The Martin Luther King Jr. / SCLC Ben Ammi Institute for a New Humanity INH, a social development and research institution dedicated to the eradication of violent conflict and its effects. The INH is dedicated to the implementation of peaceful, redemptive, holistic principles and modes of conduct to manifest the active, observable, presents of the attributes of the Beloved Community within individuals, families and nations. The INH understands that violence is not strictly limited to physical confrontation, yet also includes verbal as well as other means of expression which are equally harmful. This perspective requires every aspect of human life to be reevaluated to assure non-destructive resolution of conflict. The principles and training of the INH are based upon the philosophy and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the praxis of the Hebrew Israelite Community led by Ben Ammi.
Target Leadership Groups/Organizations
- Religious
- Educational
- Progressive and Volunteer
- Women State and Local Government
- Youth
Training
The INH offers two sources of Conflict Reconciliation Training:
Kingian Nonviolence
Kingian Nonviolence is a multidiscipline body of knowledge derived from the nonviolence philosophy and methodology of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., from which individuals and communities learn how to address the issue of conflict without resorting to violence. It provides a framework for conflict reconciliation management and mediation that can be applied to all areas of conflict in daily life. Participants can develop cooperative problem solving strategic trainings needed to improve the community and environment by decreasing tension and hostility.
The will introduce skills to:
*De-escalate conflict in interpersonal disputes.
*Distinguish between constructive confrontation and destructive conflict that can lead to violence.
* Incorporate the Kingian philosophy of nonviolence as an additional tool in their interaction at school, home and within their communities.
*Frame the issue in conflicts, so that the energy is directed toward “causes” not “symptoms.”
The following are options for nonviolent training offered through the Institute for a New Humanity. These trainings can be used in learning strategies to institutionalize nonviolence in various organizations and agencies.
1. 2 DAY CORE TRAINING
This course gives the participants a comprehensive introduction to Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy, thinking and strategy. The seminar is useful for individuals who work with young people, people who respond to conflict situations and people who experience different levels of violence. It provides a framework for conflict reconciliation/management, meditation and arbitration.
The course consists of several modules. For example:
- The concepts of nonviolence such as classifying the different types and levels of conflict
- Martin Luther King’s eclectic philosophy based on his writings
- A description of Martin Luther King’s 6 principles
- Analysis of the six steps of nonviolence
- Review of Martin Luther King’s campaigns and their salient points
- Role play, lectures and exercises that illuminate the material
In addition, participants will have a manual as well as handout materials. There will be a review of a video presentation as well as reading assignments.
This course can be used for incentive credits (approximately 15 contact hours).
2. ONE DAY PRESENTATION
This course is a condensed version of the 2day core based on the needs of the participants/agency.
3. FOUR DAY PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR
This course is for participants from the same profession (i.e.: nurses, police departments, corporations, mental health organizations, teachers, etc). The first 2 days covers the same 2-Day Training core listed above. The second 2 days addresses issues specific to the profession. The goal is to develop strategies to address the specific professional needs of the organization. Professional Development credits may be available for this course
From Chaos to Community
From Chaos to Community, lifestyles and practices of the Village of Peace / The Beloved Community is a conflict reconciliation training program based on the peaceful redemptive holistic principles, practices and modes of conduct in the Village of Peace, as inspired by its founder, Ben Ammi Ben Israel. Building policies in harmony with the laws of Nature, the genuine community makes real the African/Biblical principle of “I am my brother’s keeper.” This essentially insures that the needs of all members of the community are taken into account, removing the seeds of conflict. This alignment is the main ingredient in the recipe for true peace and conflict reconciliation.
The training will consist of a review and assessment of the various active components comprising daily life in order to identify obvious as well as subtle areas where conflict exists and has become socially acceptable. Our approach to dealing with conflict will center on broad focus areas or spheres representing the sum total of our daily life – from the individual, family, community, national and international levels and are as follows:
1. Identifying sources of conflict and de-escalation of tension
2. Keeping the peace, by addressing fundamental needs
3. Building a sustainable environment for peace, in the areas of:
- Health
- Government
- Social System/Interaction
- Education/Dedication
- Economics
Training targets community leaders in various spheres of influence and expertise, to create a body of change agents who can impact the wider community. This training will enable the trainee to:
- Pinpoint root causes of violent conflict situations.
- Apply the principles and practices of the Village of Peace to bring about true, lasting reconciliation and peace.
- Examine how peace is embodied into the Nature-centric culture of the Village of Peace.
Training schedule can be tailored according to the needs of the group or organization.
Schedule
ONE DAY SESSION – eight hours Philosophy/Practicum
TWO DAY – eight hours per day Philosophy/Practicum
Both Trainings can be utilized together for a more substantial and comprehensive Conflict Reconciliation initiative.
Training may be adjusted based on the needs of a specific group.
Example: Each week, 20 trainees four days per week, eight hours per day.
The INH on site center can act as an ongoing peace conduit for one year before it being turned over to local certified trainers. At that point, INH monitors will be employed to ensure the continued practice of the principles learned through the training.