“The discovery of what Mohandas K. Gandhi called the philosophy and politics of nonviolent direct action is akin in impact and meaning to that of Albert Einstein's discovery of the theory of relativity. Calling his work experiments, over decades Gandhi acted as a social scientist, creating a methodology for constructing a better world by concentrating on the force of social power to create what in the United States was called the beloved community.”

Teaching Nonviolent Direct Action Organizing

“Our ability to put together a better world cannot be achieved by using the methods and tools of those who are pledged to a philosophy of violence, which usually leads to more violence. We cannot accept the culture of our foes, use the language of our adversaries, apply the weapons of our enemy, or behave like those who are traitors to their own humanity — and yet still be able to create something compassionate, ethical, and just.”

Photo: Mike DuBose, United Methodist News Service

Multi-day Institute Sessions

Presenters and facilitators teaching the contemporary and historic technique, method, and process (as Gandhi called it) of nonviolent resistance. Below you will find programs and images from previous institutes as well as information on upcoming institutes.

 

August 10-14, 2022 Nashville, TN

April 24-28, 2019 Portland, OR

July 29-August 2, 2018 Central Ohio

March 15-19, 2018 Nashville, TN

October 26-29, 2017 Los Angeles, CA

2014 Institute

2013 Institute

Together we will change the world.

From Past Participants…

James Lawson Institute Alumni speak about how their participation deepened their understanding of history and the strategic use of nonviolence in organizing campaigns.

“I have dedicated my life to the cause of race and equality in this country. One of the greatest tools I have gained in this work started within the walls of the James Lawson Institute, the focus on nonviolence and appreciation for diversity has had a life-changing affect over me. I believe that JLI is an opportunity for those who consider themselves Change Agents to gain a deeper understanding of the real work that has to be done to transform the world.”

Jerry Elias Peña
JLI Alumnus

“The James Lawson Institute was an amazing experience that gave me the opportunity to learn invaluable life lessons about movement building and organizing while connecting me with a community and mentors who have supported me in countless ways.”

Katrina L. Rogers
JLI Alumna

“At the James Lawson Institute I learned how to be an Upstander as the strategic nonviolent campaign of the many rather than as the isolated act of one moral individual.  To be an Upstander is to act with moral courage to resist those who seek to demonize or diminish others based on their faith, race, gender, orientation, or birthplace.”

John Steitz
JLI Alumnus

Our Team of Scholars and Activists

Presenters and faculty teaching Dr. Lawsons methods of nonviolent resistance

Rev. Dr. James Lawson

Founder and Convener

Dr. Mary Elizabeth King

Director

Daniel Lee, MSW

Project Manager

Saqib Bhatti

Presenter

Dr. Cynthia Boaz

Presenter

Henry Cervantes

Presenter

Kevin Connor

Presenter

Philippe Duhamel

Presenter

Dr. Sekou Franklin

Presenter

Molly Gott

Presenter

Dr. Ange-Marie Hancock Alfaro

Presenter

Dr. Tom Hastings

Presenter

Dr. Lester R. Kurtz

Presenter

Deborah Mathis

Presenter

Hardy Merriman

Presenter

Jamila Raqib

Presenter

Katrina L. Rogers

Presenter

Rivera Sun

Presenter

Dr. Stephen Zunes

Presenter

Dr. Alison Allen-Hall

Facilitator

Austin Belali

Facilitator

Dr. Cynthia Fowler

Facilitator

James Hayes

Facilitator

Betty Hung

Facilitator

Cristina Jiménez

Facilitator

Carinne Luck

Facilitator

Jeff Ordower

Facilitator

Angela Mooney-D’Arcy

Facilitator

Dr. Molly Wallace

Facilitator

Acknowledgements

Past presenters and scholars such as Cynthia Boaz, Philippe Duhamel, Jack DuVall, Tom Hastings, Mary King, and Hardy Merriman along with the Reverend Dr Lawson himself, and other contributors have been working to bring the new iteration of the institute to life. Daniel Wayne Lee (JLIer 2014) is also part of the planning group.  We’d also like to acknowledge our 501c3 sponsor the Liberty Hill Foundation, our advisory partner the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict and our financial sponsors the Nathan Cummings Foundation, Open Society Foundations, the Youth Engagement Fund and the Stewart Mott Foundation.