M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

September Community Roundtable
2025-09-20 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NY
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 | NY
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

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

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 | NY
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 | NY
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 | NY
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 | NY
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.

Grief Circle
2025-12-18 16:00 - 17:00 | NY
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 biweekly on Thursdays, from 4-5 pm ET on Zoom between September 18th and January 29th, 2026.

Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 4 & 18
Jan. 1, 15, & 29

December Community Roundtable
2025-12-20 11:00 - 13:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register to join the December Roundtable here!
The December Community Roundtable will be on Saturday, December 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.

About the Community Roundtables Series:
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.

New Year Grief Circle
2026-01-01 16:00 - 17:00 | NY
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 biweekly on Thursdays, from 4-5 pm ET on Zoom between September 18th and January 29th, 2026.

Upcoming Dates:
Jan. 1, 15, & 29

Breaking Through: A Men’s Support Group
2026-01-10 10:00 - 11:30 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Join us for Breaking Through, a Men’s support group exploring masculinity, self-forgiveness, and healing for men who have been in abusive, toxic, and unhealthy relationships.
Join our first session on Saturday, January 10, 2026!
Location & Time:
MK Gandhi Institute
929 S. Plymouth Ave, 14608
10:00 am – 11:30 am

Embodying Nonviolent Communication
2026-01-15 17:30 - 19:30 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click HERE to register for 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 January 15 – February 12 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.

On Pricing:
To make our events accessible, we’ve created a sliding scale, donation-based model starting at $20. We’re committed to making our workshops accessible to everyone.
No one will be turned away for a lack of funds, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to: katie@mkgi.org
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.

Season for Nonviolence Creative Cafe - January 10
2026-01-27 17:30 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register to join the Creative Cafe’s here!
Creativity & Connection meet nonviolence at our Season for Nonviolence Creative Cafes! These gatherings invite you to slow down, create, and connect with others as we explore the Season’s daily values through artmaking and community reflection. Each session begins with a value from the Season, but how you interpret or express it is entirely up to you collage, drawing, poetry, crocheting, journaling, or simply being in community.
Whether you come every time or drop in when you can, you’re welcome here. Come as you are, no crafting experience or prior knowledge of nonviolence needed.
About the Season for Nonviolence:
The Season for Nonviolence marks the 64 days between the anniversaries of the deaths of Mohandas Gandhi (January 30) and Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4). People around the world use this period to reflect on the principles of nonviolence and to practice them with intention. Our Creative Cafés offer a hands-on way to engage with the Season through crafting, connection, and community.

2026 Creative Cafe Dates:
Tuesdays at 5:30 PM. Last Cafe will be Thursday at 5:30 PM.

January 27

February 10

February 24

March 10

March 24

Last Cafe: Thursday, April 2

All sessions will be held at the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (929 S. Plymouth Ave)
Questions? Email jonathon@mkgi.org

January Community Dinner
2026-01-28 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 January Community Dinner
Dine with us on Wednesday, January 28 at the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (929 South Plymouth Ave. Rochester, NY) at 6 PM. Join us for warm food and conversations! Bring a vegetarian dish if you would like to, but don’t worry, we’ll be cooking up a few of our own. Everyone is welcome.

Don’t miss our Community Dinner’s on the last Wednesday of the month at 6 PM EST.

Let us know that you are bringing dishes or snacks by emailing katie@gandhiinstitute.org

Listening as an Act of Love
2026-02-02 17:30 - 19:30 | NY
Click HERE to REGISTER for Listening as an Act of Love!

How often do we truly listen—to ourselves, to others, to the world around us?
In a time of noise & pain, listening is a radical act of love.
Let’s explore the difference between performative and active listening, reflect on our inner dialogue, and practice deep listening with one another.
Through guided activities, thoughtful writing, and meaningful discussions, we’ll take the steps needed to truly listen to one another with presence and care.
Join us for Listening as an Act of Love on Zoom.
On pricing:
We host events on a sliding scale economy to be more accessible and prevent finances from prohibiting learning, engagement, and opportunity to create a better world.
Our three suggested prices are $0, $20, and $40.
These prices reflect the cost for the institute to plan and facilitate the sessions. These are suggestions, so feel free to donate another amount that might fit your situation, and please add Listening as an Act of Love to the memo or notes.
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 Alex at alex@mgki.org

February Breakfast Chat 2/10
2026-02-10 08:00 - 09:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Join our Executive Director for breakfast & conversation! Click HERE to REGISTER for February Breakfast Chat
Come to get to know us and talk about your part in supporting nonviolence in Rochester and beyond. Share breakfast with Erin Thompson, the Executive Director of the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Chat with us to learn more about the Institute’s programs and plans.Stay for some good breakfast, conversation, and company!

Dates:
Breakfast Chats will be on the second Tuesday of each month!
*All from 8 am – 9 am EST*

Season for Nonviolence Creative Cafe - February 10
2026-02-10 17:30 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States

February Grief Circle
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:00 | NY
Register
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.”
Join the Circle.
We’ll meet biweekly on Thursdays, from 4-5 pm ET on Zoom between February 12 and June 18, 2026.

February Community Roundtable
2026-02-21 11:00 - 13:00 | NY
Click HERE to REGISTER for February Community Roundtable!
The February Community Roundtable will be on Saturday, February 21 at 11 AM! We will chat about community issues that are on our hearts and minds. Join us as we listen, reflect, and build a more connected community.

About the Series: 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.
Questions? Email Katie Thomas at katie@mkgi.org

Season for Nonviolence Creative Cafe - February 24
2026-02-24 17:30 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States

February Community Dinner: Celebrating Black History
2026-02-25 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 February Community Dinner!
Join us for a community dinner on Wednesday, February 25 at 6 PM at the Gandhi Institute.
As we honor Black History Month, we’ll gather to explore the rich tapestry of Black history in Rochester and the vibrant communities that continue to shape our city today. This evening centers the principles of nonviolence alongside powerful stories of resistance, resilience, and triumph that define Rochester’s past and present.
Dinner will be at the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (929 S. Plymouth Ave Rochester, NY 14608) at 6 PM EST. This is a potluck dinner! Please bring a vegan or vegetarian dish to share as we break bread together and build community through a shared meal.
Together, we celebrate the intersections of our diverse communities and the ongoing work of building a more just and equitable Rochester.
Questions? Email Katie Thomas (katie@mkgi.org)
