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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.

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This comprehensive two-part training provides a necessary foundation for advocates and community members aiming to support survivors and help end domestic violence. During part one, participants will learn about the dynamics of abuse, including types and patterns of abusive behaviors, the cycle of violence, power and control tactics, and the various barriers facing survivors. Part two of this training will provide participants the opportunity to apply the concepts learned during part one through an interactive case study. Additionally, participants will be introduced to key concepts in survivor empowerment, foundational aspects of victim advocacy, and state and national resources.

*CEUs will be provided for anyone who attends both sessions.

Presenter Bio:

Gillian Palmer, MSW Gillian Palmer is the Law Enforcement Training Coordinator at the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She is also a member of the RI Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Curriculum Committee that facilitates domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) trainings to law enforcement and other system partners. In her role, she coordinates law enforcement training at the academy level, in-services and additional specialized training on DV/SA. Prior to working at RICADV, Gillian received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2022, as well as her Master’s Degree in Macro Social Work from Rhode Island College in 2023. Gillian has worked in various social work settings including direct client service work, as well as community organizing.

Janie Woodard is the Community Engagement Specialist at Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic. Janie started at RICADV in October 2023. She is a Certified Community Health Worker with 15+ years of experience working in marginalized and underserved communities. Janie strives to increase equity and bridge gaps in Social Determinants of Health while working to eliminate barriers for Domestic Violence Victims/Survivors. Janie enjoys staying engaged with the community through Community events and facilitating community projects such as Participatory Budgeting, Financial literacy courses and many other community projects to help uplift the community. Janie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and spending time supporting her three sons at their sport games.