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Nonviolence Doesn't Come Naturally - It Must be Learned & Practiced
Nonviolence Doesn't Come Naturally - It Must be Learned & Practiced
"The first imperative of civil resistance is nonviolence—
the discipline not to strike out or strike back."
"The first imperative of civil resistance is nonviolence—
the discipline not to strike out or strike back."
"During George Lakey’s “How to Beat an Election-Related Power Grab” webinar in August 2020 (yeah, we saw Trump's first coup coming), the chat erupted into a heated debate about whether it’s fair to condemn the destruction of property when the other side is destroying bodies." Here's what Lakey said:
"During George Lakey’s “How to Beat an Election-Related Power Grab” webinar in August 2020 (yeah, we saw Trump's first coup coming), the chat erupted into a heated debate about whether it’s fair to condemn the destruction of property when the other side is destroying bodies." Here's what Lakey said:
"If property destruction is perceived as violence, it’s functionally violence."
"If property destruction is perceived as violence, it’s functionally violence."
-George Lakey
-George Lakey
Nonviolence is Effective for Two Reasons:
Nonviolence is Effective for Two Reasons:
>Anything but nonviolence will serve as an excuse for a police crackdown.
>Anything but nonviolence will serve as an excuse for a police crackdown.
>More importantly the ensuing chaos will alienate the silent public who are on the sidelines not yet sure which side to join. (it's essential to attract the political center)
>More importantly the ensuing chaos will alienate the silent public who are on the sidelines not yet sure which side to join. (it's essential to attract the political center)
In Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict, Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan analyzed data from 323 violent and nonviolent pro-democracy movements. Nonviolence was twice as likely to succeed.
In Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict, Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan analyzed data from 323 violent and nonviolent pro-democracy movements. Nonviolence was twice as likely to succeed.
Resources you'll need for Nonviolent Protest & Direct Action
Resources you'll need for Nonviolent Protest & Direct Action
For Activist Groups and Protest Participants
For Activist Groups and Protest Participants
FREE downloads:
FREE downloads:
A practical plain-language resource for learning the basics of protest nonviolence and de-escalation. It includes history of the Nonviolence Movement and explains why Nonviolent Resistance works well as a tactic.
A practical plain-language resource for learning the basics of protest nonviolence and de-escalation. It includes history of the Nonviolence Movement and explains why Nonviolent Resistance works well as a tactic.
This a one-sheet you can give to those attending your rally. It spells out expectations and defines unacceptable behavior. A free download.
This a one-sheet you can give to those attending your rally. It spells out expectations and defines unacceptable behavior. A free download.
"The Greatest Hope for Humanity Lies Not in Condemning Violence But in Making Violence Obsolete."
"The Greatest Hope for Humanity Lies Not in Condemning Violence But in Making Violence Obsolete."
-Jamila Raqib (watch her 2015 TEDTalk below)
-Jamila Raqib (watch her 2015 TEDTalk below)
"Nonviolent struggle works by destroying an opponent -not physically, but by identifying the institutions that an opponent needs to survive and denying those sources of power."
"Nonviolent struggle works by destroying an opponent -not physically, but by identifying the institutions that an opponent needs to survive and denying those sources of power."
Creativity can be a key component of Nonviolent Direct Action - it gets people's attention and when light-hearted but relevant approaches are used in conjunction with serious well-crafted strategies, the potential for success increases.
Creativity can be a key component of Nonviolent Direct Action - it gets people's attention and when light-hearted but relevant approaches are used in conjunction with serious well-crafted strategies, the potential for success increases.
The Secret to Effective Nonviolent Resistance
The Secret to Effective Nonviolent Resistance
A Nine-Minute Crash Course in Nonviolent Resistance by Jamila Raqib - November 2015.
A Nine-Minute Crash Course in Nonviolent Resistance by Jamila Raqib - November 2015.
"We must offer a tool that is at least as effective as violence.
"We must offer a tool that is at least as effective as violence.
Most people associate this type of action with Gandhi and Martin Luther King, but people have been using nonviolent action for thousands of years.
Most people associate this type of action with Gandhi and Martin Luther King, but people have been using nonviolent action for thousands of years.
In fact, most of the rights that we have in this country, as women, as minorities, as workers, as LGBTQ+ people, and as environmental activists... these rights weren't handed to us! They were won by people who fought for them and sacrificed for them...but because we haven't learned from this history, nonviolent struggle as a technique is widely misunderstood.
In fact, most of the rights that we have in this country, as women, as minorities, as workers, as LGBTQ+ people, and as environmental activists... these rights weren't handed to us! They were won by people who fought for them and sacrificed for them...but because we haven't learned from this history, nonviolent struggle as a technique is widely misunderstood.
The idea that nonviolent struggle is equivalent to street protests is a real problem. Although protest can be a great way to show that people want change, on their own, they don't actually create change."
The idea that nonviolent struggle is equivalent to street protests is a real problem. Although protest can be a great way to show that people want change, on their own, they don't actually create change."
-Jamila Raqib
-Jamila Raqib
Nonviolence Training is Ideal or at least a Crash Course in Nonviolent Principles
Nonviolence Training is Ideal or at least a Crash Course in Nonviolent Principles
"But We Are Peaceful People"
"But We Are Peaceful People"
The "intention" of being peaceful is not enough - we need training. Read: >Peaceful Protest Participants Guidelines and
>Nonviolence & De-Escalation Guidelines
The "intention" of being peaceful is not enough - we need training. Read: >Peaceful Protest Participants Guidelines and
>Nonviolence & De-Escalation Guidelines
As participants, we must manage our behavior and commit to de-escalation.
As participants, we must manage our behavior and commit to de-escalation.
These skills can be taught.
These skills can be taught.
"The civil rights movement expanded our understanding of training...
"The civil rights movement expanded our understanding of training...
Members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) needed to mobilize their courage, but also polish their skills."
Members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) needed to mobilize their courage, but also polish their skills."
-George Lakey, In times of rapid change. victory comes to those who train for it - Waging Nonviolence, June 30, 2020
-George Lakey, In times of rapid change. victory comes to those who train for it - Waging Nonviolence, June 30, 2020
Peacekeeping During Protests and Direct Action
Peacekeeping During Protests and Direct Action
Demonstration Marshals
Demonstration Marshals
Also known as Protest Marshals, you'll find these folks present at almost all large demonstrations. They play an important role and are trained and supervised by the organizers of demonstrations, marches and rallies.
Also known as Protest Marshals, you'll find these folks present at almost all large demonstrations. They play an important role and are trained and supervised by the organizers of demonstrations, marches and rallies.
Marshals help keep the peace. They monitor the crowd during a protest and intervene early if they notice the seeds of conflict. Marshals will use de-escalation techniques with counter-protesters, hecklers, their own rally participants, and sometimes with police, or the press.
Marshals help keep the peace. They monitor the crowd during a protest and intervene early if they notice the seeds of conflict. Marshals will use de-escalation techniques with counter-protesters, hecklers, their own rally participants, and sometimes with police, or the press.
Their relationship with police can range from working in collaboration as allies, negotiating with, reminding of First Amendment rights, to being a buffer between protesters and police.
Their relationship with police can range from working in collaboration as allies, negotiating with, reminding of First Amendment rights, to being a buffer between protesters and police.
Marshals wear identification - usually an armband. They stay calm under all circumstances, and model nonviolent behavior even when provoked.
Marshals wear identification - usually an armband. They stay calm under all circumstances, and model nonviolent behavior even when provoked.
Alex Danzig has been offering protest marshal training for over 30 years.
Alex Danzig has been offering protest marshal training for over 30 years.
"Ensuring hundreds — sometimes thousands — of protesters stay on message, in formation and out of trouble is a task that requires specific training."
"Ensuring hundreds — sometimes thousands — of protesters stay on message, in formation and out of trouble is a task that requires specific training."
- Lauren Cook - December 14, 2018
- Lauren Cook - December 14, 2018
Peacekeepers
Peacekeepers
Small local rallies usually don't have official Protest Marshals because these actions are less formal and have fewer resources.
Small local rallies usually don't have official Protest Marshals because these actions are less formal and have fewer resources.
However, there is a need for Peacekeepers - folks who have a basic understanding of and a commitment to de-escalation.
However, there is a need for Peacekeepers - folks who have a basic understanding of and a commitment to de-escalation.
Since these Peacekeepers may not be as highly trained as Demonstration Marshals, a more obvious identification is advantageous. A bright vest with a readable "Peacekeeper" sign on the back is effective not only for identification but to also immediately set the tone for all participants.
Since these Peacekeepers may not be as highly trained as Demonstration Marshals, a more obvious identification is advantageous. A bright vest with a readable "Peacekeeper" sign on the back is effective not only for identification but to also immediately set the tone for all participants.
Like Marshals, Peacekeepers model nonviolent behavior, monitor the crowd and intervene when they notice a problem. Peacekeepers stay calm even when provoked, keep an eye out for and offer support to each other.
Like Marshals, Peacekeepers model nonviolent behavior, monitor the crowd and intervene when they notice a problem. Peacekeepers stay calm even when provoked, keep an eye out for and offer support to each other.
A Brief De-escalation Training
A Brief De-escalation Training
This mini-training is an excellent introduction to effective engagement and de-escalation using both instincts and discipline to intervene.
This mini-training is an excellent introduction to effective engagement and de-escalation using both instincts and discipline to intervene.
Self-Awareness - looking at our own escalation & de-escalation tendencies (3:04 min-6:38 min).
Self-Awareness - looking at our own escalation & de-escalation tendencies (3:04 min-6:38 min).
Preventative Measures - the importance of being observant - and what to look for (6:38 min-11:18 min).
Preventative Measures - the importance of being observant - and what to look for (6:38 min-11:18 min).
Specific Tactics - our typical instinctive reactions when things escalate are the opposite of what's effective. What we should do - effective verbal response, body language, attitude, approach, and intervention when there's a weapon. (11:19).
Specific Tactics - our typical instinctive reactions when things escalate are the opposite of what's effective. What we should do - effective verbal response, body language, attitude, approach, and intervention when there's a weapon. (11:19).
Watch this before you attend the next protest -
It's only 15 minutes
Watch this before you attend the next protest -
It's only 15 minutes
Participants Need to:
Participants Need to:
> understand the concepts of Nonviolence
> agree to the practice of Nonviolent Resistance
> learn basic De-Escalation Techniques
> understand the concepts of Nonviolence
> agree to the practice of Nonviolent Resistance
> learn basic De-Escalation Techniques
For a sustained Nonviolent Direct Action campaign, these practices are even more essential and require a deeper understanding of the concepts.
For a sustained Nonviolent Direct Action campaign, these practices are even more essential and require a deeper understanding of the concepts.
It's ideal to be trained for Nonviolent Direct Action.
It's ideal to be trained for Nonviolent Direct Action.
The Importance of Nonviolence Discipline
The Importance of Nonviolence Discipline
In the world of Nonviolence you will hear the term "Nonviolence Discipline" and the names of those who practiced it. Role models, like the late John Lewis.
In the world of Nonviolence you will hear the term "Nonviolence Discipline" and the names of those who practiced it. Role models, like the late John Lewis.
It's essential to continue nonviolent discipline, especially in this world of shared leadership.
It's essential to continue nonviolent discipline, especially in this world of shared leadership.
"John Lewis’ life’s work was a national tutorial on the power possessed by the maintenance of strict nonviolent discipline, and Black Lives Matter supporters exemplified this essential self-restraint. "
"John Lewis’ life’s work was a national tutorial on the power possessed by the maintenance of strict nonviolent discipline, and Black Lives Matter supporters exemplified this essential self-restraint. "
"Without comprehending the necessity for tenacious self-restraint, it’s hard to appreciate how the social power of nonviolent action actually works."
"Without comprehending the necessity for tenacious self-restraint, it’s hard to appreciate how the social power of nonviolent action actually works."
by Mary Elizabeth King. July 27, 2020
Hours before his assassination, Martin Luther King. Jr. stated to his friend Dr. Bernard Layfayette, Jr:
Hours before his assassination, Martin Luther King. Jr. stated to his friend Dr. Bernard Layfayette, Jr:
“The next movement we’re going to have is to institutionalize and internationalize Nonviolence.”
“The next movement we’re going to have is to institutionalize and internationalize Nonviolence.”
King "called for a movement that is “Nonviolent, but militant, and as dramatic, as dislocative, as disruptive, as attention-getting as the riots.” - Waging Nonviolence
King "called for a movement that is “Nonviolent, but militant, and as dramatic, as dislocative, as disruptive, as attention-getting as the riots.” - Waging Nonviolence
More History of Nonviolent Resistance
More History of Nonviolent Resistance
Women's Nonviolent Resistance 100 Years Ago
Women's Nonviolent Resistance 100 Years Ago
Years before the vicious attacks experienced by John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr., suffragist Alice Paul and hundreds of other women were also violently attacked by (white) men.
Years before the vicious attacks experienced by John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr., suffragist Alice Paul and hundreds of other women were also violently attacked by (white) men.
Police looked the other way when women were assaulted during parades and picketing and even arrested men who tried to protect the suffragists from being beaten.
Police looked the other way when women were assaulted during parades and picketing and even arrested men who tried to protect the suffragists from being beaten.
On November 15, 1917, Twenty women who were peacefully picketing in front of the White House were arrested and sent to the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia. During their incarceration they were beaten and tortured. The incident is known as the “Night of Terror.” Public outrage over their treatment increased sympathy for the suffrage movement.
On November 15, 1917, Twenty women who were peacefully picketing in front of the White House were arrested and sent to the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia. During their incarceration they were beaten and tortured. The incident is known as the “Night of Terror.” Public outrage over their treatment increased sympathy for the suffrage movement.
"The appointment of Alice Paul as the Congressional Committee chair of the National American Woman Suffrage Association at the 1912 convention...opened the door to the use of electrifying nonviolent action as a key to mobilizing the people power needed to dislodge an ancient plank of patriarchy."
"The appointment of Alice Paul as the Congressional Committee chair of the National American Woman Suffrage Association at the 1912 convention...opened the door to the use of electrifying nonviolent action as a key to mobilizing the people power needed to dislodge an ancient plank of patriarchy."
- Ken Butigan, Waging Nonviolence
- Ken Butigan, Waging Nonviolence
"In the last half-century, numerous nonviolent campaigns and movements have taken up the tactics that Alice Paul pioneered, and yet we still have much to marvel at and learn from.
"In the last half-century, numerous nonviolent campaigns and movements have taken up the tactics that Alice Paul pioneered, and yet we still have much to marvel at and learn from.
Rather than being defeated by the imprisonment, harassment, beatings, torture and force-feeding, this movement responded to this institutionalized viciousness with stubbornly nonviolent resolve."
Rather than being defeated by the imprisonment, harassment, beatings, torture and force-feeding, this movement responded to this institutionalized viciousness with stubbornly nonviolent resolve."
- Ken Butigan, Alice Paul's enduring legacy of nonviolent action - November 15, 2012 - Waging Nonviolence
- Ken Butigan, Alice Paul's enduring legacy of nonviolent action - November 15, 2012 - Waging Nonviolence
Learn about on-going campaigns for resistance & social change:
Learn about on-going campaigns for resistance & social change:
A Direct Action is a strategically crafted action event that has a specific achievable goal. A Direct Action can last for one-day or may be an on-going campaign that lasts for weeks, months or years. Learn more...
A Direct Action is a strategically crafted action event that has a specific achievable goal. A Direct Action can last for one-day or may be an on-going campaign that lasts for weeks, months or years. Learn more...
College students developed Nonviolent Defense Strategies Against Terrorism
College students developed Nonviolent Defense Strategies Against Terrorism
The Pentagon reviewed and liked their strategies, but said
The Pentagon reviewed and liked their strategies, but said
"That kind of systemic shift is beyond the capacity of the United States government."
"That kind of systemic shift is beyond the capacity of the United States government."
Video from April 2016 - George Lakey
Video from April 2016 - George Lakey
George Lakey taught a course called “Nonviolent Responses to Terrorism” at Swarthmore College
George Lakey taught a course called “Nonviolent Responses to Terrorism” at Swarthmore College
Each student chose a country that was currently threatened by terrorism. They got to know strengths and weaknesses of that country and developed a nonviolent defense strategy against the terrorism threat. They came up with impressive plans.
Each student chose a country that was currently threatened by terrorism. They got to know strengths and weaknesses of that country and developed a nonviolent defense strategy against the terrorism threat. They came up with impressive plans.
The Pentagon heard about this and asked to meet with Lakey. He laid out the plans his students had developed. Pentagon officials had no problem with anything he presented - they liked the ideas but here's what they said:
The Pentagon heard about this and asked to meet with Lakey. He laid out the plans his students had developed. Pentagon officials had no problem with anything he presented - they liked the ideas but here's what they said:
"In terms of systemic alternative approaches, the U.S. government doesn't operate that way. The way ideas like this get before the president is that they get trimmed down - as promising as these plans are, that kind of systemic shift is beyond the capacity of the United States government."
"In terms of systemic alternative approaches, the U.S. government doesn't operate that way. The way ideas like this get before the president is that they get trimmed down - as promising as these plans are, that kind of systemic shift is beyond the capacity of the United States government."
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