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We champion nonviolence as the foundation for effective programs and actions to promote the dignity of every human being. |
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Note from Executive Director: December 17th Solidarity Hunger Strike for Democracy |
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No matter our race, background or ZIP Code, I believe that if democracy is to work for all of us, it must include all of us. To move forward together as a nation in 2022 and beyond, we must ensure that every American has the freedom to vote. On December 6, over 20 brave young people from across the political spectrum began an indefinite hunger strike for democracy in Arizona in order to demand passage of the Freedom to Vote Act (S.2747 for 2021) this year. On day 5 they traveled to Washington, D.C., to continue their hunger strike at the White House. These young people would rather make this grave sacrifice than suffer the consequences of inaction on voting rights and getting big money out of politics. |
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On Friday, December 17, Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers (MAP) members, including FNVW's MAP delegate, invite you to join us in a 24-hour solidarity hunger strike to support these students.
As a part of our action on December 17, we will gather from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in front of The Dayton’s Project, at the NE corner of South 7th St. and Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, in support of the hunger-striking students and their demand for passage of the Freedom to Vote Act this year.
With revolutionary love,
Leah
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Beyond the Books:
A Way Forward for White Allies in Democracy
with Gerri Williams A virtual event hosted by the Northern Yearly Meeting Anti-Racism Working Group and FNVW |
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Beyond the Books event presenter, Gerri Williams. |
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Beyond the Books: A Way Forward for White Allies in Democracy When: Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM Central Time Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82459087583 Meeting ID: 824 5908 7583
Passcode: 720876
Dial by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) |
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Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, sales of books on the topic of race such as “How to Be an Antiracist” and “White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Race” rose to the top of the bestseller lists.
Beyond the Books: A Way Forward for White Allies in Democracy shifts the focus beyond self-examination and cultivation of inner feelings about anti-racism.
Our Zoom discussion will build on the key insight of Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together: that the laws and policies designed by elite white power holders to deny, exploit, and punish people of color first, and most, have grotesquely warped American social, economic, physical and spiritual health.
These measures, such as voter suppression laws increasingly instituted in dozens of states, damage and constrain civil liberties of all Americans. If not countered, this will lead to an anti-democratic, dystopian future in our country.
Participants will generate strategies and actions to share the message with white peers that they have a stake, and an enlightened self-interest, in rejecting the racial narrative of white supremacy and white grievance. There will be opportunities to explore successful examples of anti-racism outreach and identify resources and communities of support.
“Beyond the Books” is an independent personal initiative of Gerri Williams. It is not affiliated with or organized by any institution, religious organization or political party.
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About Gerri Williams Gerri was introduced to social justice activism through the American Friends Service Committee’s Minnesota Anti-Apartheid Committee in the 1980s. She extended that involvement to other campaigns, including the Nuclear Freeze Campaign and representation at the United Nations Decade for Women Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
A strong supporter of community media, she has produced programs for WPFW Radio (Washington), Occupy DC Radio and the “People of Color” broadcast with KUWS Radio (Superior, WI). Her experience in program planning includes a series of lectures, films and interactive workshops on Nonviolent Direct Action; curating the HUMAN (Heart-Unity-Movement-Action-Now) film series; and organizing a yearlong celebration of Nelson Mandela’s centenary. In 2020 she launched the Ad Hoc Committee for a Safe and Fair Election, a training and information network that operated through January 2021. Gerri grew up in Minneapolis. She is a member of Friends Meeting of Washington and attends the Grand Rapids (MN) Worship Group. She and her husband Ray Allard live in Duluth. |
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Virtual FNVW Holiday Song Sing Along |
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Join us for a special Holiday Themed Virtual FNVW Sing Along! We'll sing songs in the spirit of Christmas, Solstice and the winter season (and maybe a belated Hanukkah song or two). All are welcome! You can also just listen and enjoy. Led by PJ Hoffman, Maria Musachio, and friends. When: Friday, December 17, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT Join Zoom Meeting: http://bit.ly/zoomsingalong Meeting ID: 995 6883 3010
Password: 067324 Call-In Option: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) |
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| January Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Basic, Advanced and T4F Combo Workshop |
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What: In the context of a supportive community, discover new skills and attitudes to address, prevent, and transform violence. This four day workshop offers a holistic, experiential, safe, and lively approach to learning the tools to discover your own power to build safer communities and transform conflict and frustration in your life. The four day* Zoom workshop schedule is: Friday, January 14, 6-9pm (Central Time)
Saturday, January 15, 11am-6pm (two 3 hour sessions with a 1 hour break)
Friday, January 21, 6-9pm
Saturday, January 22, 11am-6pm (two 3 hour sessions with a 1 hour break) Sign up now using the AVP-MN Combo Community Virtual Workshop - Jan 2021 Registration Form to guarantee your spot! Where: The entire workshop will take place via Zoom. We are happy to provide technological assistance if you have any questions about using Zoom. Who: All are welcome to attend. No prior experience necessary. Cost: The suggested fee to participate in this workshop is $25 - $100. We understand that not everyone may be able to afford this, and no one is turned away due to lack of funds. If you are able, please make your payment online at: https://bit.ly/2BcG1dH or by sending a check payable to Friends for a NonViolent World to: FNVW, P.O. Box 4564, St. Paul, MN 55104. *To receive Basic or Advanced Level certification at the end of the workshop, you must attend the entire three day workshop. In emergency situations, workshop facilitators may be able to accomodate an absence of up to one workshop session (2-3 hours). |
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FNVW Holiday Fair 2021 Recap |
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The FNVW Holiday Fair 2021 was a fun and festive event. |
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Despite many Covid-19 variables, we pulled together and held an extremely successful Holiday Fair 2021. Over 60 people shared their time, talent and energy as a Holiday Fair volunteer. We raised over $12,000. Thank you to the intrepid Holiday Fair Planning Committee and to all who participated in this event!
And a special thank you to Steve Moe, Eleni Andre-Wolking and everyone at the Friends School of Minnesota who shared their space, rearranged their schedules, baked cookies, made music, helped with set up and take down, spread the word about the event, and went above and beyond in every way possible to support the FNVW Holiday Fair. We love you!
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Two Holiday Fair donations from local businesses are still available for purchase:
- Dinner and show for two at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres ($200 value)
- Two tickets to a History Theatre production ($100 value)
Email leah@fnvw.org right away if you'd like to purchase either of the above items. You get to name your price! 100% of proceeds directly support FNVW's work. |
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FNVW needs to raise $5,000 to cover our 2021 expenses. If you weren't able to attend the Holday Fair, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support FNVW's work. A gift to FNVW is an investment in a future that honors the dignity of every human being. Thank you for your generosity. |
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Follow FNVW on Social Media! |
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FNVW is working hard to expand the reach and impact of our programs. Social media is a powerful way to engage more people in our work. We need your help to increase FNVW's visibility on social media. Here's what you can do:
- Take a moment right now to follow our pages
- Like and share our social media posts
- Volunteer to create social media content to help tell FNVW's story and promote events.
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This is a historic moment where communities are re-imagining public safety and how we live in relationship with one another. Now is the time to support the principles and practices of nonviolence that FNVW's programs champion. Your financial support will help us move our mission forward in 2022! |
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Upcoming Events
- Friday, Dec 17: Solidarity Hunger Strike for Democracy and action on Nicollet Mall with members from MAP 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Friday, Dec 17: Virtual FNVW Holiday Sing Along 7-8 pm
- Thursday, Jan 13: Beyond the Books with Gerri Williams 7-8:30 pm
- January 14-15, 21-22: Virtual AVP Combo Workshop
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Friends for a NonViolent World
393 N Dunlap Street Suite #450E | Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
(651) 917-0383 | info@fnvw.org |
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