"At the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our Mission

The Connecticut Center for Nonviolence (CTCN) affirms justice by awakening the power of nonviolence through education and the arts for children, youth and adults.

Our Programs

We promote a comprehensive framework for conflict reconciliation and coalition building rooted in the philosophy and practices of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr and the Civil Rights Movement.

certificates group nonviolence training CT

Kingian Nonviolence Training

Nonviolence is a Way of Life for Courageous People

All training offered by CTCN incorporates segments of the core teachings in the Kingian Nonviolence Leaders Manual (LaFayette & Jehnsen). This curriculum has been taught both nationally and internationally for over fifty years. 

This work thrives because it is a living adaptable practice that addresses contemporary issues of our time.

ThinKING YOUTH
NONVIOLENCE LEADERSHIP

Youth Nonviolence leadership development is designed for future leaders to learn how to apply the philosophy of nonviolence inherent in the Six Principles of Nonviolence to their daily lives. The youth are positive change agents in their local communities and with expansion, nationally and internationally.

COMMUNITY ARTS-BASED PROJECTS

Art is not just a reflection of society but a tool to transform it.

The arts have the power to heal and create space for expression, especially in the face of violence and societal challenges. Dr. Bernard LaFayette’s idea that “violence is the language of the inarticulate” highlights how, when people can’t express their pain, they may turn to violence. The arts—whether visual, musical, dance, theater, or spoken word—serve as a bridge to articulate emotions that words can’t fully capture.

CTCN has ongoing partnerships with Teaching Artists and Arts Organizations throughout the state. 

COMMUNITY & LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING

Nonviolence is a Way of Life for Courageous People

Our dynamic training program for law enforcement is designed to foster strong and productive relationships between police and communities. It provides a foundational understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and communities. Participants will explore conflict management and reconciliation practices, learning strategies and techniques rooted in Kingian Nonviolence. Our training is highly interactive, combining educational content with practical skills, ensuring participants not only gain knowledge but also engage in a philosophical and cognitive experience. Importantly, this course is POST-certified, adding value to your professional development.

Our Impact

Our training engages groups across sectors that include schools, universities, police departments, civic organizations and communities of worship in Connecticut, across the United States and with groups around the world.

"I love this class. It helps you see life in a different perspective and it isn’t taught in school a lot. It was very thought provoking and useful."
Youth
ComSci Academy Enfield, CT
This organization has been great for officer influence and outreach to the community. Our officers have given great evaluations of the course and as Chief, I have seen a 30 percent decrease in internal affairs complaints after having CTCN teach our officers. I would highly recommend their course that is taught alongside officers for any police force, especially a police force that engages with its community.
Karl Jacobson,
Chief of Police, New Haven CT
"Every teacher should experience this! I believe this training should be required. It helps students to find a philosophy of life that can help them live and thrive as positive human beings through using the six principles of nonviolence every day."
Teacher
Hartford, CT

SIx Principles of Nonviolence

Explained by Legendary Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr.

Get involved

Contact us to learn more about how we can work together.