This workshop is being hosted by the Quaker Retreat Center in Ben Lomond, CA, and is being organized in conjunction with PeaceWorkers. The workshop is geared towards members of the Quaker community (Friends), but is open to all members of the public. The training will be facilitated by Kazu Haga (East Point Peace Academy) and David Hartsough (PeaceWorkers).

We live in a country and a world addicted to violence and war. Bombing people in other countries and shooting people in our own country has become the new “normal”.

Many of us are discouraged about how we can help change the current spiral of violence and perpetual wars. How can we overcome the feeling of powerlessness that we can make a difference and help make history?

How can we be a leaven in the loaf and help our society and our world overcome our addiction to violence and war?

Our weekend together will include:

1. Sharing stories of Friends and others challenging violence and war with active nonviolence.
(If you have time, look at David Hartsough’s book, “Waging Peace: Global Adventures of a Lifelong Activist“)

2. Role playing and training in active nonviolence. How can we practice nonviolence in conflict situations?

3. Discussions about the principles of nonviolence. What can we learn from Martin Luther King and Gandhi about how to build powerful nonviolent movements?

4. Discussion and strategizing - How can we build a movement for nonviolent social transformation? How can w help build a movement to end all war? What role can Friends play? (see www.worldbeyondwar.org for more info about this movement.)

5. How can we support one another in Speaking Truth to Power, following our leadings and working for an end to war and for social transformation?