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June 12, 2025
While it is aspirational, the concept of the Beloved Community is intended to be practical rather than utopian. Early twentieth-century philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce introduced the concept of “The Great Community” which evolved over time into the “Beloved Community.” In its original and subsequent forms, it is an argument for the fundamental principles of inclusion, relationship and learning from one another. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made the term popular and gave it a deeper meaning by making it the overarching goal of nonviolence. It is a community where the level of relationships are raised to a higher and more connected level. As relationships are valued and centered, issues can be dealt with jointly in a constructive manner and projects and objectives can move forward in a more efficient way due to the heightened sense of belonging and ownership. We are all members of many communities where we live, work, and spend leisure time. How can we assess whether these communities are healthy or unhealthy? How can we be deliberate about strengthening our organizational community for the betterment of our workforce and the clients that we serve? During this 2hr workshop, participants will: - Explore and understand a working definition of the Beloved Community. - Learn the four components of the Beloved Community NVI has incorporated into the concept, which make it concrete and practical. - Understand the three levels at which these components can most effectively be applied. - Begin to assess their community’s environment against these components. - Brainstorm ways to increase the sense of community and build on what is working well.
Presenter Bio:
Shane Lee is the director of training & special projects at the Nonviolence Institute. Born and raised in Providence, RI, he understands firsthand the challenges facing our community related to poverty, violence, and access to opportunities. Shane attended URI and through the center for nonviolence and peace studies there, he recently received his level 3 certification in Kingian Nonviolence. He did this under the tutelage of Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr, a legendary civil rights activist and friend to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is a graduate of CCRI and currently attending College Unbound for his bachelor’s degree in organizational change & leadership. Shane has trained and consulted for groups from various sectors including non-profit, medical, law enforcement, education, and corporate audiences both nationally and internationally. He works to help all members of the community realize how they can use what they have through art, education, and economic development to create a better reality for the whole. Shane is a proud husband and father of five. He is a singer/songwriter and a dreamer who believes it is possible to make sustainable change for the better, even in the worst of times.