In 1998, A Season for Nonviolence was
co-founded by Arun and Sunanda Gandhi of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and The Association for Global New Thought.
The Season sought to focus educational and media attention on the philosophy of attaining peace through nonviolent action
as demonstrated by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. It began with the honoring of the 50th memorial anniversary
of Ghandhi’s assassination and the 30th anniversary of MLK’s assassination. A Season for Nonviolence
(SNV) is celebrated annually from January 30 to April 4.
The
objective of SNV each year is to create an awareness of nonviolent principles and practice as a powerful way to
heal, transform and empower our lives and communities. Through a spiritual, educational and community action campaign, we
recognize those who are using nonviolence to build a community that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
The Season for Nonviolence project evolved through collective, exemplary leadership
in more than 400 cities in the U.S. and 18 other countries during the first ten Seasons. A new model for omni-local,
spiritually-based peace activities emerged successfully, igniting entire communities everywhere.
On the 10th anniversary of this revolutionary initiative for spiritually motivated peace building, The Seasons
for Peace and Nonviolence (SPAN) was launched with a year-round series of offerings. In addition to winter’s Season
for Nonviolence, the Season for the Earth is celebrated in spring, the Season for Humane Service
in summer, and the Season of Interfaith Celebration in autumn. With activities throughout the year, SPAN
supports an unwavering commitment to nonviolence in thought, word and action as our chosen way of life.
Currently, the Association for Global New Thought is the annual convener of SNV. AGNT is
also the co-founder of SNV with Arun and Sunanda Gandhi of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Co-directors
are: Dr. Bernard Lafayette, former executive assistant to Dr. King, Alison Van Dyke of the Temple of Understanding, Dean
Lawrence Carter of the MLK Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College.
