Season for Nonviolence Creative Cafe - April 2
2026-04-02 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Garden Work Party
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-23 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-06 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.

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
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.

Garden Work Party!
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States

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.

Unraveling & Heartweaving: A Poetry Workshop
2026-04-25 12:00 - 15:00 | Writers & Books, 740 University Ave, Rochester, NY, 14607, United States
Register Now

Let’s make the revolution irresistible.
Join us at Writers & Books for a restorative 3-hour journey exploring the powerful intersection of human rights, nonviolence, and poetry. In this unique workshop, we are blending the principles of Nonviolence with the art of poetry to help decode complex feelings and unravel needs through prose.
Whether you are a seasoned poet or a complete beginner, this space is for you. We will guide you through this experiential workshop where we’ll attempt to empathetically unravel the feelings attached to poetry while weaving new narratives.
Come weave your heart with ours as we write a better world!

Kingian Nonviolence Series
2026-04-27 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-04 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-11 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-01 17:30 - 19:30 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register

Join us this Spring for a Kingian Nonviolence series at the Gandhi Institute (929 S. Plymouth Ave) on Mondays, April 27 – June 1 , 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:

April 27
May 4
May 11
May 18
June 1 (We are skipping Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day)

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.

April Community Dinner
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
REGISTER
Join us for warm food and conversations at a Community Dinner, as we celebrate Earth Day! April Community Dinner will be co-hosted by University of Rochester’s EcoReps.
Don’t miss the next Community Dinner on the last Wednesday of the month 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.
Let us know that you are bringing dishes or snacks by emailing katie@gandhiinstitute.org

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

Implementing Nonviolence in Classrooms Part 1
2026-05-02 10:00 - 11:30 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
REGISTER
Join this trauma-informed, restorative workshop for educators, facilitated by University of Rochester student, and Kennedy Human Rights fellow Saafa Tahboub. Featuring guest speakers from the Gandhi Institute’s school-based staff, this workshop will include interactive activities, group discussions and a raffle for participants!
Implementing Nonviolence in Classrooms is a 2-part workshop that will be on Saturday, May 2 (Part 1) and Saturday, May 9 (Part 2) at 10:00 am EST, at the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence (929 South Plymouth Ave). If you can only attend one of the sessions, please let us know in advance by emailing tahboub@kennedyhumanrights.org.
Questions? Reach out to tahboub@kennedyhumanrights.org

May Community Dinner
2026-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register

Join us May Community Dinner, celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month! Community Dinner will be on Wednesday, May 27 at 6 PM EST, at the Gandhi Institute (929 South Plymouth Ave.) Folks are encouraged to bring a vegetarian dish to contribute to the potluck dinner.
Don’t miss the next Community Dinner on the last Wednesday of the month 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.
Let us know that you are bringing dishes or snacks by emailing katie@gandhiinstitute.org

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

Implementing Nonviolence in Classrooms Part 2
2026-05-09 10:00 - 23:30 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States

May Community Community
2026-05-27 18:00 - 20:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States

Nonviolent Communication Practice Group
2026-06-02 17:30 - 19:00 | M.K. Gandhi Institute, 929 S Plymouth Ave, Rochester, NY 14608, USA, Rochester, NY, 14608, United States
Register for Nonviolent Practice Group!
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.
Questions? Email Katie Thomas at katie@mkgi.org

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

June Breakfast Chat 6/9
2026-06-09 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!
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!

Click HERE to REGISTER for February Breakfast Chat

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

Changemaker Retreat
2026-06-10 08:00 - 17:00
The antidote to hopelessness isn’t working harder in isolation, it is rooting deeper in community.
Ready to cultivate a just community that supports everyone? Join the M.K. Gandhi Institute August 7-10 for a four-day hands-on practice space centered on the Institute’s work in nonviolence education, restorative practices, racial justice, and sustainability.
In a time of deep polarization and burnout, making lasting change as a collective requires us to prioritize our relationships. We are coming together to deepen our strong connections, fuel new ones, and repair those that are eroding. By intentionally tending to ourselves and the ways we relate to one another, we build the strength needed to create a better Rochester and truly care for our city.
Just like Nonviolence, this Retreat is not passive! It is a dedicated space to shut out the noise, learn practical tools, and connect with people who are committed to a better future.
Together we will:
-Practice de-escalation skills for tense situations
-Strengthen our communication skills to grow in times of deep division
-Identify common ground and shared needs
-Channel anger into constructive change and resistance
-Discuss strategies for individual and collective self-care
Pricing:
Tickets to our Changemaker Retreat are $850 per individual. Scholarships are available!
By purchasing a ticket, you are directly investing in yourself and a nonviolent Rochester and ensuring that scholarships remain available for fellow community members.
Register now and save your spot!

Questions about the retreat, schedule, or scholarships? Contact Katie at katie@gandhiinstitute.org.
