Pathways of Courage

 
 

New 8-week online course

In a divided world, true strength comes not from domination, but from the ability to respond to conflict and injustice with clarity, compassion, and courage. Pathways of Courage: Tools for Inner Strength, Dialogue, and Social Transformation, equips participants with practical tools for building trust, responding to harm without replicating it, and leading with resilience. Drawing from timeless wisdom - Ahimsa, Ubuntu, Nonviolent Communication, Empathic Leadership, and global civil resistance - this course invites us to cultivate the courage to transform ourselves, our communities, and our world.

This is not a course in being “nice.” It is a course in being real, grounded, and transformative, especially in the face of challenge. It is for those ready to cultivate inner strength, practice courageous nonviolence, and lead communities toward transformation through vision, compassion, and dialogue rather than fear. During the 8 weeks , you will:

  • Explore the philosophical and cultural roots of non-harming (Ahimsa) and collective dignity (Ubuntu) as personal and societal practices.

  • Learn tools for honest and effective communication under pressure.

  • Study the strategies of nonviolent movements around the world.

  • Reflect on the relationship between inner transformation and social action.

  • Cultivate skills in listening, empathy, boundary-setting, and restorative dialogue.

  • Engage with stories, tools, and models that inspire sustained, grounded leadership.

Course Facilitator

Fran Faraz is a Professor of Global and Peace Studies at Golden West College. Her professional and academic work is centered on Conflict Resolution, Social Justice, Environmental Justice, and Nonviolent Activism. A board member of Euphrates and the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding at U.C. Irvine, she is active in Global and Peace Studies-centric work with a variety of institutions and organizations. Complementing her academic and professional achievements, Fran brings a deeply compassionate and wholehearted style to her facilitation. She is an inspiring and engaging global citizen with a passion for meaningful learning.

Dates & times

Participants meet weekly over zoom on Tuesdays in February and March 2026. Classes are 90 minutes 5-6:30 pm PT / 8-9:30 pm ET. [February 3, February 10 ,February 17, February 24, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24]

Contribution

This course is valued at $600, yet we believe cost should never prevent someone from engaging in our offerings. We therefore invite voluntary contributions based on personal ability, with the assurance that all are welcome no matter their financial situation. If you are able and interested in supporting another participant, there will be an opportunity to indicate this on the registration.

REGISTER today!

Grow your courage. Strengthen your spirit. Let nonviolence become a force for transformation in your life and community. This course will support every step. 

A core promise of this course is that your growth starts the very day you make the choice and register. That decision alone begins the unfolding. Click here to register today.*

Space is limited. Registration deadline is January 15th or until all 30 spots are filled!

*This course is currently designed for a North American audience. During the course, we will explore concepts in the context of the socio-political history and current environment in North America. We plan to host additional offerings for global participants in the near future.

As part of the promise of this course, know that your journey begins the very day you say “yes” and register.

As part of inviting you into this course, we want to share something special: if you feel called to expand yourself, to grow, and to step into a deeper version of who you are, know that this course has a way of meeting you exactly where you are.

There is something truly magical about it. Even the simple act of registering begins the transformation. Your course doesn’t start on the first day; it begins the moment you say “yes.” From that instant, you will find yourself gently pulled into conversation with your higher self, with your inner wisdom, and with the deeper possibilities of your life.

If you choose to join us, please come with openness. Come with curiosity. Come ready to be surprised by how quickly your inner journey awakens.

We look forward to walking this path with you.

Optional Immersive Trip

To supplement and enrich the course experience, we also invite participants to join an optional in-person immersion trip to Montgomery, Alabama, to explore the roots and the legacy of nonviolent leadership during the Civil Rights movement. The trip includes visits to Equal Justice Initiative’s three Legacy Sites and a guided tour through Montgomery and Selma. We’ll be traveling April 7–10, 2026. The trip fee will be confirmed once logistics are finalized.

On the registration form, you will find a place to indicate your interest in this trip.