Global Voices of Nonviolence 2011

Sept. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- On September 21, the world will observe the United Nations International Day of Peace. EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) will mark this occasion by launching Global Voices of Nonviolence. This first-of-its-kind initiative will provide a platform to spark global conversations about nonviolence as a path to peace and a source of greater awareness of humanity throughout the world. EGM will kick off Global Voices of Nonviolence at The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C., and encourage 12 days of dialogue culminating on October 2, the United Nations International Day of Nonviolence and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday.

CUA’s Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies is cosponsoring the kickoff of Global Voices of Nonviolence. “We are very pleased to have a chance to co-sponsor this important conversation! The current generation of young people is confronted, on one hand, by a world defined by violence and repression and, on the other,  the possibility for transcending that sad reality—as we have seen in the flowering of the ‘Arab spring’ sweeping across North Africa and the Middle East. Thanks to Global Voices of Nonviolence for lending real vision to the possibility of a world without violence.” states institute director, Stephen S. Schneck, Ph.D.

The event is as bold and ambitious as the initiative itself. Hundreds will gather live for a screening of EGM’s award-winning documentary, Little Town of Bethlehem. After the film, a distinguished panel will engage each other and the audience in dialogue. What will make this event truly extraordinary is that a global audience will be joining in after their own screenings of Little Town of Bethlehem through live online streaming of the panel discussion. Audience members anywhere in the world can participate in the conversation.
Bill Oechsler, president of EGM adds, “We’re excited to gather the voices of nonviolence from around the world and share them with people of the world. We hope to take down the walls that keep these stories, this type of a message, from being seen and heard. We believe such screenings without borders – like Little Town of Bethlehem itself - will transcend faith traditions as well as cultural, societal, and geo-demographic boundaries. And, hopefully, people will be motivated to positive nonviolent action with a new perspective.”

Little Town of Bethlehem captures the story of three men born into violence who now risk everything to find a path to peace through nonviolent resistance. Sami is a Palestinian Christian, Ahmad a Palestinian Muslim, and Yonatan an Israeli Jew. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, each learned that peace is possible when adversaries discover the humanity in one another. This film offers a model for conflict resolution that reaches far beyond the Holy Land.

There are many ways to join in the 2011 Global Voices of Nonviolence:

•   Attend the kickoff at The Catholic University of America
•   Host a screening event at a school, house of worship, community center, home, etc.
•   Watch online Little Town of Bethlehem and the live panel discussion
•   Find and participate in a screening event between 9/21 and 10/2
•   Engage in conversation with others about nonviolence and the film
•   For further details about the event visit our website
•   Discuss nonviolence and the film on Facebook  and  on Twitter (use hashtag #GVoN)

EthnoGraphic Media (EGM) is an educational non-profit (501c3) organization that explores critical issues of our time. As a community of artists and filmmakers, EGM uses media to tell true stories of hope and compassion in the midst of suffering and strife. EGM believes that gaining a deeper understanding of the human condition inspires positive action. Award-winning films from EGM include Little Town of Bethlehem, The Grandfathers, Miss HIV, Beyond the Gates of Splendor, and End of the Spear.