Responding to Structural Violence

Most violence in the world has its roots in systems and structures of disadvantage and oppression, including the legacy of intergenerational trauma and intergenerational poverty.

Alongside this there is also the role of individual choices and moral responsibility. Legacy thinking which sees violence as caused simply by “bad people” fails to address the systemic issues. As a result violence persists even after the “bad people” are killed or punished. Is there a better way which addresses the deep systemic causes alongside embracing individual responsibility?

Join us for this afternoon conversation and community gathering where will explore whether there are ways of responding to structural violence that lead to lasting change in both systems and people. We are grateful to be sharing this evening with our guests John Bond and Mary Lean:

John Bond is a former Secretary of Initiatives of Change International, which is working in 45 countries to build trust and reconciliation in situations of tension and conflict. He has worked in 26 of these countries. For nine years he was the Secretary of Australia’s National Sorry Day Committee and its campaign, the Journey of Healing. With Aboriginal leader Brian Butler he wrote Sorry and Beyond: Healing the Stolen Generations, published by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies with a foreword by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community through the work of the National Sorry Day Committee. Click here to see John's Book 'Sorry and Beyond'.

Mary Lean is a writer, editor and spiritual director, based in Oxford, England. She edited IofC's international magazine, For A Change, for nearly 20 years and is the author of Bread, Bricks & Belief: Communities in charge of their future.

This event is a collaboration between Turning Ground and Initiatives of Change Australia.

OUR FORMAT:

• Warm tea and a room of like-hearted individuals
• 40-60 min Discussion with our guests
  
• 20 min Break-out groups for community discussion and question formulation. 
• 40-60 min Q&A with the panel.

TURNING GROUND:

In such uncertain and tumultuous times, Turning Ground is here to cultivate our capacities to respond wisely and courageously. They take the view that our participation in life must reweave our relationships - within ourselves, between each other, and with our wider world. Turning Ground’s offerings of psychotherapy, programs and events are all in service of planting seeds for a more hopeful and beautiful future to emerge - individually and collectively.

INITIATIVES OF CHANGE:

Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world-wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with our own.

ALL ARE WELCOME:

All ages, cultures, orientations.

This event and this series seek to create spaces for all, as we seek to build bridges, and weave trust. We hope to co-create open, connective, and generative dialogues; even in all of our differences. 

🌏  HONOURING THE LANDS AND WATERS WE GATHER WITH:

We acknowledge that this event takes place on and with unceded Aboriginal land. We pay our utmost respect to the Wurrundjeri people from the Kulin nation and invite all who join us to remember history, pain, and privilege as we seek to include history, live, love, and lead in ways that allow a more inclusive and regenerative future to emerge.

For questions, please email: programs@turningground.com.au

We look forward to seeing you!