We champion nonviolence as the foundation for effective programs and actions to promote the dignity of every human being.

 

Note from Executive Director

FNVW stands in grief and solidarity with our Asian and Asian-American family and community following last week's mass shooting in Georgia, where a gunman shot and killed eight people at three different Asian businesses. Six of the eight people killed were Asian, and all but one were women. We also grieve the loss of the 10 lives taken at the hands of a gunman in Colorado earlier this week.

I urge you to not be paralyzed by the enormity of the pain and violence we are experiencing as a society. Hope comes through action. You are a part of a community of incredible people dedicated to building a nonviolent world. I encourage you to attend FNVW's Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 27th to learn more about how FNVW's work contributes to the healing and nonviolent social change we so desperately need. I also invite you to consider new ways to support FNVW - perhaps by becoming a volunteer, or by making a financial contribution, or by sharing FNVW's Facebook posts. This moment requires all of us to do what we can, where we are, with the tools we've got. I am grateful to be doing this work with you.

-Leah

 

FNVW Annual Meeting

When: THIS Saturday, March 27, 10:00-11:30 a.m. CDT

What to expect:

  • Celebrate what FNVW accomplished during 2020!
  • Welcome new Board Members and appreciate outgoing Board Members
  • Learn what’s on the horizon for FNVW in 2021

Join Zoom Meeting: http://bit.ly/fnvw2021

Meeting ID: 982 9223 3824
Password: 211302

Call-In Option: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

 

 

2020 Annual Report

 

 

 

We are excited to share with you FNVW's 2020 Annual Report! You can read and download the report here.

Our Annual Report highlights the accomplishments of each program at FNVW over the past year, how we've adapted in our current virtual reality, and reflections from FNVW staff members and leadership. We hope you'll take the time to look through this report before the Annual Meeting to learn about our ever-evolving work and get inspired to take action with us in 2021.

 

Thank You to Outgoing Board Members, Roland & Debbie!

 

Roland Barrett, FNVW Board Treasurer, provided tremendous stewardship of FNVW’s financial records during his term on the Board. His attention to detail ensured proper fiscal management and documentation of FNVW assets and liabilities. As clerk of the Financial Leadership Committee, Roland provided sound guidance during challenging times. Roland steered us through the first Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loan in 2020 and supported our successful application for a second PPP loan in 2021. Roland has generously offered to assist the new Treasurer with documentation and reporting.

Debbie Gray, Board Member At-Large, served as a bridge to universities and agencies in the community. Her insight, compassion, and sense of humor lightened our Board meetings. We are excited that Debbie will continue to bring her expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm as the Field Instructor for FNVW's social work internship program. This will ensure that FNVW retains its well-earned reputation of providing meaningful experiences and opportunities for its interns.

 

Meet the Spring 2021 Community-Engaged Learning Students

This semester, we are grateful to have two students from the University of Minnesota partnering with FNVW through service-learning courses. Both students are working on volunteer engagement efforts. This week, we're introducing Jess Dvorak, and in our next e-letter, you'll hear from Elena Zhang.

Jess Dvorak

I am a junior studying developmental psychology with a minor in social justice at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. I chose FNVW because I believe in their values and desire to create change in our community. During my time with FNVW, I am excited to meet others who share similar goals as me and to learn more about how to effectively implement change. In my free time, I enjoy longboarding, hiking, and playing my ukulele. My friends and I also love trying new restaurants and coffee shops! My absolute favorite pizza topping is definitely pineapple. 

 

Take Action - Attend the Bridging the Divides Meeting

Over the last few months, members of the Bridging the Divides: Policing that Works for Everyone Team have been connecting with other individuals and organizations in our community who are also working on public safety and reimagining policing. These conversations have given us new ideas for how FNVW can take action during this critical time. In alignment with our commitment to being an anti-racist organization, we seek to center the experiences of those most impacted by our policing system and follow the leadership of the BIPOC community as we move forward.

We'll be meeting on Tuesday, April 6th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. CDT. Please join us if you'd like to be a part of this work.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91677632808?pwd=RHYxQXE0WE5xT1V2U3RsM2dJOGxZUT09

Meeting ID: 916 7763 2808
Password: 199615

Call-In Option: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

 

Volunteer Opportunity Corner

We will feature volunteer position openings at FNVW in a "Volunteer Opportunity Corner" in each e-letter.

FNVW Volunteer Position Opening!
FNVW Website Organizer

As a Website Organizer volunteer, you will continually update our website to depict our programs, events, and volunteer opportunities in creative, innovative, and aesthetically appealing ways. Although not required, experience with websites is preferred. You will also be asked to learn the AveNET software that we use for our website. You will work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers and receive direct support from the Executive Director. You can expect to volunteer between 2-6 hours every month, with a commitment of at least 1 year. This is a remote position.

Apply today through this link or email volunteer@fnvw.org for more information.

 

Monthly Virtual Singalong

Join us for an FNVW Singalong on the last Friday of the month. Led by PJ Hoffman, Maria Musachio, and friends. You can also lead some of the songs - let us know!

When: Friday, March 26, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT

Join Zoom Meeting: http://bit.ly/zoomsingalong

Meeting ID: 995 6883 3010
Password: 067324

Call-In Option: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

 

The People's Inauguration Whatcha Wednesday Series

Join FNVW for a Whatcha Wednesday series inspired by The People’s Inauguration - "10 Days to Activate Revolutionary Love" virtual event! FNVW is partnering with The People's Inauguration to engage and amplify the critical work of rebuilding our nation. In this series, we’ll ground ourselves in the ethic of revolutionary love — love for others, for our opponents, and for ourselves. We’ll focus on a different core teaching each week, using Valarie Kaur’s recorded videos as a guide. The order of our series will correspond with the 10-day online journey (e.g., “Week 1” corresponds with “Day 1”).  Check out the full lineup here. If you’re interested in co-facilitating one of these sessions, please reach out to Miranda Dils (miranda@fnvw.org) - we’d love to work with you.

Week 10 - Joy

This week's teaching invites us to understand the role of joy in our labors, to connect with what brings us joy, and how to create the conditions for joy on a daily basis (from TPI website).

When: Wednesday, March 31, 10:00-11:30 a.m. CDT. Facilitated by Miranda Dils.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96162676801?pwd=Q3ZOWCtGTE1WMEJLbG96NmpHVDNpZz09

Meeting ID: 961 6267 6801
Password: 655383

Call-In Option: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

We will not hold a Whatcha Wednesday on Wednesday, April 3rd to give ourselves the gift of a pause as we reassess our weekly gathering space. During the session on March 31st, we will devote time to reflecting on the past year of Whatcha Wednesdays and planning for the future - we invite you to join and share your thoughts. If you are unable to attend and would like to share your feedback, please email Miranda (miranda@fnvw.org). Questions to consider in the context of being an FNVW volunteer:

  • What needs/wants do Whatcha Wednesdays meet for you?
  • What needs/wants could a weekly gathering space meet for you?
  • How can the FNVW community co-create this space?
 

What happened at the past two Whatcha Wednesdays? Two Wednesdays ago, we followed the teachings of the breath with discussing how to push through our breath and stay engaged in difficult situations or conversations. We learned the four elements of a good apology and practiced writing a letter to receive or give an apology. We discussed the importance of facing our discomfort in order to grow and transform as individuals and as a society.

This week, we focused on what it means to transition to a better future in our country. We heard a rejuvenating message from Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III who posed the question, “How much future do you want?” and shared the idea that faith and risk are interchangeable. We also reflected on what stories about ourselves and our nation we’re willing to let go in order to make way for new possibilities.

 

Taste of People Camp Gathering

We are looking forward to TASTE OF PEOPLE CAMP, a virtual gathering to celebrate friendships old and new. Please invite people you think might be interested in coming to camp this summer. We are planning for an in-person People Camp experience at Northern Pines Retreat Center, August 8-14, with flexible expectations. We would love to increase our community this year, enriching our experience through expanded participation.

This year's campers will be exploring the theme "Seeking Justice in a Changing World."

Here's all you need to know about the Taste of People Camp Gathering...

When: Saturday, April 17, 6:00-7:30 p.m. CDT

Where: On Zoom of course!

What to expect:

  • Virtual potluck
  • Gathering song and a lively virtual game
  • 2 rounds of breakout rooms where we can meet in smaller groups
  • Business portion: Introduction to the Planning Committee’s efforts towards envisioning People Camp 2021
  • Singalong for those who choose to hang out longer
Hope to see a Zoom screen FULL of People Campers!
 
AND MAKE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR PEOPLE CAMP 2021: AUGUST 8-14!
 

 

 

 

COVID-19 in Minnesota Prisons

As of 3.23.21, there are 101 active cases of Covid-19 in Minnesota state prison facilities, along with 12 Covid-19-related inmate deaths. The Department of Corrections posts daily on their website with updated numbers. Find other updates here.

 

 

 

 
 

Upcoming Events

  • Friday, March 26: Virtual Singalong, 7-8 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 27: Annual Meeting, 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, March 31: The People's Inauguration Whatcha Wednesday Series - Week 10, 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 6: Bridging the Divides Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 17: Taste of People Camp Gathering, 6-7:30 p.m.

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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