Conference

• Featured Speakers
• Selected Panelists
• Moderators

CONFERENCE PROGRAM SCHEDULE

• Friday, 4:00-6:30 pm PDT
• Saturday & Sunday, 9:30 am-3:30pm PDT

Conference Description

We are living in an era of divides. And they are growing in all realms-- social, political, economic, racial, religious, and ecological. While these divides are not entirely new, their intensity and impact are posing existential challenges. The rapidly increasing ethnic and racial divisions are shattering the very image of our multicultural society. The deepening political differences are endangering the concept of “one nation, indivisible.” And while we are the richest nation on earth, the rising economic divide is corroding the very structure of our society with growing poverty and homelessness. These divides are being exploited for political purposes which in turn are widening the divisions and undermining the very fabric of our democracy. More perplexing is the current “vaccine divide” amid a pandemic which is threatening the overall well-being of humanity itself.

Notwithstanding the efforts of scores of organizations and hundreds of individuals who have been working to bridge divides of different sorts, the divisions are continuing to impact growing number of people.

This virtual conference will explore the role and significance of ahimsa in bridging such divides. 

Ahimsa or nonviolence is usually understood in terms of what it is NOT, that is it is not violence. This conference will focus on ahimsa in terms of what it IS. Ahimsa is nonviolence rooted in compassion and empathy, fearlessness and forgiveness, gratitude and generosity. It evokes civility and trust, promotes among all a sense of oneness and amity.

As such, can ahimsa serve as a guiding principle for bridging the divides, for promoting inclusion and strengthen the foundation of our multi-cultural and multi-racial society? Can it bring a sense of unity into our classrooms, communities, and workplaces? 

Focus and Scope 

The conference will examine the role and significance of ahimsa in bridging and transforming the divides. The scope of the conference is inclusive of any topic that engages with positive attribute(s) of ahimsa in bridging and/or transforming the divides of any kind.

The conference will also explore the role of nonviolence education/peace education in nurturing a sense of one-ness, friendship and empathy to create better understanding among students drawn from diverse backgrounds. 

Virtual Conference Schedule

Friday, October 8: 4:00-6:30 p.m. PDT
Saturday, October 9: 9:30-12 Noon; 1:00-3:00 p.m. PDT
Sunday, October 10: 9:30-12 Noon; 1:00-3:00 p.m. PDT 

Please note the conference schedule for all three days and block it on your calendar. The zoom link and meeting ID that you will receive upon registration via the link above will be good for the entire conference.

Audience 

We expect diverse audience: college faculty and students, K-12 educators, business executives and other professionals, and members of the larger community.