14th Annual SPECIAL GATHERINGS

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The Search for Common Ground 
In this, the flagship class of Common Ground on the Hill, from our experience as artists and human beings, we will have a dialogue arising from our life together here and in the larger society.  In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song and story, we will listen to and learn from the voices of our sisters and brothers from communities represented in our circle.  We gather at Common Ground on the Hill in our fifteenth summer in the midst of a world experiencing crucial financial  and ecological crises, continuing wars, growing nuclear threats, issues of immigration and the continued threat of terror.  Yet, as the recent Presidential election has shown us, we also find ourselves at a time of potential for great change.  We shall discuss and consider what we are doing, as artists and individuals, to bring about the changes that we desire.  To inspire us and help focus our dialog, we will learn of the work of  some of those in our circle.  Period 5   Charles Collyer, Moderator, with Sakim,Pam Zappardino and others

7th Annual NONVIOLENCE INSTITUTE
Pete Seeger reminds us all that we must not only live our art, our music, and our beliefs, but must also "Pass them on!" Common Ground on the Hill itself is all about passing on these traditions, and The Institute on Nonviolence applies this idea to the nonviolence tradition. Insights about peaceful problem-solving are woven into musical, artistic, and other creative activities in every corner of the globe. The Institute on Nonviolence is a package of four Common Ground on the Hill courses, sampling the nonviolence tradition from different perspectives. The cornerstone of the Institute is the course called Passing It On, which is described below. In addition to Passing It On, participants in the Institute should register for three additional courses chosen from  those listed in The Distinctive Lecture Series. Other courses may be substituted in consultation with Pam and Charlie (see Passing It On).  Participants are also encouraged to attend the 15th Annual Special Gatherings. Institute participants may choose to earn up to 3 or 4 grad or undergrad credits or CEUs. Those taking Passing It On as a single course are eligible to earn 1-2 credits/CEUs for their attendance and participation. If you don’t need credits - just come join us for the fun of it! Note that there is an additional fee for academic credits/CEUs; see the registration form for details.

Passing it On (This course is the primary workshop of the Nonviolence Institute.)  Nonviolence is a roots tradition too.  It is historically ancient and geographically global, with countless cultural variations – very much like folk music!  It isn’t a mainstream school subject, but you can learn about it from practitioners if you seek them out.  Its insights do not come from the powerful, but from disadvantaged people trying to get their needs met in peaceful and mostly honorable ways.  In this course, we will touch on the ideas and methods of nonviolence, the music and song that accompanies most nonviolent movements, the humor, the visual arts, the personalities.  We’ll also look at current projects in schools, families, prisons, workplaces, and politics.  It will be a busy week.  This workshop may be taken as a single course or as part of the Institute on Nonviolence.  Period 1, Charles Collyer, and Pam Zappardino

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