If you want to create a more just and peaceful world, you must first imagine that such a world is possible. Then you can begin taking the actions necessary to achieve it. We at the Ashland Center for Nonviolence (ACN) know how overwhelming that can be. So we invite you to join our mission and start making that goal a reality!
Our Mission
We promote alternatives to violence and initiate and support efforts to create a more just, inclusive and caring community. We work to achieve those goals by:
- Building the next generation of peacemakers. We train students to be mediators of student disputes. We also offer conflict-resolution training to local community members.
- Providing thoughtful, critical analyses of local, national and international issues. In an effort to prevent and de-escalate violence, we bring to light violence in all its forms and the factors that contribute to it.
- Reaching out to a broad range of people about issues of social concern. In a politically polarized society, we know it’s vitally important to speak to and be relevant to a diverse range of people on the topics and social issues that are most important to them. We also work to inspire and empower citizens from different cultural, political and religious backgrounds to participate in making changes in nonviolent ways.
- Disseminating information about upcoming events and opportunities for furthering peace and justice. We inform people about events they may want to take part in and how to do so effectively, yet peacefully.
We aspire to create a world in which human conflict is resolved without resorting to violence and social justice has been fully realized.

Upcoming Events
- Social Justice Book Club
Jan. 31, 7 p.m., 309 Bixler
Discussing "For the Love of Men: A New Vision for Mindful Masculinity"
- Annual Conference
Feb. 24-25, Dauch College of Business and Economics
Keynote address - Friday, 7 p.m., Upper Convo
Conference program - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Register Now - Peace Vigil
April 18, 8 p.m., Flagpole on the Quad

Contact Information

Craig Hovey
Interim Director
chovey@ashland.edu

Elizabeth Buttil
Assistant Director
ebuttil@ashland.edu
acn@ashland.edu
419-289-5313