Wisdom House To Host Nonviolence Practices & Philosophies Zoom Conference Jan. 23

“Only Love Can Do That: An Overview of Kingian Nonviolence in a Time of Unrest” will be presented via a Zoom conference hosted by Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield on Saturday, January 23, 2021, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in conjunction with the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence (CTCN) in Hartford, Connecticut. Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center is located at 229 East Litchfield Road in Litchfield, Connecticut.

Deborah Kelly, executive director of Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, commented, “We have created this conference to offer people across our state and region a safe environment to have an opening, and productive, dialogue regarding the growing unrest across our nation. The time for civil, calm, reassuring conversation is very much upon us.”

The CTCN, a leader in nonviolence education, and is dedicated to bringing people from diverse communities together in dialogue and creative expression to explore the root causes of violence and to collaborate in finding alternative solutions.

Using a comprehensive curriculum developed by Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., the former strategist for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., CTCN has introduced thousands of citizens and civic leaders to the practice of Kingian Nonviolence.

The January 23rd program will address the significant role that nonviolence plays in today’s climate. The Zoom conference will feature three trainers from the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence, Victoria Christgau, CTCN Founder, and Executive Director, Sonya Green, CTCN Board Chair and Trustee, plus Pastor James Lane, Senior Trainer.

“The interactive conference,” explained Christgau, “will explore Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s practice and philosophy of nonviolence. Participants will examine the basic concepts and strategies used in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation.  This will include a civil rights historical perspective, an analysis of types and levels of conflict, and the Six Principles of Nonviolence. The material we will present can be applied to a broad spectrum of individuals, groups, and institutions. Additionally, we will offer film clips, dynamic visuals, breakout rooms, and full group discussions.”

Victoria Christgau is a lifelong peace and nonviolence educator. She is the founder and producer of the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Commemoration of Litchfield County, Conn., completing its 20th year. Christgau is a Master Teaching Artist for the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism, Arts Division and has led Peace-Arts Residencies in schools throughout Connecticut for over twenty years. She served as the first director of the World Peace Prayer Society’s Peace Pals program and co-authored the International Peace Pals Activity Guide. In 2007, she received her Level Three Certification and founded the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence at the request of legendary civil rights leader, educator, and activist, Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr.

The cost for the Saturday, January 23, 2021 “Only Love Can Do That” Zoom conference is $40 per person, and registrations can be made by Friday, January 22, by visiting www.wisdomhouse.org/programs or calling Wisdom House at 860-567-3163.