RISING FOR LIFE

May 24th–31st at Suryalila, Spain

Nonviolence in Action: Creating A World Where All Can Thrive

From Personal Growth to Collective Action

Learning through the Wisdom of  Community
 

This is an invitation for togetherness—to face each other and ourselves:

With vulnerability and determination, with my truth meeting your truth.

With my lies meeting my pain and my judgments.

With my violence and your violence, and with the question of what Nonviolence means—within ourselves and in the world around us.

With my longing—and yours too—

For quiet, for connection, for peace, for hope.

With my dedication to change, to movement, to inner exploration.

With the inner belief that I do matter, I can change, and I am part of the transformation.

Trusting that we can give voice to parts of ourselves that, in daily life, often remain silent.

Knowing that we can listen, love, remember, and forgive.

This gathering is dear to our hearts—an opportunity to become a steward of a future where, together, we envision a life in which relationships—both personal and systemic—are at the core of everything we do, working to shape a world grounded in the spirit of nonviolence.

We believe no one was born to thrive alone. Safety, freedom, and community are not luxuries—they are essential for us all.

Imagine yourself in a circle of inspiring individuals from around the world, all committed to introspection and to shaping a world where everyone matters.

Imagine thriving in your relationships, cultivating inner clarity, and stepping into your unique power to create meaningful change.

At this pivotal time, humanity is at a crossroads. We face the choice to remain divided or to embrace a path of collective leadership.

We dream of creating space for transformation, inspiration, and a true sense of belonging.

We can’t wait to welcome you there.

Click here for more information about Rising For Life 

Get to Know the Team –Meet Tarek and Kathleen, our lead trainers 

We are honored to have Tarek Maassarani and Kathleen Macferran as the lead trainers for the Rising for Life convention. Each of them is a lifelong inspiration to us—a guiding teacher whose wisdom and deep commitment to both Nonviolent Communication and the path of nonviolence have profoundly shaped our journey. We warmly invite you to learn more about these inspiring leaders and the unique gifts they bring to this transformative gathering.

Kathleen Macferran is an author, facilitator, and Certified Trainer for the Center for Nonviolent Communication. She travels internationally working with individuals, families, community groups, businesses, schools, and prison inmates. Kathleen is the author of Calling In the Dawn: Shaping Our Future through Authentic Dialogue, and co-author with Jared Finkelstein of Choice: A Field Guide for Navigating the Polarization of Our World and Living Interdependently. Her two children’s books How Giraffes Found Their Hearts and How Giraffes Got Their Ears, and her CD Giraffe Tales can be found along with her TEDX talks on her website www.StrengthofConnection.com.

Tarek Maassarani, a trainer and a lecturer in justice and peace studies and nonviolent communication, brings a wealth of experience in community organizing, nonviolent action, and peace education. He holds a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University, a J.D. from Georgetown University, and dual degrees in Environmental Studies and Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara. Tarek has published on international human rights law, produced a documentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and led educational and community projects in Africa and the Middle East. He is passionate about fostering transformation through empathy, strategic nonviolence, and self-reflection and supports restorative justice efforts in Washington DC.

For more information about Rising For Life click here

Discover the Venue – Explore Suryalila, our stunning location in Cadiz, Spain

Suryalila Retreat Centre is more than just a venue—it’s a living example of how community, sustainability, and mindfulness come together to create a space of harmony and care. Nestled in the serene hills of Andalusia, Spain, Suryalila embodies a way of life that honors simplicity, connection, and nature.

The center is committed to sustainable practices, from its use of solar energy to its organic vegetable gardens, reflecting a deep respect for the environment.

At the heart of Suryalila is a commitment to fostering community—a space where people from all walks of life come together to connect, reflect, and grow. Its tranquil surroundings encourage introspection, while its warm, inclusive atmosphere invites a sense of belonging.

Hosting Rising For Life at Suryalila feels like a natural fit, as its values resonate deeply with the spirit of our gathering. It’s a place where transformation happens not only through workshops but also in the quiet moments of shared meals, sunrises, and meaningful connections with others.

For more information about Rising For Life click here