Everyday Nonviolence: Extraordinary People Speaking Truth to Power

In a wide-ranging discussion with host Jarren Dean Peterson, acclaimed authors Stanley Kusunoki and Kao Kalia Yang discuss the power art has to speak the truth and connect us to our shared humanity. They provide intimate examples of how their courageous storytelling has impacted their own and their audiences' perspectives and lives.   Stanley Kusunoki, whose Japanese American parents were incarcerated in the U.S. internment camps during World War II, is the author of three collections of poetry; 180 Days, Reflections and Observations of a Teacher; Items in the News; and Shelter in Place—Poems in a Time of COVID-19. He has taught creative writing to young people through programs at The Loft, Asian American Renaissance, Intermedia Arts, and S.A.S.E., Among his honors, he was awarded a MN State Arts board "Cultural Collaboration" grant to create, write and perform "Beringia-The Land Bridge Project" with Ojibwe performance poet, Jamison Mahto at Intermedia Arts. He is the co-host/curator of the Literary Bridges reading series at Next Chapter Booksellers in St. Paul. He most recently was the High Potential Coordinator at Red Oak Elementary School in Shakopee.  Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American teacher, speaker, and writer. She is the award-winning author of the memoirs, The Latehomecomer, The Song Poet, Somewhere in the Unknown World, and Where Rivers Part. Yang co-edited the groundbreaking book, What God is Honored Here?: Writings on Miscarriage and Infant Loss By and For Native Women and Women of Color. Yang is a librettist for The Song Poet Opera (commissioned by the MN Opera). She has also written several children's books that center around Hmong children who live in our world, who dream and hurt and hope in it. Yang's work has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Chautauqua Prize, the PEN USA literary awards, the Dayton's Literary Peace Prize, as Notable Books by the American Library Association, Kirkus Best Books of the Year, the Heartland Bookseller's Award, and garnered four Minnesota Book Awards.  Additional information is available on their respective websites: poeteacher.com and kaokaliayang.com. This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

Millions of life-threatening Unexploded Cluster Munitions and Other Ordnance (UXO) continue to hold the land of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam hostage. Legacies of War is the only U.S.-based educational and advocacy organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the American Secret War in Laos and U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. They are also actively engaged in securing funding for the safe removal of the remaining UXO. In this episode, Host Jarren Peterson speaks with Danae Hendrickson, Chief of Mission Advancement and Communications, about the Lao-led organization's efforts and successes. Danae talks about the organization's beginnings, current focus, and future plans. She also shares her personal awakening to the ongoing devastation of her mother's homeland and commitment to action. When not combing through declassified documents, Danae enjoys cooking, hiking and bird watching with her two-year-old son. More information and additional resources can be found at: https://www.legaciesofwar.org/ This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by Hugo Rejas and PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Kyle Tran Myhre (aka Guante) is a poet and activist whose work explores the relationships between narrative, power, and resistance. He's performed at the United Nations, been a member of two National Poetry Slam championship teams, and visited countless colleges, conferences, and festivals, using spoken word and storytelling as doorways into critical dialogue. In this episode, host Emily Roe speaks with Kyle about his work in the social justice space, discussing the importance of community, art, and engagement when working to facilitate change.  Learn more about Kyle at www.guante.info Find Kyle's latest book at Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing, But Enough This episode was hosted and produced by Emily Roe with audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

George Lakey's unwavering dedication to using nonviolence to create a more just world began with his first arrest during the Civil Rights Movement and continues today with his leadership in campaigns for climate justice. In this episode, George speaks with host PJ Hoffman as he reflects on his career as an activist. George Lakey offers wise insights and resources for creating social change, even in times of great polarization.   Find George's recent memoir here: Dancing with History: a life for peace and justice. Other books mentioned in this episode include: How We Win: A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigning, Viking Economics: How the Scandinavians Got It Right-and How We Can, Too, and Toward a Living Revolution: A Five-Stage Framework for Creating Radical Social Change.   George Lakey launched the Global Nonviolent Action Database with his students at Swarthmore College to provide free access to information about hundreds of cases of nonviolent action, from all continents and most countries, for learning and for citizen action.  This episode was hosted by PJ Hoffman and produced by Solomon Collins, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

Isuroon is a women-led, community-driven organization motivated by the belief that Somali women and girls deserve to be healthy and have a strong voice. In this episode, host Iman Shukri speaks with Isuroon's Founder and CEO, Fartun Weli, about the language and literacy barriers, racism, sexism, religious intolerance and health disparities that Somali women in Minnesota face. Fartun shares the relational strategies Isuroon uses to remove Somali women and their families from the poverty conveyor belt so that they can lead healthier, more productive lives in Minnesota and globally. Additional information about Isuroon is available at isuroon.org This episode was hosted and produced by Iman Shukri with audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. 

Angel Dawson is a Licensed Autism Spectrum Disorder teacher and a Restorative Practices Coordinator for an Intermediate district in the Twin Cities metro area. She has over five years of experience facilitating trainings for restorative practices in Special Education. She is dedicated to connecting people for the betterment of educating the next generation of youth and addressing educational trauma. Angel speaks with host Jarren Peterson Dean about her passion for building community. She shares how restorative practices create racial equity in schools and support learning environments where staff and students can thrive.  Additional information on restorative practices in Minnesota schools is available at: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/safe/prac/ FNVW's Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops are grounded in restorative principles. Learn more about youth and adult AVP workshop opportunities in Minnesota and discover how to become an AVP workshop facilitator at: fnvw.org/avp This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. 

Part two of a two-part Everyday Nonviolence Series addressing gun violence in Minnesota. Host Jarren Dean speaks with Maggiy Emery, Executive Director of Protect Minnesota, about bills passed during the 2023 state legislative session and the organization's other efforts to address gun violence. Maggiy also shares actions each of us can take to help prevent gun violence in our community. Maggiy is an activist passionate about creating just communities. She has worked with a variety of organizations including the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, The Open Door, Safe Hands Rescue, Healthcare for All Minnesota, Greener Pastures and the Andrew Goodman Foundation.  Additional information about the organizations/resources referenced in this episode can be found at: Protect Minnesota: https://protectmn.org/ The Violence Project: https://www.theviolenceproject.org Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org/ This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by Hugo Rejas Pinelo. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. 

ConnextMSP was built to ensure that young professionals of color in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region are recruited, hired, and supported by local employers as they launch their careers. This is a critical lever for addressing the harm caused by the racial inequities of our current economic systems, advancing inclusive economic growth, and building a 21st century workforce in our region. Join Everyday Nonviolence host Naomi Gedey as she speaks with Roshandra Brown about ConnextMSP's Talent Network. Roshandra Brown served as the ConnextMSP Network Manager for three years prior to starting her role as the Director of Development and Scholarship Programs at the Minnesota Private College Fund in April 2023. Additional information on ConnextMSP is available at connextmsp.org   This episode was hosted and produced by Naomi Gedey with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Part one of a two part Everyday Nonviolence Series addressing gun violence in Minnesota Mary Lewis Grow and Martha (Marti) Micks speak with Host Jarren Peterson Dean about their work as co-chairs on Minnesota's League of Women Voters' (LWVMN) recent study on Firearms. In 1990 LWVMN adopted its first position paper on the issue and is now finalizing an updated version. Our guests share LWVMN's analysis of firearms in Minnesota and discuss what can be done at the legislative level to address the gun violence epidemic in our state.  Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of LWVMN's firearms policy recommendations which include: instituting red flag laws, banning assault weapons, requiring universal background checks, defining ghost guns and 3D printed weapons as firearms, funding community-based gun violence intervention and prevention programs, state licensing of firearm dealers, funding firearms violence research, and opposing stand your ground laws.  Mary Lewis Grow has been involved in the issue of gun violence for many years including roles as: Founder and National Director of the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence; Board Member Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence; Board Member and Co-founder of Citizens for a Safer Minnesota (now Protect Minnesota); and Co-author of MN League of Women Voters publication, Facts and Issues: The Sale, Use, and Possession of Firearms in Minnesota,1990. She taught at Smith College, St. Olaf, and Tufts University and served as Associate Director of the Career Center at Carleton College. Marti Micks has been a social studies teacher with the Osseo School District and served eight years on the Golden Valley City Council, and the Housing & Redevelopment Authority. She also worked as a civilian management analyst for the U.S. Army in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. A League member since 1976, Micks was president of LWVMN (2018-2019) and is currently president of LWV Golden Valley, Secretary of the Council of Metropolitan Area Leagues.  Additional information on LWVMN is available at lwvmn.org This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with audio engineering by Hugo Rejas.   Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King's vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King's vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King's vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King's vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King's vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King's vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are highlighting the work of St. Paul-based Women's Advocates, which has been providing shelter and other services for victim-survivors of domestic violence for 50 years. Women's Advocates uses the tools of "radical hospitality, advocacy and collective action" to work towards a community free from violence, where all are safe and can live productive and healthy lives.  In this episode, Jarren Peterson Dean speaks with three staff members: Mary Beth Becker-Lauth, Community Education and Outreach Manager; Roxy Walker, Manager of Shelter Advocacy; and Executive Director, Estelle Brouwer to learn more about domestic violence and how Women's Advocates helps break the cycle of abuse. Further information about the organization is available on their website: https://www.wadvocates.org. The annual report on homicides related to relationship abuse produced by Violence Free Minnesota can be found here: https://www.vfmn.org. This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman. Music generously donated by bensound.com.

In this episode, Jarren Peterson Dean speaks with Mike Alberti, Managing Director of the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW). Founded in 2011, MPWW is now the largest and most enduring prison-based literary organization in the country. It fosters literary community and a devotion to art inside Minnesota correctional facilities through high-quality creative writing classes and related programming. Mike has been an administrator for MPWW since 2016, when he graduated from the University of Minnesota with his MFA in Creative Writing. Mike's fiction has been published in many venues, and his first book, Some People Let You Down, won the 2020 Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction. In addition to teaching classes with MPWW, he is a member of the faculty at Century College. More information about MPWW is available here:  https://mnprisonwriting.org This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman. Music generously donated by bensound.com

In this episode, we hear from two women whose lives have been dramatically impacted by gun violence.    Jarren Peterson Dean is a special education teacher living in Plymouth, MN with her husband and young son.  In 2014, Jarren's boyfriend, James, was shot and killed near their home in Minneapolis. Jaren has been involved in a variety of social justice issues, including restorative justice, which she talks about in this episode.  Shannon Johnson lives in rural Chisago County and works as a client support team manager for a technology company. In 2017, Shannon's dad, Donn, was killed by their neighbor less than a ¼ of a mile from their family's farm in rural Minnesota. Shannon and her dad shared a love of outdoor activities, such as hunting and sport shooting. She is an advocate for sensible laws that allow for responsible gun ownership, while preventing the sort of tragedy she and her family has experienced.    Jarren and Shannon received Survivor Fellowships from Everytown for Gun Safety, which allowed them to learn how to use their experiences as a force for positive change, working with Moms Demand Action to end gun violence. More stories of victims and survivors can be found here. 

In this episode of Everyday Nonviolence, we learn about the extraordinary work being done by the Eagle's Healing Nest, an organization located in Sauk Center, Minnesota, dedicated to serving veterans dealing with the invisible wounds of war.” Host Ellery McCardle speaks with Melony Butler, Founder, Chair and Director; Mike Dunfe, a former resident; and Alec Embree, who currently lives at “The Nest.” The conversation includes a discussion of the Nest's ongoing collaboration with Friends for a NonViolent World (FNVW) to provide Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops to residents. More information about the Eagle's Healing Nest is available at https://eagleshealingnest.org. To learn more about AVP-MN: http://www.fnvw.org/avp. Music generously donated by bensound.com.

In this episode, the Everyday Nonviolence podcast explores the painful history of Indigenous Boarding Schools. We also share examples of what is being done by faith communities to address the harm caused by these church-run schools. Host Diane Sandberg speaks first with Paula Palmer, Co-Director of “Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples,” about her research into Quaker-run schools and the multi-generational damage these institutions wrought on Native communities. In a second conversation, Elona Street-Stewart, Ruling Elder and synod executive in the Presybterian Church (USA), talks with Diane about Restorative Actions, a Twin Cities initiative that invites predominantly white churches to voluntarily return the wealth that they accrued from systemic inequities back to Afro-American and Indigenous communities.  Both guests offer a variety of ways for individuals and religious communities to support and learn from Indigenous people. ABOUT THE GUESTS Paula Palmer is a sociologist, writer, and activist for human rights, social justice, and environmental protection.  As co-director of Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples, a program of Friends Peace Teams, she created and facilitates workshops on the “Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with America's Native Peoples” (for adults) and “Re-Discovering America: Understanding Colonization” (for middle schools and high schools). As the 2016 Pendle Hill Cadbury Scholar, she conducted research and produced articles and videos about the role Quakers played during the era of the Indian Boarding Schools. Paula is a recipient of the Elise Boulding Peacemaker of the Year Award from the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center; the Jack Gore Memorial Peace Award from the American Friends Service Committee; the International Human Rights Award from the United Nations Association of Boulder County; and the Multicultural Award in the “Partners” category from the Boulder County Community Action Programs.   For more information about the Toward Right Relationship ministry, please see friendspeaceteams.org/trr Elona Street-Stewart, a Delaware Nanticoke tribal member, is a Ruling Elder and Executive of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Synod of Lakes and Prairies following 20 years of service as synod staff for racial ethnic ministries and community empowerment. She has served on numerous Minnesota boards and Indigenous community organizations, including the Board of Education of Saint Paul Public Schools and the MN Council of Churches. In June, she was elected Co-Moderator of the 224th General Assembly (2020), Presbyterian Church USA, along with Gregory Bentley, pastor of Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, Alabama, becoming the first American Indian to this position.  Macalester College conferred an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for Elona in June 2021.  A 37-year resident of Minnesota, she and her husband have four adult children and 4 grandchildren.   More information about the Restorative Actions Core Team is available here: https://restorativeactions.org/   Music generously donated by bensound.com

In this episode, Elizabeth Lamin talks with host Ellery McCardle about the evolution of her beliefs on how to best address violent crime. Convinced that the traditional and prevailing emphasis on "accountability" has failed, she explains how she is incorporating different methods such as focused deterrence and restorative justice. Elizabeth Lamin is an accomplished prosecutor with over fifteen years of experience, handling thousands of criminal cases and trying complex homicides, shootings, and other serious felonies.  She graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2004, Magna Cum Laude, after which she clerked for Judge David Minge at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  Elizabeth began her career in Stearns County where she worked in a rural/urban setting handling all levels of criminal cases. More recently, she initiated a partnership in Ramsey County to bring together community members and offenders to promote community healing and reduce recidivism.  She lives in Eagan with her partner and their two teenage children.   For more information: https://nnscommunities.org/strategies/group-violence-intervention/

In this third and final episode in our series on mental health, we hear from an individual with a mental illness. Cindy Johnson Suplick speaks with podcast host, Diane Sandberg. During the conversation, Cindy talks about a variety of topics, including her personal experiences interacting with the police. After receiving her MBA, Cindy spent 30 years in marketing in the Twin Cities. She and her husband raised two daughters in Minnetonka where they still reside with their Labrador retriever Maggie. She is a doting grandmother, published writer, speaker and advocate for mental health and faith-based progressive politics.  Cindy is active with the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Minnesota (NAMI).  More information on NAMI can be found at https://namimn.org.   This series has expanded on FNVW's research/policy paper on de-escalation of interactions between people with mental illnesses and the police. In the previous two episodes, we heard from a mental health advocate; also a former police officer who is currently a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainer and therapist. Be sure to listen to all three of these interesting and informative episodes on this important topic.   Music generously donated by BenSound.com.

In our three-part series, we expand on FNVW's research/policy paper, exploring the de-escalation of interactions between people with mental illnesses and the police. We hear three different perspectives: 1) a mental health advocate; 2) a crisis intervention trainer, therapist, and former police officer; and 3) an individual with a mental illness. During the series, we'll learn more about mental illness, past and present challenges, and steps for addressing those challenges.   In this second episode, "Everyday Nonviolence” host , Ellery McCardle, talks with Steve Wickelgren. Steve is the Clinical Director for Minnesota Crisis Intervention Team (MN CIT), a nonprofit training organization that he co-founded in 2006. He has been presenting Crisis Intervention Team training since then in addition to his administrative role. He started his career in law enforcement in 1986 and retired in 2014. During his career with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) he also became a "use of force" instructor. In 2001 Steve became the coordinator of the MPD Employee Assistance Program. He earned a masters degree in counseling psychology and is a licensed therapist. Besides his role with CIT training, he has a private practice providing counseling for public safety personnel.    More information is available here on MN CIT.    Music generously donated by BenSound.com.

In a three-part series, we expand on FNVW's research/policy paper, exploring the de-escalation of interactions between people with mental illnesses and the police. We'll hear three different perspectives: 1) a mental health advocate 2) a crisis intervention trainer, therapist, and former police officer and 3) an individual with a mental illness. During the series, we'll learn more about mental illness, past and present challenges around police interactions with people experiencing a mental health crisis, and steps for addressing those challenges. First, "Everyday Nonviolence” host, Diane Sandberg, talks with Sue Abderholden. Sue has devoted her career to changing laws and attitudes that affect people with disabilities and their families.  Since the fall of 2001, she has served as the Executive Director for NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Additionally, Sue has held leadership positions with Arc of Minnesota, former U.S. Senator Paul D. Wellstone's staff, and PACER Center.  She is a community faculty member for the U of MN School of Social Work teaching health and mental health policy.  More information on NAMI Minnesota is available at https://namimn.org. 

In this re-issued and updated episode, original host, Joann Perry, speaks with Mathew Walker about his participation in the Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP).  Joann learns how exposure to the principles and skills of nonviolence helped him gain greater self-awareness and empowered him with new tools for transforming conflict situations. After participating in an AVP workshop while incarcerated, Mathew subsequently became a program facilitator. Current host, Diane Sandberg catches up with Mathew to find out how the past three years have reinforced Mathew's commitment to AVP and active nonviolence. Find out more about AVP on FNVW's website and help spread the word about the program by sharing this podcast with others. Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Originally released in June, 2018 Jon Vang, now Jon Vang Tao, spoke with Joann Perry, the first host of the “Everyday Nonviolence” podcast. Jon and Joann talk about his work as an activist with Man Forward. He discusses masculinity, the problems facing individuals coming out of prison, and his dedication to ending gender-based violence in the Asian community.  Born in the U.S. after his parents escaped the Vietnam War as refugees, Jon experienced the struggle between American and Hmong cultures. His troubled youth led him to be sent to prison for eight years, during which he participated in FNVW's Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), learning more effective approaches to dealing with conflict. After prison, he struggled to rebuild his life. Despite the barriers he faced, he was able to thrive, discovering his passion for helping the community. In a recent conversation, which concludes the podcast, we learn about the continuing work and growth of Man Forward. And on a personal note, Jon cites the birth of his daughter, which he was anticipating at the time of the first recording, as the source of much joy and delight over the past three years. More information about Man Forward is available at: https://www.man-forward.org. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. 

Podcast team member, Ellery McCardle, speaks with Erika Thorne, an activist, writer, facilitator and cultural worker since 1974. During this interview, Erika talks about her work with Training for Social Change, a multi-racial group of individuals, training others to confront systems of injustice. Additionally, Erika describes her involvement with the Twin Cities affiliate of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), a national network of group and individuals organizing white people for racial justice. Previously, Erika was a staff member at Friends for a NonViolent World (FNVW), serving for three years as Managing Director and five years as the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP)-Minnesota program coordinator. A former dancer, Erika brings "joyful physicality" to her facilitation.  Program Notes Additional Information: Standing Up for Racial Justice -Twin Cities: https://www.surjtc.org/about/ Training for Change: https://www.trainingforchange.org Black Visions: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org Voters for Racial Justice: https://voicesforracialjustice.org Association for Black Economic Power: https://abepmpls.org Queen Bee, staged by Wild Conspiracy: https://www.wildconspiracy.org/queen-b Music generously donated by bensound.com

Geetanjali Mittal is an educator, storyteller, and internationally-published researcher, who for the past two years has served as a Program Developer with SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness). In a conversation with Podcast team member, Diane Sandberg, Geetanjali shares personal and professional experiences and perspective related to domestic violence and heath promotion within the South Asian community. Recorded in May, which is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this episode identifies some of the unique challenges facing this population.   Additional information about Geetanjali and SEWA-AIFW is available at SEWA-AIFW.org. Additionally, you can locate background and resources related to Asian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month at https://asianpacificheritage.gov.

After the death of her teenage son in 2010, Princess Haley discovered the healing power of growing, eating, and sharing good food. She joined two other women in applying these principles to the broader community.  Their creation, Appetite for Change, focuses on food to build health, wealth and social change.  In this conversation with Everyday Nonviolence podcast team member, Diane Sandberg, Princess describes the evolution of the organization in Northeast Minneapolis and her personal journey. She also touches on how she and Appetite for Change have been impacted by and responded to recent traumas.   PROGRAM NOTES:    Additional information about Appetite for Change can be found at appetiteforchangemn.org.  

In this episode, Everyday Nonviolence podcast team member, Diane Sandberg, talks with the Executive Director of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society (MSHS), Rick Juliusson. Rick reflects on how his varied experiences in international and U.S. non-profit organizations and as a farmer informs his work with MSHS. He shares his excitement about MSHS’s increased focus on needs such as food insecurity and diversity.  Additional information about MSHS is available at: https://northerngardener.org. 

PJ Hoffman is a musician, activist and Friends for a Non-Violent World member. In this episode PJ and Everyday Non-Violence Podcast Host Joann Perry discuss the importance of music in PJ’s life, starting with his early involvement in protests. They also look more broadly at music in social justice movements - how it inspires, energizes and comforts. PJ shares recordings of two (of his many) songs as well as an a cappella rendition of “How Can I Keep From Singing."

Lois Yellowthunder (B.A. UCLA, M.A. University of Chicago, Ph.D. University of Minnesota) has worked in many settings, academic and non-academic.  For ten years Lois worked in museums as assistant to the Curator of Anthropology (Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History), helping to establish a Department of Interpretation at the Museum of Man in San Diego, coordinating the first city-wide Native American Festival at the Field Museum in Chicago, and working for the Education Department at the Science Museum of Minnesota designing museum tours and coordinating the museum volunteers.  During this time Lois taught Introduction to Anthropology at San Diego Mesa College and  University of Chicago Extension.  Lois worked for three years at the University of Minnesota in the Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Programming as Research Coordinator and Grants Manager.  She taught two graduate seminars in the Anthropology Department at the University of Minnesota on Community Studies and Alcohol and Drug Research.  Lois transitioned to government employment working as Principal Planner for Washington and Hennepin Counties for Human Services and Public Health.  She worked for Anoka, Dakota, and Ramsey Counties on county government restructuring.  Later she served as the assistant to Ramsey County Commissioner Ruby Hunt.  Currently she is working on a book on local government decision-making. Re-use of two audio excerpts from a news report titled "Bosnian Town, Residents Examined Up Close" by Sylvia Poggioli, as originally broadcast on NPR’s All Things Considered on August 14, 1992, made possible by a generous consent agreement with National Public Radio (NPR). Music generously donated by bensound.com Additional original music composed by Mark Martinez

Rebecca Slaby leads AMAZEworks in working with schools, communities, and organizations to create equity and belonging for all. She gives workshops on Anti-Bias Education with a focus on cultural responsiveness, bias, identity, and stereotype threat and has co-authored two AMAZEworks curriculums. With an MEd from DePaul University, she has 15 years of experience teaching middle school humanities/social studies and has worked with schools on issues of equity, inclusion, and justice on institutional, state, and regional levels. She has presented at Overcoming Racism, MEA, NAEYC, MnAEYC, Impact, and Minnesota Council of Nonprofits conferences and teaches courses on equity-based pedagogy at the University of Minnesota.   Music generously donated by bensound.com

Today we hear from Al Peters, Founder and Executive Director of Can Do Canines. He shares about the work of his organization and how incarcerated people are supporting in training service animals.  Bio: Mr. Peters serves as Executive Director of Can Do Canines and founded the organization in 1987. He is responsible for general management as well as fundraising, publicity and public relations. Mr. Peters has a B.A. in Psychology and Human Development from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He has completed the College of St. Thomas Mini MBA Program for Managers of Non-Profit Organizations, was selected to attend the I.D.S. Excellence in Community Leadership Academy and completed 11 days of specialized training in The Fundraising School. Mr. Peters has received a Kosciuszko Foundation Scholarship and a Pillsbury Fellowship, enabling him to progress on an MBA in Non-Profit Management at the College of St. Thomas. In 1994, he was selected to receive the Minneapolis Award from Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. Mr. Peters has been a member of the Spring Lake Park Lions Club since 1995 and was selected to receive the Helen Keller Award in 2009. https://can-do-canines.org/ Music Generously donated by bensound.com

Mel Duncan is a co-founder and current Director of Advocacy and Outreach for Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), a world leader in unarmed civilian protection. NP provides direct protection to civilians caught in violent conflict and works with local groups on violence deterrence in a variety of conflict areas around the world. Mel represents NP at the United Nations where the group has been granted consultative status. Two recent UN global reviews cited and recommended unarmed civilian protection. The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship honored Mel with their 2010 Peace Seeker award. The Fellowship of Reconciliation USA awarded him their 2007 Pfeffer International Peace Prize on behalf of Nonviolent Peaceforce’s “courageous efforts in conflict regions around the world.” The Utne Reader named him as one of “50 Visionaries Who are Changing Our World.” The American Friends Service Committee nominated Nonviolent Peaceforce for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. Mel is a graduate of Macalester College, St. Paul Minnesota. In 2006 he was honored with their Distinguished Citizen award. He also holds a Masters degree from the University of Creation Spirituality. He splits his time between St. Paul and, New York City. He and his wife, Georgia, have eight children and twelve grandchildren.   https://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/

Shelly Tochluk is an educator, with a background in psychology, she has spent ten years as a researcher, counselor, and teacher in California’s public schools. She now trains teachers to work with Los Angeles’ diverse school population as a Professor in the Education Department at Mount Saint Mary’s University-Los Angeles. Shelly currently work with AWARE-LA (Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere-Los Angeles). With this group, she co-created a workshop series that leads white people into a deeper understanding of their personal relationship to race, white privilege, and systemic racism. Resources and links mentioned in this episode - Kimmel, Michael.  Healing from Hate: How Young Men Get Into—and Out of—Violent Extremism. -Reveal News. Hate in the Homeland, https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/hate-in-the-homeland/ -Saslow,Eli.  Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist. -shellytochluk.com -Tenold, Vegas.  Everything You Love Will Burn: Inside the Rebirth of White Nationalism in America. -Tochluk, Shelly, and Christine Saxman.  “Swastikas in the Bathroom: Connecting the Dots between White Supremacy, White Nationalism, the Alt-Right, and the Alt-Light.”  Medium,  https://medium.com/@shellytochluk/swastikas-in-the-bathroom-connecting-the-dots-between-white-supremacy-white-nationalism-the-dc5d6ec266f2 -Tochluk, Shelly.  Witnessing Whiteness: The Need to Talk About Race and How to Do It.  2nd ed. -usvshate.org

Sasha Cotton is the Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator for the City of Minneapolis and serves as the Project Manager for the Group Violence Intervention strategy. Ms. Cotton is a liaison between the City and the community as it relates to youth and community violence and helps to improve communication between city officials, community organizations and all citizens concerned with public safety. Ms. Cotton has an extensive background in providing technical assistance, training and implementation of community engagement strategies related to violence prevention in diverse communities. Ms. Cotton holds a Bachelors of Art with a double major in Criminal Justice and Ethnic Studies from Metropolitan State University. *Shortly after this interview, Sasha was named Director of the city’s newly created Office of Violence Prevention. Music generously donated by bensound.com

Joseph Perry is a veteran of two wars, WWII and Korea as well as a meditation teacher (originally teaching Transcendental Meditation), an attorney for 30 years, a partner with his wife, Beverly, creating/maintaining an adult foster home for 38 years, and most recently achieved 54 years of sobriety and a 50-year wedding anniversary.    Music generously donated by bensound.com

Charlotte Gorham is a Political Science and Geography double major at Macalester College. She interned at the Friends Committee on National Legislation during the summer of 2018. Charlotte was raised Quaker in New Haven Friends Meeting in New Haven, Connecticut. She enjoys dancing, painting, and fostering a peaceful world.   Music generously donated by bensound.com

In this powerful episode "Lee" shares with us a situation where he was physically abused by his wife. In addition to sharing this situation we also hear about the challenges he had trying to find resources and help.  If you identify as male and are struggling to find support and resources to get out of or process through a harmful situation the Twin Cities Men's Center has compiled a list of helpful resources https://bit.ly/2IEetQU   Music generously donated by Bensound.com

HaoPay Lee is a first generation Hmong American. She grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2015. HaoPay has experience in providing culturally specific domestic and sexual violence advocacy in Wisconsin and was the first Hmong sexual assault advocate Eau Claire, Wisconsin and is now practicing the same work in Minnesota. Hao Pay’s area of focus are providing advocacy services, awareness and education, and challenging gender-based disparities in the Hmong Community as well as addressing social justice issues for systems and policy change.   Music generously donated by bensound.com

"Father Harry J. Bury is a Catholic priest unlike any you have ever met. His travels through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Costa Rica, Philippines, Africa, Palestine and Israel, span over 60 years. His life-long dedication: to interact lovingly with citizens of the world in pursuit of peace and nonviolence." In this week's episode Father Bury shares with us his life of activism and working towards peace.   Music generously donated by Bensound.com   

Matthew Walker shares his journey to find nonviolence while taking an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshop.   Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Father Harry Bury talks about his newest project, Twin Cities NonViolent. Twin Cities Nonviolent is a new organization working to eliminate violence in the Twin Cities. Their first large project is 10 Days Free From Violence which is like an art crawl of nonviolent activities. Starting this Friday Sept 21st, check out the calender and join one of the amazing events. https://twincitiesnonviolent.org/  Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Sipra Jha talks about her work with refugees and women seeking to leave abusive relationships. In addition to sharing about her work she weaves in stories of her past and how she came to do this important work. Bio: Sipra Jha was born in India and lives in Minneapolis. She is currently the shelter Director at Asian Women United of Minnesota, an agency that is working towards ending domestic violence and promoting safe and healthy families in the API community. Sipra has long been an advocate for women and children both in her home country of India, as well as through her current roles in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. As a young woman growing up in India Sipra worked with the Tibetan refugee women and children in Dharamsala, India. Sipra also explored the notion of “shame” to promote understandings of migrant Asian women’s experiences in domestic violence and help seeking practices   Links and Resources Asian Women United of Minnesota-  https://www.facebook.com/asianwomenunitedmn/ The Talking Suitcase Project- https://www.thetalkingsuitcase.com/ Day One Emergency Shelter- https://dayoneservices.org/ 866-223-1111   Asian United 24 Hour Crisis Line 612-724-8823   Music generously donated by Bensound.com  

Ishwari Rajak talks about her new documentary " The Invisible War on Blood' and shares about the violence that occurs to women who are menstruating both in the United States and in Nepal.   Bio: Ishwari Rajak, a feminist since childhood, is a scholar of menstruation practices and taboos in different cultures. She is passionate about education and believes that educating men about positive models of masculinity and impacting policies will help eradicate the problems of violence and sexual assault. She aims to start a program and eventually a school emphasizing on positive masculinity and empowerment of girls and women in her home country, Nepal. Her courage, grit, and determination drive her, and she is unafraid to state what she believes. She seeks to empower other women and girls to pursue more roles in government.    Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Activist Jon Vang shares his story and about the work he is doing both in his paid job with the government and as an activist with Man Forward. In this interview Jon discusses the challenges for people coming out of prison, masculinity, and work being done to end gender based violence in the Asian community.  https://www.facebook.com/ManForwardMN/ Bio: As one of the first generation born in the US after his parents escaped the Vietnam War as refugees, Jon was caught in the struggle between American Culture and Hmong Culture. His troubled youth led him to be sent to prison for 8 years. After prison, he struggled to rebuild a life while carrying a criminal background. Despite the barriers, Jon was able to thrive by discovering his passion for helping the community. Today, he participates in community organizing to end gender-based violence and promote prison reform.   Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Maggie Hohenstien is a Macalester student and interned at Friends for a NonViolent World (FNVW) last summer. Maggie shares her story of growing up in the Quaker community and her leadings to living a life of nonviolence.  Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Laura Linder-Scholar talks about her work preventing sexual violence on Macalester campus and the work of supporting those who have been harmed. Laura is a campus advocate around issues of sexual violence prevention, bystander intervention, trauma-informed survivor response and support, and Title IX in higher education.   Music generously made available by www.bensound.com

Dr. Donna Minter joins us for our inaugural podcast to share about the work she is doing around trauma healing and resilience.   Music generously made available by www.bensound.com