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Do you want to explore ways to make a difference? Do you want to help promote human rights and peace with justice in neighborhoods and in the wider community? Are you interested in the spirit and practice of active nonviolence? Is grounding, centering, and self care important to you? Do you want to learn more about consensus decision making and teamwork? If your response is "YES" to any or all of these questions, this is a website that may speak to you!
One of the four goals of Michigan Peace Team is to provide education in active nonviolence. Presently MPT carries out this goal by means of its Education toward Empowerment (EtE) program and opportunities. The objectives of EtE are to:
- Provide education in the spirituality of nonviolence and the power of nonviolence
- Explore the essentials of active nonviolence
- Invite participation in hands-on nonviolence work
- Introduce participants to peace teams and MPT opportunities to get involved
- Promote movement building
It is a fact that we live in a culture of violence. Violent entertainment, neighborhood and street violence, war, torture, ethno-cultural rivalries and much more, characterize this culture. Violence, from the mildest forms (insults, rudeness) to the most appalling (rape, murder, massacres, terrorism), is deeply rooted in people’s consciousness and strongly permeates twenty-first century cultures. However, nothing can prevent us from changing if we choose.
If we accept and practice active nonviolence, we can live in peace with justice and in harmony. In fact. this transformation is already happening. There is a slow but growing recognition of the power of nonviolence to resolve/manage conflict, reduce/eliminate violence and free us from notions that violence is needed or that it works. This is happening in communities across the country and around the planet.
During MPT’s Education toward Empowerment opportunities we explore nonviolence together. We build on the strength and experience of each participant. We encourage participants to channel the energy behind fears, anger and other emotions into active nonviolent strategies that are powerful and respectful of others.
What follows is an overview of our our work and an abiding invitation for you to get involved. For more information or to schedule Education toward Empowerment opportunities click the page of this website entitled Contact Us
This website is dedicated to inviting you and all interested folks to participate in MPT’s Education toward Empowerment opportunities!
It is important to note that Michigan Peace Team does not have religious affiliation. MPT seeks a just world grounded in nonviolence and respect for the interconnectedness of all life. In this spirit the Michigan Peace Team community delights in walking with people whose commitment to nonviolence arises out of diverse beliefs and traditions.
- We believe in oneness and unity
- We bring no harm and refuse to use violence in word or action
- We strive to act with all the love in our hearts
- We envision a peaceable, just earth community
- We stand firm and we accept the consequences for our actions
