March Grief Circle
2026-03-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
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.

March De-escalation Workshop
2026-03-14 13:00 - 16:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Click HERE to REGISTER for De-escalation Workshop!
Come practice skills to reduce violence and help keep each other safe!Join us on March 14th 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!

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.
Questions? Reach out to Jonathon at jonathon@mkgi.org

Book Group: Story Seeds
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:30
REGISTER

Let’s explore how simple spaces, like a garden or market, can become the heart of a community.
We are hosting a special online book group to discuss Story Seeds: Growing Home at the Farmers Market by Megan Lovely over 4 weeks.
Our goal is to use these stories as a catalyst for our own community building in Rochester. As author Megan Lovely notes, “this experience is for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the people and places they call home.”
Who should attend? People interested in:
Connecting: Meet others in the Rochester area interested in local food systems and community roots.
Reflecting: Share your own “story seeds” and how you see your community reflected in Megan’s work.
Growing: Help us sow the seeds for a more thriving, connected local community.
Let’s sow the seeds of a more connected Rochester!
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.

Kingian Nonviolence Series
2026-03-23 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 Kingian Nonviolence!
Join us this Spring for a Kingian Nonviolence series at the Gandhi Institute (929 S. Plymouth Ave) on Mondays, March 23 – April 20 , from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.
Rooted in the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Kingian Nonviolence is a philosophy and practice for transforming conflict and fostering justice. Jonathon and Katie will facilitate this space over an interactive 4 weeks of exploring the core principles and real-world applications of nonviolence.
Whether you’re new to Kingian Nonviolence or looking to deepen your understanding, this series offers a space to learn, reflect, and practice together.
Kingian Nonviolence sessions will be at 5:30 PM EST on the following Mondays:
March 23
March 30
April 6
April 13
April 20
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 3 suggested prices are $20, $100, and $200.
No one will be turned away for a lack of funds, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to: katie@gandhiinstitute.org
These prices reflect the cost for the institute to plan and facilitate the 4/ 2 hour sessions. These are suggestions, so feel free to donate another amount that might fit your situation, and please add Kingian Nonviolence 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.

Season for Nonviolence Creative Cafe - March 24
2026-03-24 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

March Community Dinner
2026-03-25 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register to join March Community Dinner here!
Join us for a special March Community Dinner, rooted in the topic of Community Connection. We are so excited to be joined by Dr. Rashid Muhammad and Thomas Warfield. Dr. Muhammad, Director of Community Partnerships at JustCause, who brings more than 40 years of experience in leadership, community dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration. Thomas Warfield, a Rochester native and an international performing artist, has performed on stage, television, and film in more than 100 cities worldwide. Bring a dish and your appetite, all are welcome!
Let us know that you are bringing dishes or snacks by emailing katie@gandhiinstitute.org

March Grief Circle 3/26
2026-03-26 16:00 - 17:00

Garden Work Party!
2026-03-28 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Volunteer in the Gandhi Garden in our Garden Work Parties!
Drop by our community garden any time between 10:00 and 1:00 pm on Saturdays during the growing season (March 28 – November 7) to help us plant, tend, and harvest food and flowers with the community. We also are looking for volunteers who can help us pack and deliver produce bags for our neighbors. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Please Note: If you are part of a student group, or using these hours for credit, scholarship requirements, etc. sign up for the Service Learning Volunteering.
If you want to volunteer on a day not listed, please email us to request a different date and time!
Email katie@gandhiinstitute.org for volunteer inquiries.

Season for Nonviolence Creative Cafe - April 2
2026-04-02 17:30 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States

Garden Work Party
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States

Nonviolence Practice Group - April 7
2026-04-07 17:30 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register to join our Nonviolence Practice Group here!
Join us for this monthly practice space to embody your nonviolence skills, in community! Nonviolence Practice Group sessions will be monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. These sessions will be collectively-led, and completely based on group practice of nonviolent communication, conflict de-escalation and empathy.
Nonviolence Practice Groups will be on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm EST, at the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (929 South Plymouth Avenue)
Questions? Email Katie Thomas, at katie@mkgi.org

April Grief Circle
2026-04-09 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:00

Soulforce 2026
2026-04-18 18:00 - 21:00 | University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel, 1045 Wilson Blvd, Rochester, NY, 14611, United States
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.
↓(Click here to support)↓
Register
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.
Renew your hope. Recommit to the work. Resist with love.

Anger as a Force for Change
2026-04-30 17:30 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
REGISTER
Join us for Anger as a Force for Change, not as a crutch to justify our behavior. This weekly series on Anger at the Gandhi Institute on Thursdays over 4 weeks, starting on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 PM EST. We will delve into the powerful fits of channeling our anger. Discover how this intense emotion can be transformed into a source of strength and creativity.

Questions? Email jonathon@mkgi.org

May Grief Circle
2026-05-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-21 16:00 - 17:00

June Grief Circle
2026-06-04 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-18 16:00 - 17:00
