The purpose of this year’s Violence Symposium is to explore how people reconcile violence that has occurred in the past in order to promote peace for the future. The symposium will examine ways in which individuals and groups work to transform the legacy of violence either individual or historical into active peacemaking efforts. The effectiveness of concrete and practical approaches used to promote peace, such as mediation, civil disobedience, economic development strategies, and social justice initiatives will be addressed. 

The Violence Symposium was developed in 1994, by recommendation of the University Task Force on Violence. The Symposium aims at addressing violence issues, discussing current academic research and writing on violence, and sharing practical solutions and ideas to prevent violence.

Contributing to the program are international experts in the area of active peacemaking, as well as local experts from Kent State University and the greater Northeast Ohio community. Through performance pieces and the visual arts, area artists also give expression to the concerns of the Sixth Annual Violence Symposium.

The Violence Symposium is open and free to the public. The majority of the symposium participants are students, both undergraduate and graduate. Employees of human and health services and social service agencies are welcome and encouraged to attend as well. 

The College of Continuing Studies is an approved provider of continuing education for Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board (RCS029601). This program has been approved for 7 contact hours or .7 CEUs. Additional information can be obtained from the College of Continuing Studies, kentstatecontinuinged.com, or call 1-800-672-KSU2. 

Betty Williams, Nobel Laureate

Naomi Tutu, Daughter of Bishop Desmond Tutu