Business & Community

The Indianapolis Peace Institute strives to be an active and supporting part of the Indianapolis community. Our work in the field of higher education brings groups of students to connect with the Indianapolis community through our internship program, alternative breaks, and customizable programming.  These programs promote and showcase the work being done in Indianapolis, offering students from around the United States a chance to engage in hands-on educational experiences focused on a variety of topics. A generous grant from the City of Indianapolis supports our community program in crime prevention, which incorporates both Victim-Offender Mediation and Teen Talking Circles. Finally, we reach out to our community through networking events and customizable programming. Programs offer participants a chance to engage in issues in a thought-provoking way, with an emphasis on practical skill building for application in the workplace and community.

Programs are developed to assist businesses or community groups in exploring social responsibility or engagement, to discuss ethical practices, and explore civic engagement. We offer:

     • Values Clarification Exercises
     • Stereotype Exploration
     • Leadership Workshops

 

For more information, or to discuss available programs, contact Kim Overdyck.

 

Social Networking events help bring together individuals interested in learning more about their community and to develop relationships with others interested in promoting positive change. The Institute hosts a variety of networking events throughout the year; these events are designed to provide participants with an informal and relaxed opportunity to meet others working in our community, develop relationships, and build opportunities for collaboration.

 

Social Networking with a Soul: These brown-bag lunch sessions take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month, and are designed for individuals who want to learn more about Indianapolis. Each month features a different organization working to promote positive change in the community, and provides tips on how participants can get involved.

 

Women’s Networking: The Institute holds quarterly networking events for women leaders in the Indianapolis community, with the goal of fostering dialogue and collaboration.
 
If you are interested in learning more about our networking opportunities, please contact Kate Williams.  

 

Community Programming

The Institute is a proud recipient of the City of Indianapolis’s 2009 Crime Prevention Grant Program, and is collaborating with IndySpute to offer two community programs:

 

Victim Offender Mediation: A victim-offender mediation is an intervention strategy that brings offenders face-to-face with their victims with the help of a mediator.  Victims have the opportunity to express their feelings about the crime and the effect it had on them and their families.  Offenders learn the consequences of their crime and then take responsibility for their actions by mediating an agreement to provide restitution to the victim; they play an active role in repairing the harm their crime has caused.

Teen Talking Circles: A Talking Circle is a gathering of youths guided by adult co-facilitators that dialogue and support each other as they explore their truths, values, and behaviors through a flexible yet structured process. Truthful interactions and accountability form the heart of the Talking Circle.

These programs will help reduce crime among youth, and help young people explore positive alternatives to violence. For more information, contact Kim Overdyck.