Building Nonviolence in Memphis

In Memphis, CTA folks and many others are joining the nationwide "Campaign Nonviolence" action with an entire week of events and activities to promote nonviolence."Under the banner of Campaign Nonviolence, we will be joining thousands of people throughout the world to take a public stand against all violence and launch a new movement for a culture of peace."

Explains Paul, who helped organize the events. "It is a grassroots movement to mainstream active nonviolence using the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. that calls us to become people of nonviolence and to resolve personal and global conflicts nonviolently. Our local group began meeting shortly after a visit here last spring by John Dear."

The week begins with a retreat by Rev. Charles McCarthy, founder of The Program for the Study and practice of Nonviolent Conflict Resolution at Notre Dame on Sept. 20 and wraps up when the group participates in the local Pride Parade the next weekend.  The week also features a community forum on gun violence, a workshop with Sr. Jeannine Grammick and a drum circle, jam session and sing along for peace on the famous Beale Street. CNV Memphis is also sponsoring a Children's Poster Contest in our diocesan elementary schools; students are encouraged to create art illustrating what peace in their world or in their community would look like.To find out more about this creative and inspiring week and the other work for peace going on in Memphis, check out http://www.cnvmemphis.org/