Some of the greatest world changers started off pursuing the study and practice of law, including Mohandas K. "Mahatma" Gandhi, father of the independence movement in India.
Global Action Initiatives Alliance and the Gandhi Global Center for Peace continued its "Season for Nonviolence" series at Washington Alternative School this week with a visit from Tennessee "Super Lawyer" Gordon Ball, of Knoxville.
From taking on the environmental ills waged against the Pigeon River in Cocke County, Tn., to representing victims of the Holocaust, Mr. Ball has had a fascinating career in law and public service, including serving as assistant United States district attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. And there is a soon-to-be-expected announcement of Mr. Ball for United States Senate in Tennessee.
Mr. Ball shared with students about his law career and also the lessons he learned early on as a young man who himself got kicked out of school for fighting. Education is key to overcoming violence, crime, and incarceration, Mr. Ball emphasized as he spoke with the students.
Afterwards, a student approached Mr. Ball about an interest in becoming a lawyer. GAIA CEO and Gandhi Global Center for Peace Co-Founder Missy Crutchfield said, "Opportunities to connect with local, state, and national leaders gives these students the chance to see that they can get there from here. These students are leaders, they've just made some choices in the past that have led in the wrong direction--now it's up to them to lead in a positive direction."
Washington Alternative School recently participated in a visit with Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, Arun Gandhi, and a visioning for peace and nonviolence. And the work continues as students participate in the inaugural Gandhi Global Center for Peace Student Essay Contest.
Learn more at www.gaiaworldwide.org.