC, Indigenous or people of culture, LGBTQI+ and gender fluid or gender nonconforming, people from working class backgrounds, individuals with disabilities (both seen and unseen), veterans, people of any age or family status and others who are members of marginalized communities.

Please send a resume and cover letter to Leah Robshaw Robinson, Executive Director, at leah@fnvw.org. The cover letter should outline 1) Your relevant experience 2) Any unique skills or characteristics you bring to the role and 3) Any connections (personal or professional) you have to FNVW’s mission. The cover letter can be included in the body of the email or as a separate attachment. Interviews will begin the second week of September. Position open until filled.

FNVW is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Register for the Walk for Peace & Justice Fundraiser!

Together we will uplift the vision of a world beyond violence and a culture rooted in nonviolence.

Click on the image above to hear Walk for Peace and Justice Planning Committee member Cynthia Bartoo's invitation to join the Walk for Peace and Justice

Challenged by our experiences of violence across the Twin Cities in recent years, Friends for a NonViolent World (FNVW), in collaboration with Twin Cities Nonviolent and many other peace and justice groups, is organizing a large Walk for Peace and Justice on September 30^th.

Everyone is invited to attend this event which will instill hope in the future, hope in the power of the people, and hope for a peaceful and just future.

Your contribution and/or participation will be a demonstration of your commitment to nonviolence and peace and justice in the Twin Cities and beyond. Don't miss this inspiring opportunity to raise funds to support FNVW's peace and justice work in our community. Sign up to walk or make a donation here.

Kicking-off at Brackett Park in Minneapolis, we'll walk to the Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge for a Hands Across the Mississippi Ceremony followed by food, music and speakers at the Danish American Center.

In collaboration with Twin Cities Nonviolent, this event takes place on Day 10 of Twin Cities Nonviolent annual 12 Days Free from Violence.

There are many ways to take part:

Show your interest on our Facebook event
Sign up to walk
Donate to support the FNVW walkers
Register another organization you are a part of to participate
Invite your place of worship to participate
Spread the word– share this invitation video with friends or share our social media posts!
Attend the Hands Across the Mississippi Ceremony at the end of the walk at 12 p.m.

We invite all groups and organizations in Minnesota that promote nonviolence, peaceful conflict resolution and equitable justice to partner with us. Contact us at walk4peace@fnvw.org if you’d like more information or are interested in helping us plan the event.

Find out more and register to participate here: fnvw.org/walk4peace

George Lakey Twin Cities Book Tour
September 24-30
Hosted by Friends for a NonViolent World

FNVW is organizing a variety of community events where George Lakey will share stories and wisdom from his life as a nonviolent activist. Mark your calendars and come ready to be energized and inspired!

"One of the big things about George is his bottomless well of hope and optimism. He frankly says this is the best period for social change that he's been alive for, and feels excited about continuing with his activism even at age 85." - Betsy Raasch-Gilman

DANCING WITH HISTORY:
a life for peace and justice

By George Lakey

A memoir of a Quaker activist and master storyteller on his involvement in struggles for peace, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, labor justice, and environment. From his first arrest in the Civil Rights era to his most recent during a climate justice march at the age of 83, George Lakey has committed his life to a mission of building a better world through movements for justice. Lakey draws readers into the center of history-making events, telling often serious stories with playfulness and intimacy.