Training
Nonviolence training has been a cornerstone of organised nonviolent resistance since Gandhi and King. While many nonviolent movements have occurred spontaneously, growing from the experience of populations who have rejected violence as unethical or impractical, nonviolence training has enabled activists to transfer knowledge and skills within and across movements, thus increasing the chances of successful campaigns.
Nonviolence training can:
Increase the committment level of activists by developing their understanding of and confidence in nonviolent methods
Gain consensus on effective and ineffective behaviours during a nonviolent action
Ensure activists are aware of the personal risks associated with participation, and allow discussion of fears
Give activists the opportunity to experience the physical and psychological challenges of nonviolent action through role-playing
Teach practical skills, such as body language and voice control.
The time invested in nonviolence training can be anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the needs and availability of the activists. Two day workshops are common, and allow time for a good balance of theory and practice.
Resources:
Why Training for Nonviolent Action? by George Lakey
"Is nonviolence training making a difference in achieving social movement goals, or is it simply a ritual helping participants feel better in an uncertain and scary world?", a veteran trainer asks.
Papers
by Randy Schutt
Randy Schutt is a nonviolence trainer and author of Inciting
Democracy. This is a collection of papers for use in nonviolence
training, including notes for trainers and a detailed agenda.
Non-Violence and
Non-Violent Training by Bruce Hartford
A civil rights movement veteran presents the rationale for tactical
nonviolence training, including notes for a two-day workshop dating
from 1963.
Nonviolent Action Handbook by Sanderson Beck
A manual covering some of the theory behind nonviolence, an agenda for
training, information on group process and ideas for creative actions.
Civil
Disobedience Manual
A training manual prepared by ACT UP New York.
GenetiX
Snowball Handbook for Action
Detailed guide to participating in genetiX snowball's campaign of
"nonviolent civil responsibility" to halt the spread of genetically
engineered organisms.
The Class of
Nonviolence by Colman McCarthy
An eight-session class which uses classics in peace and justice
literature to teach peacemaking.
198
Methods of Nonviolent Action by Gene Sharp
A two page handout featuring Sharp's catalog of resistance methods.
Minimising Police
Violence by Robert Burrowes
Strategies for reducing the risk of violence during nonviolent
campaigns.
Should I Be Arrested?
by Robert Burrowes
Some questions to consider before engaging in arrestable civil
disobedience; the arrest process, jail and the importance of debriefing.
The Activist Survival Handbook
A handbook of stories, guides, advice and useful information about activist survival, safety and sustainability, compiled by Pt'chang.
Direct Action Training Resources
A comprehensive bibliography for nonviolent direct action training,
including some materials in languages other than english.