M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

Soulforce 2025
2025-06-14 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue, Rochester, NY, United States
Join us for Soulforce, our spring fundraiser celebrating the change we are making!
We’ll be raising money for a more sustainable and just world.
Register!
Thanks to our incredible supporters like you, in the past year, the Gandhi Institute has:
✨ Facilitated 5,600 student conversations
✨ Organized 164 events and workshops
✨ Connected 40 families through our community garden
✨ Trained 3,199 youth and adults in nonviolence and restorative practices
This year, we invite you to join us again and make an impact!
We are raising $46,500 to sustain and expand our vital programming.
Don’t miss out! RSVP today and be part of creating a better tomorrow!
Please share this flyer with your friends and family! The more, the merrier, and the bigger the impact we can make together.

On Pricing:
This event is intended to raise money to fund the Gandhi Institute’s mission, and we value all support from our community. We use sliding-scale pricing in our workshops to be inclusive and accessible and are hoping to raise funds to continue this equitable practice.The ticket price and donation goal represents donations needed to support our mission and meet our fiscal goal for the year! We hope that you will join us in this hopeful night and help meet our financial needs.We depend on our community to participate, inform, and fund our programming, so we truly appreciate your choice to support us in a way that aligns with you!

Bonita Nguti Book Launch
2025-06-21 15:00 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click here to RSVP!
Join lifecoach Bonita Nguti for the launch of Silent Echos—a heartfelt tribute to the Gandhi Institute, where her healing began and hope was restored.
Celebrate Bonita Ngutu’s book launch with us on Saturday, June 21, 3 PM EST at the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (929 South Plymouth Ave). To join us, RSVP and get your FREE ticket now! We hope to see you there!

June Community Dinner
2025-06-25 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
RSVP to dine with us here!
Summer’s here, and so are our Community Dinners! Don’t miss the next Community Dinner on June 25th at 6 PM, co-hosted by our friends at Rochester Queer Comics. Bring a dish if you would like to, but don’t worry, we’ll be cooking up a few of our own! Everyone is welcome.
You can register to join here. Let us know that you are bringing dishes or snacks by emailing katie@gandhiinstitute.org

Online Grief Circles - July 10
2025-07-10 16:00 - 17:00
Click here to register for Online Grief Circles!
What keeps you up at night? What contributes to hopelessness? Join us for support in community, to honor our pain for the world and to unlock love and energy. Every kind of grief is welcome.
We’ve extended our biweekly Grief Circles through the end of the summer! Join online Grief Circles biweekly on Thursdays, from 4-5 pm EST on Zoom between June 19 and August 21, 2025.

Biweekly Online Grief Circle will be at 4 pm EST on the following dates:
June 19
July 10
July 24
August 7
August 21

July Community Roundtable
2025-07-19 11:00 - 13:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register for July Community Roundtable here!
In a time when online echo chambers deepen division and disconnection, coming together face-to-face is more important than ever. The Community Roundtables offer a space to share perspectives, make sense of what’s happening in the world, and remain connected to one another. The July Community Roundtable will be on Saturday, July 19 at 11 AM. We will chat about community issues that are on our hearts and minds.
This series will be at the Gandhi Institute on the third Saturday of each month at 11 AM – 1 PM EST.
Each session will focus on open dialogue or specific topics that matter to the Rochester community—some selected by Gandhi Institute staff and others chosen by participants based on pressing issues and events. Through open conversation, we cultivate understanding and plant the seeds for collective action—whether by strengthening existing efforts or inspiring new initiatives. Join us as we listen, reflect, and build a more connected community.

Online Grief Circles - July 24
2025-07-24 16:00 - 17:00

July De-escalation Workshop
2025-07-26 13:00 - 16:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Come practice skills to reduce violence and help keep each other safe!
Join us on July 26th for a workshop for transforming conflict and de-escalating tense situations. Participants will work collaboratively to respond to conflict in ways that enable and promote safe outcomes.
We welcome all community members to register!

Register!

On pricing:
The Gandhi Institute often hosts events on a sliding scale economy to be more accessible and prevent finances from prohibiting learning, engagement, and opportunity to create a better world.

We depend on our community to participate, inform, and partially fund our programming, so we truly appreciate your choice to support us in a way that aligns with you.

July Community Dinner
2025-07-30 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Share warm food and conversations at our Community Dinner!
Summer’s here, and so are our Community Dinners! Don’t miss the next Community Dinner on July 30th at 6 PM. Bring a dish if you would like to, but don’t worry, we’ll be cooking up a few of our own! Everyone is welcome.
You can register to join using the link in our bio! Let us know that you are bringing dishes or snacks by emailing katie@gandhiinstitute.org
Click here to register!

Online Grief Circles - August 7
2025-08-07 16:00 - 17:00

Changemaker Retreat 2025
2025-08-11 09:30 - 2025-08-14 16:00
Get your ticket for Changemaker here!
Our annual Changemaker Retreat is back! Join us from August 11 – 14 for four days of community building and fun, exploring nonviolence as a strategy for the courageous.
Together we will dive into:
-Engaging with people across big conflict and differences
-Practicing skills to de-escalate tense situations
-Strategies to take care of ourselves and others during tough times
-Communication skills that support us in strengthening connection
-Exploring systems thinking approaches to life
We offer this retreat on a sliding scale basis and ask for you to contribute what will work for you while considering our sustainability as well. If you cannot meet the minimum sliding scale payment, we got you! You can find more information during the registration process.
Questions about Changemaker? Contact Katie at katie@gandhiinstitute.org

August Community Roundtables
2025-08-16 11:00 - 17:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
To register for the August Community Roundtable, click here!

In a time when online echo chambers deepen division and disconnection, coming together face-to-face is more important than ever. The Community Roundtables offer a space to share perspectives, make sense of what’s happening in the world, and remain connected to one another. The August Community Roundtable will be on Saturday, August 16 at 11 AM EST. We will chat about community issues that are on our hearts and minds.
This series will be at the Gandhi Institute on the third Saturday of each month at 11 AM – 1 PM EST.
Each session will focus on open dialogue or specific topics that matter to the Rochester community—some selected by Gandhi Institute staff and others chosen by participants based on pressing issues and events. Through open conversation, we cultivate understanding and plant the seeds for collective action—whether by strengthening existing efforts or inspiring new initiatives. Join us as we listen, reflect, and build a more connected community.

Let's Be Good Ancestors: Honoring Joanna Macy
2025-08-18 19:00 - 20:30
Click here to register
Let’s honor the remarkable legacy of Joanna Macy!
Join our caring community for a special two-session gathering as we tenderly honor Joanna Macy, who recently passed.
Joanna, with Molly Brown, eloquently reminded us in Coming Back to Life that the “deadening of our hearts and minds” is a profound threat to our planet. Now, more than ever, her wisdom guides us through grief and towards renewed purpose.
In these sessions, Joanna’s longtime student, Kit Miller, will compassionately guide us alongside Erin Thompson. We’ll explore powerful excerpts from Joanna’s work, reflecting together on how we can transform our grief into courageous, loving action.
Come, let’s reflect, heal, and inspire each other to protect life in Joanna’s enduring spirit.
On Pricing:
We’re committed to making our workshops accessible to everyone. Our sliding scale allows you to choose the price that best fits your circumstances.
We deeply appreciate your choice to support our programs in a way that aligns with you, helping us continue to offer valuable learning opportunities to our community.

Online Grief Circles - August 21
2025-08-21 16:00 - 17:00

Let's Be Good Ancestors: Honoring Joanna Macy
2025-08-25 19:00 - 20:30
Let’s honor the remarkable legacy of Joanna Macy!
Join our caring community for a special two-session gathering as we tenderly honor Joanna Macy, who recently passed.
Joanna, with Molly Brown, eloquently reminded us in Coming Back to Life that the “deadening of our hearts and minds” is a profound threat to our planet. Now, more than ever, her wisdom guides us through grief and towards renewed purpose.
In these sessions, Joanna’s longtime student, Kit Miller, will compassionately guide us alongside Erin Thompson. We’ll explore powerful excerpts from Joanna’s work, reflecting together on how we can transform our grief into courageous, loving action.
Come, let’s reflect, heal, and inspire each other to protect life in Joanna’s enduring spirit.
On Pricing:
We’re committed to making our workshops accessible to everyone. Our sliding scale allows you to choose the price that best fits your circumstances.
We deeply appreciate your choice to support our programs in a way that aligns with you, helping us continue to offer valuable learning opportunities to our community.

Open House 2025
2025-09-06 13:00 - 18:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Join us at the Gandhi Institute Open House!
Click here to RSVP
On September 6th, we’re opening our doors and green spaces for a day filled with food, fun, and connection.
This is our 15th Annual Open House! Snacks available throughout, but we’ll transition to a community dinner at 3:30.
Get a taste of what goes on at the Gandhi Institute through food, games, music, and more! (Some community partners will have some surprise activities you won’t want to miss!)
This is a fun and family-friendly event, so bring your kids and friends!
RSVP today!

Online Grief Circles (September 18)
2025-09-18 16:00 - 17:00
Click here to register for Online Grief Circles.
Join the Circle. Our online grief circle is a biweekly gathering to honor the pain and sorrow that comes from living in a complicated world. It is a place for listening and presence, not for advice or judgment.
Every kind of grief, big or small, is welcome. Whether it’s sorrow from personal loss, burnout from the work you do, or a heavy heart for the state of the world, all of your grief is welcome here.
As Joanna Macy reminds us, “The most important thing to do is to be with your pain, and not to deny it. In doing that, you’re not alone.”
We’ll meet (mostly) biweekly on Thursdays, from 4-5 pm ET on Zoom between September 18th and January 29th, 2026. You can check out the specific Grief Circle dates below.
Upcoming Dates:

Sept. 18
Oct. 2, 16, & 30
Nov. 13
Dec. 4 & 18
Jan. 1, 15

September Community Roundtable
2025-09-20 11:00 - 13:00
Click HERE to register to join!
The September Community Roundtable will be on Saturday, September 20 at 11 AM. We will chat about community issues that are on our hearts and minds.
In a time when online echo chambers deepen division and disconnection, coming together face-to-face is more important than ever. The Community Roundtables offer a space to share perspectives, make sense of what’s happening in the world, and remain connected to one another.
This series will be at the Gandhi Institute on the third Saturday of each month at 11 AM – 1 PM EST.
Each session will focus on open dialogue or specific topics that matter to the Rochester community—some selected by Gandhi Institute staff and others chosen by participants based on pressing issues and events. Through open conversation, we cultivate understanding and plant the seeds for collective action—whether by strengthening existing efforts or inspiring new initiatives. Join us as we listen, reflect, and build a more connected community.
Questions? Email erin@gandhiinstitute.org

Communication That Connects: A Nonviolent Communication Intensive
2025-09-27 10:00 - 15:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click here to register for Communication That Connects!
Join us for this intensive workshop dedicated to deepening connection—with ourselves and with others—through the practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Together, we’ll explore the foundations of NVC and move into meaningful application and practice in a supportive, shared learning space.
Nonviolent Communication is a powerful practice to help us in identifying the feelings and needs that live beneath our words and actions. Whether you’re new to NVC or looking to reconnect with its tools, this workshop offers a space to slow down, reflect, and practice more life-giving ways of communicating.
Communication that Connects will be on Saturday, September 27 from 10 AM – 3 PM EST, at the Gandhi Institute. All are welcome!
Questions about the workshop? Email katie@gandhiinstitute.org

Online Grief Circles (October 2)
2025-10-02 16:00 - 17:00

Online Grief Circles (October 16)
2025-10-16 16:00 - 17:00

October Community Roundtable
2025-10-18 11:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click HERE to register to join!
The October Community Roundtable will be on Saturday, October 18 at 11 AM. We will chat about community issues that are on our hearts and minds.
In a time when online echo chambers deepen division and disconnection, coming together face-to-face is more important than ever. The Community Roundtables offer a space to share perspectives, make sense of what’s happening in the world, and remain connected to one another.
This series will be at the Gandhi Institute on the third Saturday of each month at 11 AM – 1 PM EST.
Each session will focus on open dialogue or specific topics that matter to the Rochester community—some selected by Gandhi Institute staff and others chosen by participants based on pressing issues and events. Through open conversation, we cultivate understanding and plant the seeds for collective action—whether by strengthening existing efforts or inspiring new initiatives. Join us as we listen, reflect, and build a more connected community.

Community Dinner and Dialogue with Professor Alexandra Oprea
2025-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Share warm food and conversation at our October Community Dinner
RVSP to join us here!
This month’s dinner will be co-hosted by Monroe Community College and special guest Professor Alexandra Oprea from the University at Buffalo’s Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program. Professor Oprea will be delivering the MCC McMurry Lecture, How to Be a Good Democratic Citizen, earlier in the day, and we’ll carry the conversation forward together over a shared meal.
Dinner & dialogue will be on Monday, October 20 at 6:00 PM at 929 S. Plymouth Ave. Bring a dish if you’d like to contribute, but don’t worry—we’ll have plenty of food prepared to share.
Everyone is welcome. Registration helps us prepare food and space—please sign up using the link in our bio. If you’d like to bring a dish or snack, let us know at katie@gandhiinstitute.org

Embodying Nonviolent Communication
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:30
Click HERE to register to join Embodying Nonviolent Communication!
In a time when meaningful connection can feel both vital and difficult, Nonviolent Communication offers a pathway to engage with ourselves and others with more clarity, compassion, and courage. Over 5-weeks, join us for Embodying Nonviolent Communication on Thursdays, from October 23 – November 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm EST.
Together, we will explore Nonviolent Communication through thought, speech, and embodied practices to deepen connection and strengthen our capacity to build communities where everyone can thrive.
Questions? Email katie@gandhiinstitute.org

October De-escalation Workshop
2025-10-25 15:00 - 18:00
Click HERE to register to join!
Come practice skills to reduce violence and help keep each other safe!
Join us on Saturday, October 25th for a workshop for transforming conflict and de-escalating tense situations. Participants will work collaboratively to respond to conflict in ways that enable and promote safe outcomes.
We welcome all community members to register! The Gandhi Institute often hosts events on a sliding scale economy to be more accessible and prevent finances from prohibiting learning, engagement, and opportunity to create a better world. We depend on our community to participate, inform, and partially fund our programming, so we truly appreciate your choice to support us in a way that aligns with you.
Questions? Email jonathon@gandhiinstitute.org

Online Grief Circles (October 30)
2025-10-30 16:00 - 17:00
Click here to register for Online Grief Circles.
Join the Circle. Our online grief circle is a biweekly gathering to honor the pain and sorrow that comes from living in a complicated world. It is a place for listening and presence, not for advice or judgment.
Every kind of grief, big or small, is welcome. Whether it’s sorrow from personal loss, burnout from the work you do, or a heavy heart for the state of the world, all of your grief is welcome here.
As Joanna Macy reminds us, “The most important thing to do is to be with your pain, and not to deny it. In doing that, you’re not alone.”
We’ll meet (mostly) biweekly on Thursdays, from 4-5 pm ET on Zoom between September 18th and January 29th, 2026. You can check out the specific Grief Circle dates below.
Upcoming Dates:

Oct. 30
Nov. 13
Dec. 4 & 18
Jan. 1, 15

Online Grief Circles (November 13)
2025-11-13 16:00 - 17:00
Click here to register for Online Grief Circles.
Join the Circle. Our online grief circle is a biweekly gathering to honor the pain and sorrow that comes from living in a complicated world. It is a place for listening and presence, not for advice or judgment.

Every kind of grief, big or small, is welcome. Whether it’s sorrow from personal loss, burnout from the work you do, or a heavy heart for the state of the world, all of your grief is welcome here.
As Joanna Macy reminds us, “The most important thing to do is to be with your pain, and not to deny it. In doing that, you’re not alone.”
We’ll meet (mostly) biweekly on Thursdays, from 4-5 pm ET on Zoom between September 18th and January 29th, 2026. You can check out the specific Grief Circle dates below.
Upcoming Dates:

Nov. 13

Dec. 4 & 18

Jan. 1, 15

November Community Roundtable
2025-11-15 11:00 - 13:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click here to register for the November Roundtable!
The November Community Roundtable will be on Saturday, November 15 at 11 AM. We will chat about community issues that are on our hearts and minds.

About the Series:
In a time when online echo chambers deepen division and disconnection, coming together face-to-face is more important than ever. The Community Roundtables offer a space to share perspectives, make sense of what’s happening in the world, and remain connected to one another.
This series will be at the Gandhi Institute on the third Saturday of each month at 11 AM – 1 PM EST.
Each session will focus on open dialogue or specific topics that matter to the Rochester community—some selected by Gandhi Institute staff and others chosen by participants based on pressing issues and events. Through open conversation, we cultivate understanding and plant the seeds for collective action—whether by strengthening existing efforts or inspiring new initiatives. Join us as we listen, reflect, and build a more connected community.

Friendsgiving Dinner (November Community Dinner)
2025-11-17 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click here to RSVP for Friendsgiving!
Don’t miss the our last Community Dinner of 2025, our November Friendsgiving Dinner! Friendsgiving will be at the Gandhi Institute on Monday, November 17 at 6 PM. Bring a dish if you would like to, but don’t worry, we’ll be cooking up a few of our own! Everyone is welcome.
You can register to join using the link in our bio! Registering ahead helps us to better prepare the amount of food and seating. Let us know that you are bringing dishes or snacks by emailing katie@gandhiinstitute.org

De-escalation 2.0 Workshop
2025-12-06 13:00 - 15:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click HERE to register for De-escalation 2.0
Practice skills to reduce violence and help keep each other safe! Join us for a workshop for transforming conflict and de-escalating tense situations. Participants will work collaboratively to respond to conflict in ways that enable and promote safe outcomes. De-escalation 2.0 will be on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 PM EST at the Gandhi Institute. We welcome all community members to register!

On pricing:

The Gandhi Institute often hosts events on a sliding scale economy to be more accessible and prevent finances from prohibiting learning, engagement, and opportunity to create a better world. We depend on our community to participate, inform, and partially fund our programming, so we truly appreciate your choice to support us in a way that aligns with you.

A Not So Silent Night of Karaoke
2025-12-13 18:00 - 20:30 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click here to Register!
Trade in the quiet carols for a microphone and some holiday cheer!
Join us for our annual friendraiser,* A Not So Silent Night of Karaoke on Saturday, December 13 @ 6 PM EST.
This is your chance to sing, connect with fellow community members, and raise vital funds to support our mission of equipping people with the tools of nonviolence.
Whether you’re looking to shine or just cheering from the sidelines, your ticket directly supports our work for a more sustainable and just world.
Come ready to sing, celebrate the season, and make some noise for peace!
P.S. We embrace all types of singing from seasoned pros to bashful car singers, come on down and have a blast with a supportive crowd!
*This event is a friend-raiser for the Institute so a $10 donation is requested. If you want to come and are short on cash, we got you.
