Location: Wisconsin, USA

Level of Training: (Level I – 2018) & (Level II – 2023)

About:

Avigdor Edminster is an educator, artist, and cultural anthropologist. He has been an activist and organizer for peace, social justice, and community well-being for the last 35 years. Avigdor received his Level 1 training at the Selma Center for Nonviolence and Reconciliation, where he trained with Bernard Lafayette and all the wonderful teachers and activists there in 2018, before receiving his Level 2 certification at URI in 2023. He has a PhD in Cultural Anthropology, an MA in Historical Studies, and a BA in English, with a Spanish minor. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he teaches Cultural Anthropology and Peace Studies. His other work has included being an advocate for youth at an LGBTQ+ youth center and work with youth experiencing homelessness, both in Minneapolis, and AIDS case management in New York City. Avigdor gained crisis intervention skills and experience with San Francisco Suicide Prevention. He was a professional cook for 12 years, including as an owner-worker with two worker-owned and collectively-run restaurants where he honed skills in consensus-based decision making, meeting facilitation, and conflict resolution processes. His forthcoming graphic novel is about the transformative power of art and stories in building Beloved Community.

Contact Information: dminstera@uwstout.edu