Peacemaking at Kirkridge

We live in a world hungry for peace and reconciliation.

In relationships, churches and job settings; in war-torn regions of the world and U.S. communities; whether in poverty or privilege ---- all of us are affected daily by the violence, injustice and oppression that plague our world. Needed changes often elude us.  Some of us lack awareness, fall into apathy, feel disempowered or even self-righteously these believe that we know the one right answer to face complex social challenges.

Active nonviolence is a spiritually-grounded resource for times like these, for people like us! Many of us seek insight and renewal, opportunities for re-centering, and supportive communities.  We want to be empowered. We yearn to move from fear and despair to hope and action.     

Kirkridge, a faith-based retreat center with a long history in the peace and justice movement, is in a unique position to serve as a foundation for active nonviolence training and education through mutual learning, inspiration and support.  Building on its historic roots of “picket and pray,” Kirkridge plans to significantly increase its investment in justice, peace and nonviolence programming beginning this fall and to support community-based training across the country.  In addition to the large Kirkridge community, it will work with other individuals and groups committed to peaceful change; congregations and seminaries; high schools and colleges; faith-based peace groups; and other justice and peace groups.  By making gatherings, education and training available to help prepare, nurture and support individuals and communities, Kirkridge is poised to contribute to a growing movement for nonviolent personal and social change. 

Why have I agreed to help provide leadership in peace and justice programming at Kirkridge, beginning this fall?  Because Kirkridge is committed to nurturing individuals and groups working for justice and peace in communities across our country ----- because I have some training and experience, skill, colleagues and passion to lend to the effort ----- because we need all the nonviolence training and education and resources we can muster to create justice and peace in our homes, schools, communities, country and the world.  And I look forward to working with you, and to meeting you at Kirkridge or at nonviolence trainings and events around the country.  

Core components of a re-energized justice and peace program at Kirkridge will include:

o       Nationwide, community-based nonviolence training and other peace training

o       Training for trainers 

o       Experiential, interactive learning approaches (popular education)  

o       Intergenerational relationships and mutual mentoring with young peacemakers

o       Integration of spirituality and social change

o       Pilgrimages and public witness experiences

            (civil rights pilgrimage, witness at School of Americas & Nevada Nuclear Test Site, etc.)  

o       Weekend educational programs     

o       Gatherings for peacemaker groups  

o       Technical support for grassroots work (inclusion, organizing, fund-raising, etc.)

o       Educational and resource materials, including the Kirkridge bookstore and on-line support

o       Collaboration with other training, justice and peace organizations