Something New

Something Different, Something Needed, Something New

Edmund Pettus Bridge

New Way Summer Institute Highlights

New Way, Summer Institute, Nonviolence, Conflict Reconciliation, Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma
The 2016 New Way Summer Institute participants gathered on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in historic Selma, AL.

Last week, New Way hosted its annual Summer Institute in Selma, AL. 12 Something New summer interns, 10 college students/recent graduates, 4 high school students, 3 college professors, 2 home school teachers, 2 non-profit managers, Something New’s New Expression director, a law enforcement officer, and a professional actress joined New Ways three senior instructors for an incredible week! A diverse group, the conversation was lively and deep, helping participants to make Nonviolence a way of life and teaching them how to apply it every day.

Here are a few highlight moments from the week! [Read more…] about New Way Summer Institute Highlights

New Way – A Lasting Change

New Alternative, Alternative Break, Selma, Nonviolence, Nonviolence Training, New Way, Edmund Pettus Bridge

2016 New Alternative participant, Morgan, reflects on her experience with New Way Nonviolence and Conflict Reconciliation Training. New Alternative offers the option to participate in a day-long New Way training that has impacted thousands of college students! To learn more about New Way trainings and how you can participate in or book a training, click here!

NA Sneak Peek: The Bridge

Edmund Pettus Bridge

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is the landmark often associated with Bloody Sunday (marchers first attempt at the Selma to Montgomery march), the Selma to Montgomery March and the passing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. As a New Alternative breaker you’ll learn first hand about Selma’s Civil Rights history-past and present along with an opportunity to walk over the iconic bridge.

“Everytime I return, I learn more about Selma and myself…”

This beautiful photo of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama was contributed by one of our former New Alternative participants who has stayed engaged with Something New and comes back to visit frequently!

“Selma is a life-changing experience. Every time I return, I learn more about Selma and myself. I wouldn’t trade my time in Selma for anything,” says Emery.

Edmund Pettus Bridge

Born for More

#IWill New Way Something New
New Way Director Barak Gibson pledging his #IWill statement. Click on the picture to learn more about #IWill and I Will Dance: the Documentary.

If you are like me, you know that you were born for something great but don’t always understand how to access it.

You are not alone.

In fact, I believe that all people are born to do something great–born for a purpose much greater than ourselves. We have the power to change the world, to reshape the way we see ourselves and each other. Now here is the challenge: This dream can die a slow death inside of us, or we can learn from those who have gone before us who accepted the call and suffering that comes with pursuing one’s dreams.

It is in the suffering and sacrifice that you truly discover who you are. When you discover what has been put inside of you is stronger than the circumstances, you run at the challenges with boldness and confidence, knowing that something greater is waiting on the other side. At times you will feel as if it is impossible, but you cannot quit. Look at the Civil Rights leaders who have gone before us–people like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela. In no way was their path easy, but they knew they had to keep moving forward.

I had the opportunity to march over the Edmund Pettus bridge with Amelia Boynton on the night of the first Obama election. She said that they didn’t sacrifice everything just for themselves, but they did it for those coming behind them. She held onto the vision. We must choose to hold the vision. It is our duty in life.