KINGSTON, R.I. — April 28, 2009 — The University of Rhode Island’s Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies will offer its 8th annual Summer Institute from July 6 through 17. The Institute certifies participants as trainers in the principles and practices of nonviolence conflict reconciliation. The daylong classes are held on the Kingston Campus.

The nonviolence center invites teachers, students, counselors, clergy, social activists, nonviolence practitioners, and people who struggle to make sense of the violence within and around them to attend this program.

According to Paul Bueno de Mesquita, psychology professor and director of the Summer Institute, more than 30 people including teachers, students, members of the clergy, counselors, social workers, and executives from non-government organization have already signed up.

“This year we have already received registrations from Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Nepal, Colombia, Sudan, Zambia and the U.S.” Mesquita said.

Bernard LaFayette, distinguished visiting scholar at URI’s nonviolence center, will facilitate the Institute. A friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., LaFayette is a civil rights activist, minister, educator, lecturer and an authority on the strategy of nonviolent social change. Other certified senior trainers will join him.

There are two levels of certification offered through the Institute. Level I costs $750 and runs from July 6 through July 17. Level II is offered from July 13 through July 17 and costs $400. Space is limited. Deadline for registration is May 22.

For more information and online registering visit uri.edu/nonviolence. You can also email nonviolence@etal.uri.edu or call 401.874.2875.