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This is the second year VOW is holding another in the series of the Sparking Change summer workshops at the Hub and Hearth Retreat Center in Orangeville, Ontario. This year’s theme questions whether we can imagine a different future and build a nonviolent economy.
In 2025 the Sparking Change focused on nonviolence in social movements, inviting groups working on climate change and on social defense to share their experiences.
There have been countless initiatives in Ontario that transition producers and consumers to a green economy. Those social businesses that follow circular and regenerative practices, are effectively moving people towards a nonviolent economy. A key component is moving from being an individual consumer to a community of producers and consumers.
Nonviolent economy is a term that is more commonly used in countries like India to illustrate self-sufficient, self-reliant and sovereign communities that depend on local economic development, and a trajectory that is bottom-up. This also draws from a deep civilizational impulse known as ahimsa or the intention of not bringing injury to other beings (whether animate or inanimate). Such an impulse may be unachievable, but it gives a direction and sets a norm for an economy based on the common good.
Aim of Workshop: To find out how participants are engaged in different activities and initiatives, and to develop innovative strategies for linking these activities together to build a stronger cooperation.
Who Will Be There:: The workshop is made up of 12 – 15 participants sharing their experiences as producers or consumers. In addition, there will be 2 – 3 resource persons sharing some of their work on net zero food production, setting up sustainable communities, alternative health therapies, direct and local markets and so forth.
Design of the workshop: The design is meant to be as interactive as possible. As there are many trainers in the group, we will encourage maximum participation and engagement. The workshop sessions are interspersed with time in the natural surroundings, and outdoor activities.
Registration Fee: $175 per person. Your registration covers the full weekend experience, including accommodation, meals, workshop learning, and all scheduled activities.
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If you have questions, email info@vowpeace.org with the subject line “Sparking Change Workshop.”