Ahimsa Center
Application Deadline: March 16, 2009
Journeys of Nonviolence: Gandhi and King
Ahimsa Center ’s 2009 Summer Institute for K-12 teachers - the third one in a series on Education about Nonviolence - will focus on Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-68), the pioneers of nonviolent action for social transformation. Both Gandhi and King were ordinary human beings who rose to extra-ordinary heights in serving humanity. Both were interested in the moral and spiritual growth of human civilization than simply its material advancement. Although both were active in the politics of the day, neither held a government office. Both dedicated their lives to combat racism, oppression, injustice, violence, war and poverty. Both adopted nonviolence as a principle guiding their actions, and both led by example. They sacrificed their lives for what they believed in. Their journeys, however, were unique and distinctive.
Purpose
This institute will provide a select group of up to forty K-12 educators an extraordinary opportunity for educational leadership by integrating in school curricula the lessons based on critical understanding of Gandhi and King, especially their respective journeys of nonviolence and social change. The two-week residential program will -
- Provide in-depth understanding of Gandhi and King, their historic role in nonviolent social transformation in the face of racial discrimination, oppression, injustice and violence.
- Examine the practical applications of their philosophies and strategies to current socio-economic and environmental challenges, and to the resolution of conflicts through nonviolent means.
- Explore the relevance of their lives for positively enhancing the learning environment for students and for inspiring them with the power of nonviolent conflict transformation.
- Facilitate the development, implementation and dissemination of standards-based interdisciplinary curriculum for a balanced and deeper understanding of Gandhi, King and their legacies.
Program Focus and Format
Participants will work with expert faculty and scholars to learn, reflect and critically assess the significance of Gandhi and King in their own times and their continuing relevance in our times as leaders of nonviolent mass movements, and also as thought-leaders who seem to have anticipated so many of today’s critical issues and vexing problems. Themes and topics covered in the Institute will provide a solid foundation for curricular innovations that will help students gain critical insights into relevance of Gandhi, King and their respective journeys of nonviolence. Institute topics include:
- Gandhi and King as dynamic thinkers and life-long learners
- Their private and public lives.
- Their exemplary courage in addressing racism, oppression, injustice, violence and war.
- Their creativity in conflict resolution and devising nonviolent methods for social change.
- Gandhi and King on poverty and sustainable development.
- Gandhi and King as role models for today’s youth.
- Gandhi and King as global figures; their legacy and impact.
The program format of the Institute will draw upon an interdisciplinary approach and include a combination of lectures and seminars by Gandhi scholars, group discussions, curriculum development workshops, documentary/film discussions, hands-on experience in creating digital stories, and weekend programs.
- Program Flyer
Click on image to download the PDF.
Click on image to download the PDF.
For further information about
- Fellowship and Benefits
- Selection Criteria
- Application Procedure
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