A fundamental challenge of our times is to overcome the inertia, lack of vision, and partisanship that allows the continuing creation of a divisive culture and institutional practices that fuel violence and division. This class explores how the clinical aspects of violence prevention are reflected in the institutional policies of the workplace and of schools as well as in our larger culture. The class will provide productive insights into how to move our institutions and way of life towards an integral consciousness that can be the foundation for a way of life that embodies our aspirations for safety, peace and justice.
This class draws upon my own experience as an activist and community organizer, as a researcher and trainer in school violence prevention, as a local elected official in my local community, and as an experienced psychologist and healer. Credit is available for all CIHS students as an elective. Community members and those in the helping professions who are interested in violence prevention, peacemaking and building community are invited to audit this class.