On Friday, May 1, during the regularly scheduled monthly call for the Pax Christi local-state-regional leaders, the Pax Christi USA nonviolence working group will offer an introductory overview of Kingian nonviolence.
Friday, May 1
4:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM MT / 1:00 PM PT / 10:00 AM Hawaii-Aleutian Time
Kingian nonviolence is a practical framework to address conflict, strengthen leadership, and advance community-based social change. The session on May 1 will feature experienced trainers including Madeline Labriola (Pax Christi Rhode Island), Matt Guynn (On Earth Peace), Jeff Mason (Pax Christi Quad Cities – Iowa/Illinois), Sam Chawla-Rios (Pax Christi New Jersey and Pax Christi USA Young Adult Caucus), and Stephen Niamke (Pax Christi USA Field Organizer).
Grounded in the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the program will explore both the philosophical foundation (“the will”) and applied strategies (“the skill”) of nonviolence. Participants are introduced to the historical context and contemporary relevance of Kingian nonviolence, including its six principles for understanding and transforming conflict and its six steps for engaging in nonviolent action and campaign development.
The session integrates theory with practice by examining real-world examples of nonviolent social change, offering tools for organizing and mobilizing communities, and providing opportunities for participants to begin applying these concepts to their own contexts. A central component is the exploration of agape—unconditional, redemptive love—as a transformative force in conflict. Drawing from Dr. King’s Strength to Love, the program emphasizes forgiveness, recognition of shared humanity, and the pursuit of reconciliation over defeat.
Participants will learn about a values-based, action-oriented approach to using conflict constructively in personal, organizational, and community settings, with the goal of building a more just, peaceful, and reconciled world.
This session is free and open to anyone who would like to join the call.
Use this link to register.