Veterans of Hope Project

The Veterans of Hope Project is a multifaceted educational initiative on religion, culture and participatory democracy. We encourage a healing-centered approach to community-building that recognizes the interconnectedness of spirit, creativity, and citizenship. Our educational materials are designed to support reconciliation, nonviolence and an appreciation for the value of indigenous and folk wisdom for contemporary times.

Through a video interview series with older peace and justice activists; an accompanying curriculum; workshops and training in compassionate leadership development; and a public symposium series, the Project emphasizes grassroots resources for social change from the wisdom of varied local communities. We document and share the transformative histories of“long distance runners” for peace and justice – passing on the values, faith, and practices that have guided their lives and work.

The Project was founded in 1997 by Vincent and Rosemarie Freeney Harding, longtime activists, counselors and teachers of spiritually based social activism. The Hardings began their work in the Mennonite Church in Chicago, Illinois in the late 1950s and moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1960 to join with Martin Luther King, Jr. and others as reconcilers and nonviolence trainers in the Southern Freedom Movement. In ensuing years, the Hardings have served as scholars, advisors and encouragers for a wide variety of movements, organizations and individuals working for compassionate social change in the United States and internationally. In March 2004, Rosemarie Freeney Harding passed on. Her husband and their daughter, Rachel, are continuing the Project’s work.