Signature Events

The Peace and Justice Institute is proud to offer a variety of signature events that occur annually. We partner with local and national organizations, businesses, and groups to bring these events to a variety of audiences. Each event is designed to advance the vision and mission of the Institute t0 cultivate a resilience, peace, and justice one person, one relationship, one community at a time so all can thrive.

January – March

Common Read

The Common Read fosters community resilience by introducing shared knowledge, language, and practices. Deepening our understanding of key themes and ideas to support individual and community wellbeing.

PJI Facilitator Training

The PJI Facilitator Training Program is a cohort-based experience designed to support potential facilitators on the path to becoming a certified PJI Facilitator. Along the way, participants are immersed in the philosophy and methods foundational to creating inclusive and engaging PJI workshops. PJI believes powerful facilitation involves cultivating authenticity of the heart and mind as well as a deep commitment to building community, interdependence, and a culture of self-reflection.

Spring Fling Service Project at the Coalition for the Homeless

For over 10 years the Peace and Justice Institute has served at the Coalition for the Homeless to bring a day of family-friendly fun to the parents and children in residence.

April

Resilience Conference

The Creating a Resilient Community Conference is an annual initiative that hosts cutting-edge keynote speakers and convenes participants to explore community wellness, positive and adverse childhood experiences (PACEs), and trauma-informed practices that can transform our region into one of prevention, hope, healing and resilience for all.

Spring Healing Retreat

We invite you to slow down, engage in reflective practices, explore the Principles for How We Treat Each Other, and practice the art of asking honest and open questions as a means of knowing self and others. This is the pathway to resilience and healing.

In 2025 participants will ponder and discuss readings from Ladder to the Light by Steven Charleston.

May

Civil Rights History Tour

Explore some of America’s most prominent Civil Rights history with the Peace and Justice Institute. We invite you to join us for a healing and introspective journey into our country’s past and current struggle for racial equality. In the spirit of PJI, this trip will offer thoughtful challenges, support authentic reflection, build our sense of community and foster a commitment to peace and justice.

The 2025 tour takes place in early May.

June – July

PJI Summer Academy

The PJI Summer Academy is a week-long intensive program designed to develop educators, professionals and leaders who support learning environments and community resilience, including community organizations, early learning, K-12, colleges and universities.

September

Peace Day in the Park

Celebrate the International Day of Peace with a day of free activities for all ages including live musical performances, yoga, children’s storytelling, a public art project, and of course, our annual Human Peace Sign photograph.

November

Peace Breakfast: An Inferfaith and Worldview Gathering

An interfaith and worldview gathering and discussion with religious leaders and humanists from across Central Florida. A free breakfast is served. All are welcome!

Healing Retreat with Iron Eagle

This is a very special day of healing and connection at the edge of the Ocala National Forest with Apache Medicine Man Iron Eagle. The day includes meditation, music, dance, the lighting the fire ceremony, and more. In addition, there is optional overnight camping.