Celebrating 35 Years of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence
Soulforce 2026: Renew, Recommit, and Resist
Thirty-five years ago, the Gandhi Institute was founded to resist the oppressive systems of violence, racism, and incarceration of the United States. This year, we gather to celebrate that legacy, honor the birthday of our founder, Arun Gandhi, and ignite the next chapter of our work.
Soulforce is more than a fundraiser, it is a chance for our community to prepare ourselves to make social change. This year’s theme, Renew, Recommit, and Resist, calls us to deepen our roots, strengthen our community ties, and stand firm against injustice with joy and purpose.
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Your Impact: True sustainability is a community effort. Your support ensures our work remains accessible to all through our equitable sliding-scale model. In the last year alone, your partnership allowed us to:
Train 2,306 people in nonviolence and restorative practices.
Facilitate 8,026 restorative conversations with students in our Help Zones.
Host 93 community events that fostered connection and healing across Rochester.
Join us for an uplifting evening designed to engage the heart and the mind:
Nourishment: A formal vegetarian dinner, dessert, and cash bar.
Connection: Immersive experiences exploring our pillars of Nonviolence, Racial Justice, Sustainability, and Restorative Practices.
Inspiration: Powerful storytelling and live music for a compelling purpose
Legacy: A silent auction featuring local businesses and unique community experiences.
The Goal: Our goal is to raise $40,000 to directly fund our 2026 programming and education. Whether you are a long-time sustainer or a new friend, your presence is vital.
