The URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies hosted its 26th Annual International
Nonviolence Summer Institute from July 14 to 25th, 2025. The institute offered one week of
intensive training for the Level 1 Certification for Nonviolence Training of Trainers, followed by
a second week for the Level 2 Nonviolence Leadership Training. The URI Center for
Nonviolence and Peace Studies collaborated with the Nonviolence Institute in Providence and
the Nonviolent School in RI to offer the training.
This year, 35 participants completed their Level 1 training, 28 people completed the Level 2 training, and two people received their honorary Level 3 Certification for Internationalizing and Institutionalizing Nonviolence after receiving their nonviolence training. So, the total numbers of participants were 65 people.
It was a diverse group of inspiring people representing nine countries, namely (1) Afghanistan (2) Bangladesh, (3) Colombia, (4) Cuba, (5) Ghana, (6) India, (7) Italy, (8) the United States, and (9) Tibet.
The US participants came from eleven states: (1) Connecticut, (2) Florida, (3) Hawaii, (4) Indiana, (5) Illinois, (6) Maine, (7) Minnesota, (8) New Jersey, (9) New York, (10) Rhode Island, and (11) Utah. Among the participants were high school seniors, schoolteachers, school psychologists, UNDP officers, police officers, college students from various higher educational institutes, including URI, data scientists, peace advocates, clergy, multiple college faculties, and a provost and dean of a US college.
The Level 1 training introduced participants to the Kingian nonviolence and conflict reconciliation course as well as a teach-back practice. Participants explored key concepts and essential background information about nonviolence, including core values, conflict analysis, nonviolent historical movements, dynamics of social change, Six Principles on Nonviolence, Six Steps of Nonviolent Activism, and critical essays written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Certified Nonviolence trainers from the three organizations facilitated the experiential learning through instructional methods, interactive small-group activities, and various training exercises. Some evening discussions and dialogue opportunities also complement the daytime sessions. The Level 1 participants demonstrated their mastery of the contents and teaching skills through an extensive written assessment and a teach-back demonstration.
The Center held the Level 1 certification ceremony on Friday, July 19, at 1:30 pm outside the Multicultural Student Services Center. URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Director Dr. Skip Mark, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Dr. Kristin Johnson, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Markeisha Miner, International Students, Scholars, and Immigration Services Director Melissa De Jesus, Former Political Science Dept. Chair Dr. Marc Hutchison and Dr. Meg Frost from the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies delivered their congratulatory remarks at the closing ceremony.
Fifteen people who completed their Level 1 training this year chose to stay back for the Level 2 Nonviolence Leadership Training. They were joined by Level 1 graduates from previous years who returned to take their Level 2 training this year. The Level 2 course offers an in-depth study of Kingian nonviolence methodology, including a review of the Level 1 curriculum, leadership characteristics, historical and organizational analysis, social action research, human rights issues, and community organizing strategies. The emphasis is on leadership development and continued involvement in nonviolent education and training efforts. The training format included seminars, small group discussions, individual study, and team activities.
The Level 2 Certification ceremony was held on Friday, July 26, at 1:30 pm in the Memorial Union lobby due to extreme weather conditions. URI Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Director Dr. Skip Mark, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Dr. Kristin Johnson, Political Science Dept. Chair Dr. Ping Xu and Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies Research Director Dr. Meg Frost delivered their congratulatory remarks at the closing ceremony. Some US and international participants also shared their comments at the gathering.

The ceremony concludes with a group photo, a group singing “We Shall Overcome,” and hugging each other for their achievements and friendships.