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.
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
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.

