Gros Institute

Gros Institute Connecting ecumenical, interfaith, and secular collaborators to advance action toward social justice.

Guidelines:
• Demonstrate openness to and reflective consideration of the ideas and feelings of others. Be willing to acknowledge that another person’s experiences, though perhaps different from yours, are equally valid.
• Practice using “both/and” - When speaking, substitute “and” for “but.”
• Use “I” language (instead of “we” language) avoid speaking for a whole group or making assumptions abou

t the experiences of others.
• Understand the difference between impact and intent - Try to understand and acknowledge the impact of an experience. Denying the impact by trying to explain the intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction.
• Avoid judging self or others
• Participate fully - Honesty and authenticity are essential to effective sharing
• Say just enough – share openly, and notice if you might be dominating the conversation; move back to create space for others to share their experiences

Values:
• Speak from the heart (honesty and authenticity)
• Respect – for one another and all viewpoints
• Practice deep listening – be willing to listen with your whole self; be willing to learn from others’ experiences.

*Inspiration from East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, CA

Our incredible Circle Keepers recently facilitated a Peace Circle in Dr.Normands communication class!Interested in havin...
04/21/2026

Our incredible Circle Keepers recently facilitated a Peace Circle in Dr.Normands communication class!
Interested in having a Peace Circle in your class? Reach out to us at [email protected] !

03/27/2026

2026 FIRE
Thank you to everyone that joined us in reflection and dialogue at the FIRE event!

Rama is believed to have been an incarnation of the god Vishnu and a wise and good king whose reign (the “Rama Rajya”) b...
03/26/2026

Rama is believed to have been an incarnation of the god Vishnu and a wise and good king whose reign (the “Rama Rajya”) brought about great prosperity. The holiday is also celebrated in Nepal and by Hindus around the world. To celebrate the occasion, devotees will chant appropriate mantras all day long. They will also offer Rama flowers and fruits and go to temples or family shrines at noontime to pray to him. Additionally, there will be processions of his statues, rocking of smaller versions of his statue in a cradle, drinking of a sweet, peppered jaggery beverage, fasting until evening, and feasting during the evening.

Thank you so much to everyone who attended this years FIRE!We’re incredibly grateful for the energy, support and enthusi...
03/06/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who attended this years FIRE!
We’re incredibly grateful for the energy, support and enthusiasm from everyone who joined us. A special thank you to our amazing panelists for sharing such powerful and inspiring stories. We appreciate each and every one of you who helped make FIRE such a meaningful experience.

We have four amazing panelists who will be sharing their personal experiences, insights, and stories. Their perspectives...
03/02/2026

We have four amazing panelists who will be sharing their personal experiences, insights, and stories. Their perspectives promise to inspire meaningful conversation and deeper understanding.
Together, we’ll also take time to reflect and discuss what empathy truly means to each of us — how we practice it, how we experience it, and how it can strengthen our community.
We hope you’ll join us for this powerful and engaging event!

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the month during which the Qu’ran was first revealed t...
02/19/2026

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the month during which the Qu’ran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated with fasting from dawn until sunset. Many Muslims celebrate with community dinners, prayers, and gatherings in the evenings.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the season of penitence, prayer, and fasting before Easter. Many Catholic or Ort...
02/19/2026

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the season of penitence, prayer, and fasting before Easter. Many Catholic or Orthodox Christians will fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during lent.

Dedicated prayer rooms are available exclusively for prayer and silent reflection. You are welcome to use these prayer r...
02/16/2026

Dedicated prayer rooms are available exclusively for prayer and silent reflection. You are welcome to use these prayer rooms as needed.

The Annual Interfaith Forum will take place on March 4. We warmly invite you to attend and participate in meaningful dia...
01/21/2026

The Annual Interfaith Forum will take place on March 4. We warmly invite you to attend and participate in meaningful dialogue! Are you coming?!

Are you interested in strengthening the sense of community in your classroom? Scan the QR code to request a Peace Circle...
01/12/2026

Are you interested in strengthening the sense of community in your classroom? Scan the QR code to request a Peace Circle. We would be happy to facilitate a circle and support community-building efforts in your classroom!

Address

One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL
60446

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gros Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to Gros Institute:

Shortcuts

Share

Category