Nonviolence Legacy Project

The Nonviolence Legacy Project (NVLP) began in the fall of 2008 with an original goal of creating a youth-led, adult-supported nonviolence training and direct action team for Tucson. A multi-generational team of certified youth and adult trainers are now available to provide a range of nonviolence training programs and community presentations in both Tucson and Phoenix. A group of middle school and high school students are certified to present ten modules about Kingian Nonviolence.

Kingian Nonviolence Training Programs in Tucson

• 2-day Multi-Generational Introduction to Kingian Nonviolence program (open to high school age youth and adults of all ages);offered 5-6 times throughout the year in various locations throughout the community.
• 1-day Youth Introduction to Kingian Nonviolence program (open to middle school and high school age youth); offered by special arrangement for schools, faith-based institutions and other youth-serving groups. Presented by NVLP's certified youth crew.
• Advanced Youth Nonviolence Institute– a 5-day Training of Trainers (TOT) for youth, ages 13 – 21 years. The Youth TOT is generally offered once a year in June or July.

Community Presentations for Schools & Other Youth-Serving Organizations

• Can vary in length of time and focus to fit the needs of the specific classroom, school, or agency.
• These presentations are generally provided by members of our certified Youth Nonviolence Training Crew, with support from adult trainers.
• Topics covered in these youth-focused presentations include:
• Types & Levels of Conflict: how to recognize what type of conflict is happening and ways to reduce the intensity of the conflict and bring it back to a normal level.
• Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence – Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence as a way of life.
• Six Steps of Kingian Nonviolence – how to deal with a conflict and bring about social change.
• Rosa Parks & the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955) – understanding this important civil rights campaign.
• The Children's March & Birmingham (1963) – Using a video produced by Teaching Tolerance to highlight the important role played by youth in bringing about change in one of the most violent and segregated cities in America.
• “What Is Your Life's Blueprint” Using a speech by Dr. King to a group of of Junior High students to inspire youth to outline a blueprint for their life and encourage them to reach their highest potential.

Special Events: The Nonviolence Legacy Project also organizes and produces special youth-focused, peace building events such as: Children, Youth & Art activities at the Tucson Peace Fair & Music Festival (Feb. 26, 2011);Hip Hop Peace Summit, with workshops and performances highlighting the essential elements of Hip Hop as a peace movement (May 21, 2011).

Costs: The fees charged for various training programs or community presentations vary with the length of the training and the age of participants. For example, the 2-day Multi-Generational Core Training costs $25 for adults; $15 for college age youth; and $5 for high school age youth. Partial work exchange scholarships are available. Community presentations are conducted on a donation basis. Grant funding allows for free training programs in some Tucson area schools. In-kind products or services (e.g., copying, meeting space, supplies, food) can be accepted in lieu of payment. Donations are always welcome (checks addressed to COPA).

National/Global Nonviolence Network: The Tucson-based Nonviolence Legacy Project and the Phoenix Nonviolence TruthForce are both linked with a national/global network of Kingian Nonviolence programs and centers, which are all affiliated with civil rights pioneer Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., who was National Program Administrator for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are dedicated to realizing Dr. King's dream of a nonviolent, just, and compassionate society where everyone can reach their highest potential, what Dr. King called the Beloved Community.

For information & to make arrangements for school presentations, please contact:

In Tucson:

• Ann Yellott, Ph.D., Nonviolence Legacy Project Coordinator 520-991-6781; ann@cultureofpeacealliance.org

In Phoenix:

• Mark Klym or Nick Katkevich, Phoenix Nonviolence Truthforce Co-Directors 602-799-4572; info@phoenixnonviolence.org