Who We Are

Civic Engagement + Dialogue = Violence Prevention

Institute for Nonviolence Los Angeles (Days of Dialogue) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to be a catalyst in the community problem-solving process by creating dialogue on sensitive social issues among diverse community groups. By facilitating respectful, purposeful conversation on a broad range of public issues and public policies and topics, we foster understanding and encourage people to improve their quality of life through civic engagement.

OUR STORY

In 1995, Los Angeles’ deeply divided reaction to the verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial underscored how far apart the diverse communities of Los Angeles and the nation stand on some basic issues. As a result, then-Los Angeles City Council person Mark Ridley-Thomas called a meeting with 20 prophetic leaders and community activists to defuse escalating tensions. Out of this was born an innovative nonpartisan initiative, Los Angeles’ first citywide discussion—A Day of Dialogue.

Since then, Dialogues were created to address the critical issues facing our communities. Avis Ridley-Thomas, Executive Director and Creator of INVLA & Days of Dialogue is called upon by community leaders every time there is a dispute in our community that needs to be resolved.

We have conducted over 200 dialogues with 20,000 community participants, with the help of 992 volunteer mediators.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

For donations over $1,000, we kindly request that contributions be made by check to avoid processing fees.

Please make checks payable to:
Community Initiatives – 6486 [Institute for Non-Violence – Days of Dialogue]
PO Box 45515
San Francisco, CA 94145-0515