Executive Director Announcement

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Leah, Miranda Dils, the Search Committee, and members of the Board of Directors, whose dedicated and generous work behind the scenes allowed us the time and support to select the best candidate for our new Executive Director. Thank you.

From Leah Robshaw Robinson, Volunteer Engagement Specialist & incoming Executive Director:

There is no question that we are living through a time of great social change and challenge. This transformative moment calls each of us to lean into our power and do what we are meant to do in this world. It is with much passion and humility that I step into the role of FNVW’s next Executive Director during this pivotal time.

There is a need for FNVW’s work in our community. The power of nonviolent practice and action to create lasting change is demonstrated in our programs. FNVW brings together our individual talents, energy, and resources to accomplish goals that would be impossible to realize alone. I am excited to continue working with you to strengthen our programs and impact!

Miranda and I would also like to express our deepest appreciation for Brucie Hawkins' leadership during the past five months as Acting Executive Director. Her calm and steady presence and experience with FNVW allowed us to move forward with existing programming. She has also been instrumental in supporting new ideas and putting them into action. Thank you, Brucie! We're grateful that we'll get to continue to work with you in your role on the Board.

Strategic Nonviolent Action Whatcha Wednesday Series

Every Wednesday from September 30 - November 11

Join FNVW for a Whatcha Wednesday series on Strategic Nonviolent Action! FNVW champions nonviolence as the foundation for effective programs and actions to promote the dignity of every human being. In response to the need for creative, nonviolent solutions to society’s pressing social issues and inequities, we are presenting this series with the hope to educate, engage, and garner enthusiasm around strategic nonviolent action. A passionate group of individuals representing a variety of experiences and connections to FNVW have come together to develop a series of sessions looking at the transformative power of nonviolent action. The purpose of this Whatcha Wednesdays series is to educate ourselves about the history and principles of nonviolence so that we can skillfully apply these learnings in our FNVW programs.

The series will begin next Wednesday (9/30). Mark your calendars - you won't want to miss it!

Week 1 - Introduction to Nonviolence

We’ll lay out the vision and schedule for the series and explore the question, “What is nonviolence?” We'll look at the spectrum of ways people practice nonviolence and seek to define what nonviolence means to us as individuals and as an organization. Findings from the interviews conducted by FNVW's Nonviolent Work Group and The Great FNVW Virtual Get-Together's small-group conversations will be integrated into this session.

When: Wednesday, September 30, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Facilitated by Pete Rode and Leah Robshaw Robinson.

Week 2 - Conflict Resolution in Relationships

In this interactive workshop, we will practice cultivating presence, shifting intentions towards connection, and listening for the 'song beneath the words' even in the midst of discord. You will have the opportunity to explore a conflict in your own life where you would like to be better resourced and more effective. Please bring a glass of water, tea, coffee, or other beverage for a mindfulness activity and have writing materials readily available for reflections.

When: Wednesday, October 7, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Facilitated by Anthony Streiff.

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

Meeting ID: 961 6267 6801
Password: 655383

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

10 Days Free from Violence with Twin Cities Nonviolent

10 Days Free from Violence is an initiative of our partner organization, Twin Cities Nonviolent. Twin Cities Nonviolent was created by Father Harry J Bury to reduce violence in all its forms; increase awareness and engagement in nonviolent policies and practices; bring together local community organizations, including nonprofits, religious institutions, educational institutions, and government agencies; and dismantle the structures and systems that lead to violence throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.

10 Days Free from Violence is Twin Cities Nonviolent’s annual event that serves as a platform to reduce overall violence every day in the Twin Cities. This year, a wide array of virtual events, speakers, and workshops are happening over Zoom through September 27.

Find the detailed schedule for the series of events here. You can register for all events through this link. Watch recordings of each event on the Twin Cities Nonviolent Facebook page here.