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 seek a world in which human conflict at all levels can be resolved without resorting to violence and in which social justice can be realized.

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Woman speaking at ACN conference

Donate to Make a Difference

Every donation helps us with our mission to pursue peace and nonviolence. Click below and confirm that Ashland Center for Nonviolence ACN is selected in the designation box. Thank you very much for your support.

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Guest speaker at podium during Symposium Against Indifference

Contact Information

Craig Hovey
Craig Hovey, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion; Department Coordinator of Online and Corrections Courses; Interim Director, Ashland Center for Nonviolence
11 Rinehart Center for Religious Studies
Elizabeth Buttil Photo
Elizabeth Buttil
Assistant Director, Ashland Center for Nonviolence; Administrative Assistant, Writing & Communication Center
116 Center for the Humanities of Bixler Hall
Interested in learning more about the ACN?

Upcoming Events

shaking hands during mediation
Conflict Mediation Training

Tuesday, March 26
12:15 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts—Room 102

Event Archive

Additional information about upcoming and past events from 2023 onward can be viewed on the Ashland Center for Nonviolence page in Ashland Engage.