USA

We currently co-facilitate Transforming the Conversation on Carbon Pricing (TCCP). In this initiative, housed at Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, a range of climate justice activists and policy advocates come together for confidential dialogues to cultivate common ground. Since 2011, we have worked with Pricing Carbon Initiative to facilitate quarterly confidential dialogues among more than 100 key organizations about climate change policy, across party lines, in Washington DC.

Building Inclusive Communities was a series of daylong symposia, organized with Critical Connections, in which representatives of diverse sectors developed mutual understanding and the beginning of shared work toward inclusion and equity in Western Massachusetts communities. Topics included Engaging Our Muslim-American Neighbors; The Role of Faith Leaders; and Improving Relations between Law Enforcement and Communities of Color.

From 2014-2019, we worked with Critical Connections to host local series of in-depth discussions, informed by presentations with expert speakers, to deepen our capacity to reflect and develop understanding across religious, racial, gender, national, and political divides. Past themes included Muslims in America: Dialogues Across Divides; U.S. Policy in the Muslim World; Protecting Civil Rights and Promoting Civic Engagement; and Rehumanizing and Restoring Relationships.

Karuna Center worked with Principals Ljuba Marsh and Bob Brick of the Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to integrate a culture of positive conflict resolution into every aspect of school activities—and help build a safer, more supportive school environment for students. Through community-wide meetings and trainings in leadership, dialogue, and violence prevention, Karuna Center helped the student body to build inner self-worth, take responsibility for their education, and work with teachers and staff to address conflict before it spirals out of control.