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The partnership between the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and several correctional facilities connects to our collective commitment regarding nonviolence education as well as anti-racism. All of the work featured below has been on a pro bono basis.
Since 2011, we have celebrated the annual Season for Nonviolence (January 30-April 4), which includes in person events and engaging materials for daily practice specifically adapted for incarcerated people. We began working at Groveland Correctional Facility in 2011 and then, as a result of publicity within the New York State Department of Corrections, we expanded that programming to four facilities. This year during the Covid-19 pandemic we have adapted programming and are able to continue work with hundreds of men at Attica and Groveland Correctional Facilities.
The Institute hosts Alternatives to Violence (AVP) programming since 2013 and provides space for a bi-weekly support group for formerly incarcerated people.
Building on prison-community dialogues held when the Gandhi Institute was based in Memphis Tennesee, since 2016 we have hosted five daylong dialogues at Groveland Correctional Facility with soon-to-be-released inmates and community leaders. That program expanded to include Auburn Prison. The dialogues bring together members from the Rochester community and those currently incarcerated to discuss community safety and prosperity for all.
