Ossian MacDonald: Bridging Nonviolence and National Standards in Education

What inspired you to study nonviolence? 

I became interested in Gandhi’s philosophy during my senior year of high school, impressed with his emphasis on justice and the strength of nonviolence. I eventually found Michael’s PACS lectures, and in the summer of 2011 sat down to study the courses in greater depth. My senior year at University, I completed my undergraduate thesis comparing Gandhi and Gene Sharp’s approach to nonviolence. I also felt drawn to found a nonviolence club at my university. This summer, I have continued to be struck comprehensiveness of nonviolent philosophy: it is truly an honor to be learning more about nonviolence at the Metta Center. I will be receiving my degree in International Affairs from the University of Nevada, Reno this August; I look forward to bringing the nonviolent principles that I am learning this summer into the next stages of my career and education.

Can you tell us about your summer research fellowship? 

My fellowship project is designed to make nonviolence education available to high school students. I am designing a week-long lesson plan that covers the basic principles of nonviolence, how nonviolence can stop bullying, and the role of nonviolence in various social movements. The curriculum will be self- sufficient, with all relevant material provided for interested teachers- including short videos filmed at Metta. It is my hope that high school teachers from diverse backgrounds will be able to utilize the lesson-plan to bring the topic of nonviolence into their classrooms.