Meet the Co-Hosts: The Peace Alliance & Ahimsa Peace Institute | Ahimsa in Action

Meet Screening Co-Hosts

Co-Host – The Peace Alliance/ Campaign for a Department of Peacebuilding

We are thrilled to introduce the co-hosts of our upcoming screening event, starting with The Peace Alliance, a nonprofit organization established on March 31, 2004. Co-founded by peace activist and author Marianne Williamson, The Peace Alliance has dedicated itself to making peacebuilding a national and international priority through both policy and daily practices. With a focus on proactive approaches to cultivating peace, the organization has successfully trained grassroots activists; engaged with the United Nations, Members of Congress, cities/ counties/ and tribes, organizations and individuals; and supported legislation promoting a culture of peace. Over the years, The Peace Alliance has featured notable figures like Walter Cronkite, Deepak Chopra, and Steven Tyler, and their work has been highlighted on CNN and NPR.

Their efforts have supported the Atrocities Prevention Board and Complex Crisis fund, and led initiatives like the U.S. Department of Peace/ Peacebuilding (DoP) campaign to establish a cabinet-level DoP which focuses on addressing root causes of violence and implementing root conditions of peace . They were also part of a coalition of organizations advocating for the Youth Promise Act.

At the heart of The Peace Alliance’s achievements are its grassroots leaders who continue to expand the organization’s impact and ensure peace remains central in local and national conversations, including conversations relating to creating a culture of peace with hundreds and hundreds of elected officials, individuals and organizations. This event further reflects their ongoing work to highlight nonviolent communication, restorative practices and peacebuilding. See www.dopcampaign.org.

The Peace Alliance – Peacebuilders Series
Congressman McGovern’s Thoughts on a Department of Peacebuilding

Co-Host – About Ahimsa Peace Institute

The Ahimsa Peace Institute (API), an organization that promotes community peacebuilding in North America and economically depressed areas worldwide. API’s mission is to foster global peace by emphasizing nonviolence (Ahimsa) and social empowerment through education and community engagement. Since July 23, 2015, the Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute (GWEI), operating as the Ahimsa Peace Institute, has held special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).  

API’s notable projects include the Avani Girls Shelter Home, the exclusive North American media license for the feature documentary AHIMSA: Gandhi – The Power of the Powerless, directed by award-winning filmmaker Ramesh Sharma, who serves on the organizations board of directors and is also a panelist at this event. The organization actively engages in initiatives like the Season for Nonviolence, partnering with non-profits to spread the values of peace and nonviolence.  

This event co-hosted by API reflects its commitment to promoting the enduring principles of Ahimsa, working alongside organizations like the Peace Alliance to address modern challenges through peacebuilding and nonviolent communication.

Film Trailer –

Meet Our Distinguished Panelists

Ramesh Sharma, a renowned India-based filmmaker, is an award-winning director and producer. His feature documentary AHIMSA: Gandhi – The Power of the Powerless has garnered international recognition, including the United Nations Celebration of Peace Award. His career has earned him prestigious roles, including serving as Chairman of the Jury of the Non-Feature National Awards. (Pre-recorded message)

Sulaiman Khatib is the Co-Founder of Combatants for Peace, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee organization in 2017 and 2018.  A recognized advocate for peace and social justice, he has dedicated over 20 years to nonviolent resistance and promoting equality in the Middle East. Sulaiman also co-founded the Al-Qud’s Association for Democracy and Dialogue, focusing on youth engagement and civic participation. His experiences, including time in prison as a youth, have shaped his commitment to reconciliation. Sulaiman is the co-author of In This Place Together, chronicling his journey toward collective liberation.

Danielle Reiff is a seasoned U.S. diplomat and peacebuilding expert, with over 20 years of experience promoting democracy and reconciliation worldwide through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). She writes the Peacebuilders opinion column for Newsweek and serves on the boards of several non-profits, including Grannies Respond and Everyday Peace Indicators. 

S’bongiseni Vilakazi, S’bongiseni (S’bo) Vilakazi is a South African politician and poet, recently elected as a Member of Parliament in 2024 under the Democratic Alliance (DA) party. He serves on the Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. S’bo previously directed The Valley Trust for 12 years, an organization founded in 1953 in KwaZulu-Natal’s Valley of 1000 Hills, focused on improving health and livelihoods in rural communities. With deep roots in the Zulu culture, his lifelong commitment to community development continues to uplift and empower those in need.

Meet the Moderator

Lynnea Bylund, Founder and President of the Ahimsa Peace Institute, will serve as the panel moderator. With a career spanning over four decades, she has held roles as a U.S. Federal Registered small business lobbyist, a representative in the UN’s ECOSOC, and partner in the Gandhi Legacy Tours, as well as in wireless telecommunications, and international development. Lynnea is also an author and has been recognized as an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation.

Stay tuned as these inspiring figures lead an insightful discussion on “Ahimsa in Action: Transforming the Future Through Nonviolence,” exploring how the enduring principles of nonviolence can guide us in addressing today’s global challenges and shaping a more peaceful future.

• • First Watch Movie Online At Your Convenience:
    AHIMSA Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless
    September 28 – October 4, 2024
    Register here for the link and passcode: https://tinyurl.com/AhimsaMovieViewingReg
  • Next Register for LIVE Zoom Panel Discussion: Duration one hour and a half.  When?
    October 5, 2024 | 10:00 AM PDT / 1:00 PM EDT / 2:00 PM Brazil / 7:00 PM SAST (South Africa) / 8:00 PM IDT (Jerusalem) / 10:30 PM IDT (India)
    Register here for the LIVE Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/AhimsaPanelReg

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