"Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for (people) to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. People must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What: Kingian Nonviolence Training
Where: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota (IN PERSON ONLY)
When: May 9-11
Who: Anyone over the age of 16
Together, we will immerse ourselves in the principles and steps of nonviolence through interactive modules that will equip you with tools for organizing for justice and peace after the teachings of Dr. King. The training itself is an experience of being in beloved community together, and we hope to have a diverse group that will bring unique contexts, perspectives, questions and experiences to our training together.
* Please register by May 1.
Our Trainers
Our four trainers have all been trained in Kingian Nonviolence.
In March, Pastor Martha Bardwell and Pastor Esther Sianipar from Our Saviour's Lutheran Church were trained in Selma, AL at the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation, in a program developed by Dr. Bernard Lafayette, civil rights activist, friend of Dr. King, and internationally renowned teacher of nonviolence.
Peter Digitale Anderson, Executive Director of Peace Catalyst International, and Pastor Sara Jensen, Pastor at Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer, have been trained for some years and have integrated this training into their work in various ways. We are excited to come together for the first time to offer this training in Minneapolis.
Our Schedule + Meals
The training sessions will be:
Friday, May 9 from 5:30-8:30pm (with dinner included)
Saturday, May 10 from 9-4 (with light breakfast, snacks and lunch included)
Sunday, May 11 from 12-4 (with lunch included)
Pre-work
There will be some pre-work for attendees: 2 readings from Dr. King and 1 film viewing of the documentary "A Force More Powerful." We hope to host an optional screening of "A Force More Powerful" ahead of our training (or folks can choose watch it ahead of time on their own time). We will send details and pre-reading to those who RSVP.
Fees
We want this training to be accessible to anyone who wants to attend, and there are fees associated with offering the training, including materials, meals, stipends, and a donation to the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation. We are offering a sliding scale of $50 - $100 - $200 for the training; please choose the level you are able to pay. You may also request a scholarship to attend, and you are welcome to give more to make room for those who need scholarships. You may pay by cash or by check made out to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with "Kingian Nonviolence" in the memo line, or give online under "Special Fund Donation" with "Kingian Nonviolence" specified.
Please register by May 1 tapping the “sign up” button below. This will give us time to prepare materials and meals.
You may also reach out to Martha Bardwell with any questions. martha (at) oursavioursmpls.org.