Metta’s Nonviolence Studies Program : Year 2026
Nourish the nonviolent worldview and practice the skills of nonviolence
Our 2026 Nonviolence Studies Program
is a 12-month experiential program designed to help participants deepen their understanding and practice of nonviolence—from the inner life to global systems.
Each month introduces a new theme that builds upon the previous, weaving together philosophy, science, communication skills, and creative action. Participants engage in study, dialogue, reflection, and community-based projects that prepare them to bring nonviolence into every dimension of life.
12 Months of Nonviolence Study and Practice
Two Tracks:
1. Apply for your Certificate in Nonviolence Studies: Available for those who complete all twelve months of study;
OR
2. Non-certificate path: Join for any month-long course throughout the year.
How the Program Works
This program is built around community, reflection, and action.
Each month introduces a central theme, explored through readings, guided journaling, group dialogue, and practical application.
Small Group Learning
Participants meet in small groups each month. These circles provide space for mutual support, deeper exploration, and accountability in practicing nonviolence together.
Weekly Rhythm
Each week, participants receive:
Readings and learning materials related to the week’s focus.
A journaling prompt for personal reflection.
An invitation to a live discussion session (weekly or bi-weekly) to explore insights and challenges together.
This rhythm allows time for steady engagement—learning, reflecting, and applying nonviolence throughout the month.
Practice and Application
Every month, participants are encouraged to bring nonviolence into action, in ways both small and significant. That may mean:
Experimenting with new communication tools,
Using restorative approaches to conflict,
Joining or starting a community initiative, or
Practicing compassion and presence in daily interactions.
By the end of the year, participants will have integrated nonviolence not only as a philosophy, but as a living, evolving practice that shapes both self and society.
2026 Curriculum
January — New Story: Imagining a Culture of Peace
Begin by exploring how the stories we tell about human nature shape our world. Challenge narratives of domination and violence, and imagine new ones based on cooperation, dignity, and mutual care.
Learning Goals:
Understand how dominant cultural narratives influence systems and behavior.
Articulate a new story of human nature rooted in person power and interconnectedness.
February — The Science of Nonviolence: Understanding Human Nature and Change
Discover the research supporting nonviolent principles. Through neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary studies, explore how empathy and cooperation are biological realities.
Learning Goals:
Examine the scientific evidence for empathy, cooperation, and collective transformation.
Gain confidence in nonviolence as a natural and effective force for change.
March — Inner Work and Person Power: Cultivating Nonviolence Within
True nonviolence begins within. Focus on mindfulness, emotional literacy, and grounded presence under pressure.
Learning Goals:
Cultivate awareness of inner patterns and emotional responses.
Practice transforming fear and anger into clarity, compassion, and courage.
April — Communication Tools for Nonviolent Conflict Resolution
Learn dialogue-based methods that prevent and transform conflict. Practice empathy, listening, and authentic expression.
Learning Goals:
Strengthen skills in active listening and needs-based communication.
Apply communication tools to manage conflict constructively.
May — Restorative Justice Practices: Healing and Accountability
Explore justice as healing rather than punishment. Learn how restorative practices rebuild relationships, repair harm, and foster accountability.
Learning Goals:
Understand principles and processes of restorative justice.
Explore how communities can restore trust and wholeness after harm.
June — Imagining Systems of Care: Feminism, Ecology, and Nonviolence
Examine how societies might look if care for people and the planet guided our decisions in economics, education, governance, and technology.
Learning Goals:
Understand how systems of domination (patriarchy, colonialism, extractivism) disconnect us from care.
Study models of collective care emerging from feminist economics, community health, mutual aid, and Indigenous knowledge.
Envision new social, economic, and environmental systems rooted in empathy, interdependence, and shared responsibility.
Reflect on how to practice care as an act of resistance and reconstruction.
July — Technology and Nonviolence: Building Humane Systems
Investigate how technology shapes our relationships, societies, and planet—and how it can be reimagined to serve life instead of domination.
Learning Goals:
Examine the ethical and social impacts of digital technology, AI, and surveillance.
Explore how nonviolence can guide design, communication, and digital activism.
Envision technologies that amplify empathy, truth, and collective wellbeing.
August — Unarmed Civilian Protection: Practical Strategies
Learn how nonviolence protects lives in conflict zones today. Study case examples of accompaniment, presence, and proactive peacebuilding.
Learning Goals:
Examine real-world examples of nonviolent protection.
Identify community-based strategies for safety and solidarity.
September — ‘New Story’ Economics: Regeneration and Justice
Reimagine the economy through sufficiency, dignity, and ecological care.
Learning Goals:
Explore economic models rooted in simplicity and fairness.
Understand how nonviolent economics supports human and planetary well-being.
October — Constructive Program: Building Alternatives and Positive Change
Shift from resistance to reconstruction. Design projects that embody nonviolence through creative, practical initiatives.
Learning Goals:
Understand Gandhi’s concept of constructive program.
Begin developing or joining initiatives that model nonviolence in action.
November — Peace Journalism: Reporting for a Culture of Peace
Examine how storytelling shapes public consciousness. Learn principles of peace journalism and explore ways to humanize conflict through narrative.
Learning Goals:
Identify how traditional journalism can perpetuate or prevent violence.
Practice peace-oriented storytelling that uplifts solutions and dignity.
December — Nonviolence in Action: Designing Our Futures
This culminating month welcomes both current participants and new voices into a shared exploration of what a nonviolent future could look like. Together, we study examples of nonviolent change, engage in visioning exercises, and co-create practical ideas for applying these principles in daily life and community action.
Learning Goals:
Envision what a nonviolent society could look like and identify key steps toward it.
Collaborate on creative, practical ways to bring nonviolence into community life.
Integrate personal insights with collective visioning for a hopeful and actionable future.
Ongoing Elements
Monthly study circles and community discussions
Optional readings, journaling prompts, and reflective exercises
Mentorship and peer feedback on projects
Certificate in Nonviolence Studies for participants who engage in all core modules
Why Join Our Nonviolence Studies Program in 2026?
1. Deepen your understanding of nonviolence—personally and politically.
This program isn’t just about learning what nonviolence is, but how it works—within ourselves, our relationships, our communities, and our systems. You’ll explore nonviolence as a transformative power that reshapes how we think, communicate, organize, and build the future.
2. Learn within a living community of practice.
You won’t go through this journey alone. Each participant is part of a small group that meets monthly to reflect, dialogue, and support one another. You’ll form real connections with people committed to exploring what nonviolence looks like in everyday life—from conflict resolution and community healing to social transformation.
3. Experience learning that integrates head, heart, and hands.
Every month brings a new theme, a new lens, and a new invitation to act. Readings, journaling, and dialogue sessions are complemented by real-world practice—small or large steps you take to apply what you’re learning. It’s a holistic education that blends intellectual depth, emotional awareness, and concrete action.
4. Join a lineage of wisdom and innovation.
Metta’s work grows from decades of scholarship and activism, and this program honors that lineage while engaging new horizons—science, ecology, feminism, restorative justice, technology, and more. It’s both rooted and relevant: a space for timeless principles to meet the needs of today’s world.
5. Cultivate the inner strength and clarity needed for change.
In an age of polarization and burnout, nonviolence offers a path of resilience. Through guided reflection and group dialogue, you’ll learn practices that strengthen your inner grounding—turning anxiety, anger, or despair into creative energy for peace and justice.
6. Contribute to building the next story.
Each participant is invited to envision and design a small personal or community project that embodies nonviolence. Whether it’s in education, environmental work, art, media, or local organizing, your ideas become part of a larger ecosystem of change. Together, we’re shaping a new story—one grounded in care, cooperation, and courage.
Registration and Support:
Nonviolence Studies 2026 is part of the Metta Center’s mission to help people practice nonviolence more safely and more effectively.
We offer this year-long program in a spirit of generosity and community support—keeping it open and accessible while sustaining our teachers and materials through donations.
Suggested Contribution
We invite participants to make a donation to join the program at a level that feels meaningful and possible for you. If you’re able, please consider contributing in the range of $25–$100 per month, or a one-time annual gift of your choice. No one will ever be turned away for lack of funds—your presence, commitment, and care are what make this learning community thrive.
How Your Donation Helps
Your generosity supports:
Facilitator stipends and guest teachers
Development of study materials, readings, and community discussions
Scholarships for participants with limited financial means
The ongoing sustainability of Metta’s educational and peacebuilding programs
Donate
You can make your contribution securely at:
www.mettacenter.org/donate
Your generosity keeps this work alive and growing—nurturing a world built on compassion, cooperation, and courage.
Thank you for sharing this path with us.
