The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence is located at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY.  We are dedicated to carrying out the principles of Mohandas K. Gandhi. Learn more about Gandhi!

Working in partnership with University of Rochester students and other organizations, we help local children learn about alternatives to conflict, teach nonviolence through service projects, plant food and flower gardens on and off the University of Rochester campus, tend sections of the nearby Genesee River, participate in urban agriculture to reduce hunger and create jobs, and support a grassroots movement to make Rochester a national leader in restorative justice.  We strive to identify, support and create projects and social systems that value all lives equally and where means and ends are understood to be inextricably linked.

Nonviolence means to:

- honor the dignity and worth of every human being and the sacredness of all life

- practice mindful consumption. 'Live simply so that others may simply live'

- listen deeply with an intent to understand and to address the fundamental causes of violence in order to create lasting peace

- actively challenge ignorance, prejudice, poverty, oppression and exploitation without resorting to violence. Work for justice, healing and reconciliation

- cultivate moral strength and courage through education, community building and creative nonviolent action

- cultivate a spiritual practice of nonviolence

- take responsibility for being peacemaker wherever you are-with family, in school, at work, in your community, nation and worldFebruary 1, 2009

Dear friends,

Welcome to our our second edition of Swadeshi Now, the new edition of the Gandhi Institute's newsletter. We want to extend a special greeting to new folks on this list-friends who have joined via the website or Facebook page, or perhaps someone we've met at one of our recent events in Rochester. I'm glad for a chance to say hello again, and to thank you for your interest in our work.

This newsletter will focus on the Season for Nonviolence, Jan 30-April 4. This is a national campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform and empower our lives. We're one of 10 US cities celebrating the season. If you are outside the Rochester, NY area and want to find out if you live near a city celebrating it, check Season For Nonviolence That link will also lead to a daily email message offering, if any of you would like a gentle reminder about the Season in your inbox each day! If you feel inspired to organize an event to mark this special time yourself, let us know so that we can support and celebrate you.

Keep reading to learn more about Rochester area events to celebrate the Season for Nonviolence this spring.

This issue is dedicated to the people of Haiti.

In peace and hope,
Kit Miller, Director of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

View the rest of the most recent newsletter HERE.