Source: Susan Allen, 785-532-6444, slallen@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/nonviolence/
News release prepared by: Andy Badeker, 785-532-6415, abadeker@k-state.edu
Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008
ROSTER OF K-STATE EVENTS PROMOTES NONVIOLENCE THROUGHOUT COMMUNITY
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's seventh annual Season for Nonviolence includes a roadside cleanup campaign and workshops on compassionate communication, soldiers' rights and healthful eating habits.
"'A Season for Nonviolence' started as a national educational and grassroots campaign," said Susan Allen, director of nonviolence education at K-State. "These 64 days are dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal and empower our lives and our communities."
The events are scheduled for the two months between the anniversaries of the assassinations of two globally recognized proponents of nonviolent change, Mohandas Gandhi, who was killed Jan. 30, 1948, and Martin Luther King Jr., who was shot April 4, 1968.
"This year brings the 60th and the 40th anniversaries of the deaths of these two transformative leaders," Allen said. "We think this campaign can emphasize just how effective nonviolent means are at creating positive change in relations, whether between individuals, groups or nations."
A Season for Nonviolence events include:
* Saturday, Feb. 2: Adopt-A-Highway cleanup of Kansas Highway 177, 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the scenic overlook south of Manhattan on the west side of the highway. Bring gloves and a sack lunch. Sponsored by the K-State Social Justice Alliance.
* Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2-3: "G.I. Rights" workshop for lawyers, social workers, clergy and concerned citizens. Topics include discharge, discrimination, sexual orientation and conscientious-objector status. For location, time and registration, contact Anne Cowan at 785-537-2025 or e-mail mapj@mapj.org. Sponsored by the Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice, Unitarian Universalist Social Action and the Mennonite Church. Continuing education credits are available.
* Monday, Feb. 11: "What is Progressive Spirituality?" at 4 p.m. in Room 207 of the K-State Student Union. Michael Nelson of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and F. Matt Cobb, Mercy Hospital chaplain, will show how the spiritual progressive network connects with nonviolence. Evening meditation will follow from 5:15-6 p.m.
* Wednesday, Feb. 13: "Let's Talk it Out: Compassionate Communication in Relationships" at 7 p.m. in Room 212 of the Union. Discussion will be led by Molly Traffas of the Peace and Justice Center of South Central Kansas. It is sponsored by ACTION and Alpha Phi Alpha.
* Thursday, Feb. 21: "Violence/Nonviolence and Disability" at 7 p.m. in Room 213 of the Union. This is a presentation by Ann Fahrbach Branden from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Stephanie Sanford of the Prairie Independent Living Resource Center in Hutchinson. It is sponsored by emPower Cats and Campaign for Nonviolence ACTION.
* Monday, Feb. 25: "Making Food Your Friend Again" at 7 p.m. in the Union Ballroom, presented by Jessica Setnick, a speaker with the National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. It is sponsored by Sensible Nutrition And Body Image Choices, K-State Student Governing Association and Lafene Health Center.
* Monday, March 10: Nonviolent martial arts, including aikido, tae kwon do, yoga and tai chi, noon to 1 p.m. in the Union courtyard. Sponsored by Aikido Club and Campaign for Nonviolence ACTION.
* Saturday, March 15: St. Patrick's Day Parade: Walk with the "Whirled Peas for World Peace" group. Call 785-532-6444 for location information.
For more information or to obtain posters, available in English and Spanish, on 64 ways to practice nonviolence, call 785-532-6444 or visit http://www.k-state.edu/nonviolence/