Our Humanity vs. Nuclear Weapons
A Conversation with Nuclear Abolitionist Anna Ikeda
Technology doesn’t develop in a vacuum. It reflects the values, assumptions, and stories of the societies that create it.
Anna Ikeda of Soka Gakkai International joins us to explore how nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, and other powerful technologies reveal deeper questions about human nature, security, and moral responsibility. We discuss Buddhism, grassroots movements, interfaith peacebuilding, and why humanity—not technology—will determine our future.
Michael Nagler follows with his Nonviolence Report highlighting practical examples of nonviolent change taking shape around the world.
Also available at Waging Nonviolence
PS: Find Anna Ikeda’s children’s book, Remember This Always… at Metta’s bookstore!
Three More Offerings:
📚 August Nonviolence Studies: Unarmed Civilian Protection
Registration is now open for our August Nonviolence Studies cohort, where we’ll spend the month exploring the theory and practice of Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP).
Around the world, trained civilians are protecting communities, interrupting cycles of violence, accompanying those at risk, and creating safety without relying on weapons. We believe UCP is one of the most important constructive programs emerging today—and one of the clearest demonstrations that nonviolence is not simply an ideal, but a practical alternative to violence, policing, and militarism.
Throughout the month we’ll explore the history, theory, and growing practice of UCP through readings, discussions, guest presenters, and community conversation. Whether you’re new to these ideas or already active in peace work, this is an opportunity to deepen your understanding and become a stronger advocate for nonviolence in action.
Register by August 1.
🕊️ CLARA Workshop with Mel Duncan
Wednesday, August 5 | 2:00–4:00 pm Pacific (Online)
We’re delighted to welcome Mel Duncan, co-founder of Nonviolent Peaceforce, to teach CLARA, a practical framework for de-escalation, compassionate communication, and conflict transformation.
CLARA is widely used by peace teams and practitioners of Unarmed Civilian Protection, but its value extends far beyond those settings. Whether you work in education, community organizing, mediation, healthcare, or simply want to navigate conflict with greater confidence and care, this workshop offers practical tools you’ll be able to use right away.
Register Today.
🌿 Third Harmony Retreat with Francesca Po
Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 am–3:00 pm
Metta Center Office | Petaluma, California
Join Francesca Po for a day of reflection, dialogue, and practice centered on the Third Harmony. Together we’ll explore how the Third Harmony can become a living framework for responding to conflict, building community, and sharing the vision of nonviolence with others.
A few spaces are still available, particularly for educators, facilitators, community leaders, and anyone interested in bringing these ideas into their own organizations or communities.