Nonviolence in action since 1981

 

Note from the Executive Director
Centered in the Whirlwind

Oh wow! It is an incredible time at FNVW.

We're hiring staff, launching a new Alternatives to Violence Project youth program, organizing a huge Walk for Peace and Justice community event on Sept 30, moving our whole database and online workspace over to the Microsoft Teams environment, and planning nine different events as a part of George Lakey's book tour visit to the Twin Cities. All this in addition to the ongoing, amazing work done by FNVW's programs and behind-the-scenes volunteers each week.

I find myself waking up early each day filled with adrenaline - one part eager and one part anxious. What helps me through is my trust that I am not in this alone. I believe in FNVW's work. I believe in FNVW's community. And I believe there are larger forces supporting us as we lean into this moment and all it requires. 

You are a key part of making FNVW happen. Thank you for your support, in whatever form that takes. We couldn't do what we do without you.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the many FNVW events coming up in September! Please invite your friends and family to attend them with you.

With Revolutionary Love, 
Leah

 

Justice Unbound:

Building Race and Class Solidarity

How do we successfully work together across differences to fight for racial and economic justice? How does polarization create surprising new possibilities? How do we show up for one another and build power together without burning out by spreading ourselves too thin?

 

Join nonviolent activist, professor, and movement elder George Lakey and Director of Communications, ISAIAH MN, Minister JaNaé Bates on September 28th as they discuss these questions and more. Historian Peter Rachleff will moderate this special event taking place as a part of George Lakey’s Dancing with History: A Life for Peace and Justice international book tour. George Lakey’s life and vast experience with nonviolent campaign organizing reminds us how to find hope in even the darkest times through strategic, joyful activism.

Good Trouble, the songleading duo made up of mixed Asian songleaders Liz Digitale Anderson and Conie Borchardt, will open the event with community singing that creates space for justice, fun, and healing.

Subtext Books will have copies of Dancing with History available for purchase at this event along with another of Lakey’s books, How We Win!  

The event will be followed by a book signing. Light refreshments provided.

REGISTER HERE. This event is free and open to the public, but we encourage registration to help us plan. For virtual attendance, registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link. 

 

You're invited virtually and in-person!

How Nonviolent Campaigns Succeed in Polarized Times

A George Lakey Book Tour Event

Sunday, September 24th

Mid-Morning Meeting; 10:15 - 11:00 am
Mpls Friends Meeting 

4401 York Av S Minneapolis, MN 55410

*Hybrid event

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 863 8548 3136
Passcode: 629978

Hosted by FNVW and Minneapolis Friends Meeting

Go to: fnvw.org/georgelakey

 

Registration is Open!
Virtual September AVP Basic Workshop 

The 3-day workshop schedule is:

Friday, September 22, 6:00 - 9:00 pm (CT)

Saturday, September 23, 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Sunday, September 24, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

*Sliding fee scale: $25 - $100

*We understand that not everyone may be able to afford this. No one is turned away due to lack of funds. Email leah@fnvw.org to request a scholarship.

You will receive an information packet, including a Zoom link and everything else you need to know, in the week before the workshop.  

 

Learn more about AVP at: fnvw.org/avp

Register using this form: 
Sept 2023 AVP Basic Workshop Registration

The Alternatives to Violence Project - Basic Level helps to develop primary conflict management skills using personal experiences, problem-solving techniques and experiential exercises. Discussion topics may include affirmation, communication, cooperation and creative conflict resolution.

Participants who attend all three days of the workshop will receive Basic level certification at the end of the workshop. If you would like to take the workshop but have a scheduling conflict, please contact Maria at maria@fnvw.org to discuss options.

 

🎙NEW Everyday Nonviolence Podcast Episode🎙

Available wherever you get your podcasts: 

PodBean     Spotify     Apple Podcasts    

Restorative Practices Coordinator, Angel Dawson

Applying Restorative Practices in Schools

Angel Dawson is a Licensed Autism Spectrum Disorder teacher and a Restorative Practices Coordinator for an Intermediate district in the Twin Cities metro area. She has over five years of experience facilitating trainings for restorative practices in Special Education. She is dedicated to connecting people for the betterment of educating the next generation of youth and addressing educational trauma.

Angel speaks with host Jarren Peterson Dean about her passion for building community. She shares how restorative practices create racial equity in schools and support learning environments where staff and students can thrive. 

Additional information on restorative practices in Minnesota schools is available at:

education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/safe/prac/

FNVW's Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops are grounded in restorative principles. Learn more about youth and adult AVP workshop opportunities in Minnesota and discover how to become an AVP workshop facilitator at: fnvw.org/avp

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. 

 

George Lakey Twin Cities Book Tour Event Line Up
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!

Sunday, September 24th
How Nonviolent Campaigns Succeed in Polarized Times*
10:15 - 11:00 am
Mpls Friends Meeting
4401 York Av S
Minneapolis, MN 55410

*hybrid event

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 863 8548 3136
Passcode: 629978

Sunday, September 24th
Prophetic Quakerism Tackles the Climate Crisis
2:00 - 4:00 pm followed by a Broadway Tune Singalong led by George on Piano
Twin Cities Friends Meeting
1725 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

Tuesday, September 26th
Dancing with History Bookstore Event

7:00 - 8:00 pm
Magers and Quinn Booksellers
3038 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408

 

More detailed event information available at: 
fnvw.org/georgelakey

George Lakey's life will be the subject of a new documentary film coming in 2023

Wednesday, September 27th
How We Win - Organizing for Environmental and Climate Justice*
7:00 - 8:30 pm 
Minneapolis Friends Meeting
 4401 York Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55410

*hybrid event

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 825 2369 0843
Passcode: 817454


Thursday, September 28th
Justice Unbound: Building Race and Class Solidarity*
7:00 - 9:00 pm 
East Side Freedom Library
1105 Greenbrier St
St. Paul, MN 55106

*hybrid event

Register Here for Zoom Link

Saturday, September 30th
FNVW Walk for Peace and Justice
10:00 am
Brackett Park
3800 E 28th St
Minneapolis, MN 55406

 

“George Lakey stands out for the sheer range of his contributions to peace and justice, especially in strategy, training, organizing, innovative actions, and teaching others. His upbeat, soul-driven spirit underlies it all, as you’ll catch in this revealing memoir.” – Daniel Ellsberg

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.

Read more about it here

"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 at age 85."  - Betsy Raasch-Gilman

 

Raise Much Needed Funds to Support FNVW's Work
Join the Walk for Peace & Justice Fundraiser

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 30th.

Ask loved ones to make an online donation to support your participation: Walk for Peace and Justice - FNVW donation page

Or get in-person donations from your friends and family by downloading this Walk4Peace Pledge Sheet

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:

 

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

 

Upcoming Events

 

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!

 

September 14th, 2023

Friends for a NonViolent World
P.O. Box 4564  | Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
651-917-0383 | info@fnvw.org

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