Peace and Justice Institute

Begin your day by centering your heart and mind in a short mindfulness practice to cultivate receptivity and openness. From this stance we can listen to ourselves and others to develop a language that centers on restoration and healing.

This workshop invites participants to practice listening and empathy skills. Connect, share, and practice your ability to be and feel with the other; imagine how you would like others to listen to you; challenge listening practices that "disconnect" instead of "connect."

This interactive workshop, guided by the PJI Principles, will afford participants the opportunity to examine the early childhood messages each received about racism.

Central Florida ranks third in the nation for sex trafficking. In this workshop, we will explore what makes this area a hotbed of trafficking activity, how to avoid becoming a victim, and to help someone who might be falling into a trafficking trap. Hear a survivor's story and how she escaped her trafficker. Panelists include victim advocates, case investigators, and a judge who is a strong victim advocate seeking to end trafficking in Central Florida. Bring your questions and learn how you can help.  

This workshop aims to lend insight into how some common linguistic practices ultimately reveal the prevalence of and perpetuate gender inequality. We will also discuss how to interrupt this cycle of verbal injustice. With this knowledge, we can better understand the nuance of language and gender inequality.

Join UCF Arboretum Director, Dr. B for a live, virtual tour of the UCF Arboretum and Natural Lands where you will see various native Florida ecosystems like wetlands, pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and more. On this tour participants will be able to ask questions as they learn about the Arboretum, native plants, the wonder of biodiversity, and why we need to protect our natural lands.

The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Pressured by the media, their peer group, and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men.