About The Campaign for Love & Forgiveness
(Left: Students at Grand Valley State University talking about the physical and psychological benefits of forgiving themselves & others - April 2008)A partnership between WGVU and several other west Michigan organizations is one of only seven sites nationwide chosen to be part of The Campaign for Love & Forgiveness, a four year, grant funded initiative of the Fetzer Institute
This outreach project uses group conversations, community events, documentaries, and online resources to encourage discussion about how love and forgiveness can bring meaningful change to individuals and society. Local partners include Bethany Christian Services, Grand Valley State University, Gryphon Place, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Rotary, and The Season of Forgiveness.
During the past two years groups who participated in conversations include college students, refugees from Africa, and women in transition. Due to their life journeys, these participants had much to gain, and also much to teach the broader community. In some cases, participants had suffered tremendous pain in their lives and were dealing with issues of unforgiveness.
(Above: Film Screening & Discussion of the PBS Documentary, The Power of Forgiveness, which took place at the Kalamazoo Public Library in May 2008). View Clips from The Power of Forgiveness
This project offers conversations for the general public. In Kalamazoo, a series was held at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Bethany Christian Services sponsored a lunch time series for many of its 200 employees. GVSU's Counseling Center, and residence halls piloted the use of “conversation starter cards,” a new resource, enabling a single person, couple, or entire group to discuss the benefits of forgiving oneself or another.
This project offers conversations for the general public. In Kalamazoo, a series was held at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Bethany Christian Services sponsored a lunch time series for many of its 200 employees. GVSU's Counseling Center, and residence halls piloted the use of “conversation starter cards,” a new resource, enabling a single person, couple, or entire group to discuss the benefits of forgiving oneself or another.
In 2010 a new partner will help us explore whether some acts are unforgivable? She is Tova Friedman (left) a child survivor of the Holocaust featured in the WGVU award winning documentary, Surviving Auschwitz: Children of the Shoah.
Tova at the Holocaust Memorial Center showing her tattoo while standing in front of a photo of her taken when she was 6 years old at the liberation of Auschwitz 1945
Interview with Tova on the NBC Today Show
Interview with Tova on the NBC Today Show
Do you have comments, suggestions, or
want to get involved ?
Contact:
Steve Chappell, Project Manager
Call: (616) 331-6505
Email: chappels@gvsu.edu
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chap1
Project Website: http://www.wgvu.org/loveandforgive
Call: (616) 331-6505
Email: chappels@gvsu.edu
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chap1
Project Website: http://www.wgvu.org/loveandforgive