In the aftermath of September 11th, the war on Afghanistan, the war on Iraq, and the wars of terrorism, non-violent transformations in Georgia and Bolivia, and people’s struggles for social justice, democracy, and human rights in their communities and world-wide, From Gandhi to Modern Social and Political Movements: Preparing for Nonviolent Actions in Practice comes at a vital time.

Drawing upon the inspiration and lessons learned from people’s movements and struggles around the world over the past 50 years – from People’s Power movement in the Philippines to the non-violent revolutions in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and the overthrow of political apartheid in South Africa to the Living Democracy Movement in India, the Assembly of the Poor in Thailand, the Landless Movement in Brazil, and the World Social Forum – Preparing for Nonviolent Actions in Practice will bring together social justice and human rights activists, social workers and organisers, and peace organisations and movements from across Europe and internationally.

Aimed at creating a space for sharing of experiences and developing skills and methods for practice, at learning from the legacy of non-violent political and social movements from all continents, and at weaving together a European-wide network of committed social activists and non-violent practitioners, the programme will be an important step in the work to create a global Nonviolent Peaceforce and to prepare for the third European Social Forum in London in 2004! For everyone interesting in seeing how we – as individuals, as communities, as organisations, and together – can actively engage to develop constructive programmes to overcome violence and injustice in our communities and globally Preparing for Nonviolent Actions in Practice is a chance to show … another world is possible!

Across the world, communities are mobilising to address the issues and challenges facing them, searching for ways to overcome violence in all its forms – direct, structural and cultural. From social justice movements to struggles against political, economic, and military authoritarianism, people’s power – the power of communities to resist violence and to actively unite together, celebrating diversity, hope, and courage – is growing. Networks, linking people within and across communities world-wide, are being formed, linking theory and practice, action and reflection, and a commitment to be the change we want to see!

Preparing for Nonviolent Actions in Practice will address the concrete challenges and issues surrounding direct non-violent action, drawing upon experiences and practice in non-violence from around the world.

The programme will be devoted to preparing for non-violent direct actions in the concrete context/setting of your work and community, and will help to weave together a network of practitioners across the continent. Focus on how to build a good group atmosphere, make decisions, avoiding violence in stressed situations, communication skills, preparing for actions, evaluations, reducing fear, building trust, and making good strategies will be central to the programme.

Throughout the 20th century non-violence was used as an effective tool for overthrowing violent, dictatorial and colonial regimes. The focus of this training programme will be on the large scale use of non-violent means to transform and overcome direct and structural violence in conflicts. Drawing upon case-studies and experiences from around the world, From Gandhi to Modern Social and Political Movements will help practitioners and scholars to weave together a cohesive view and understanding of the legacy and contributions of non-violent struggles in the 20th, and 21st centuries, and to prepare for non-violence and conflict transformation by peaceful means in their own communities, across Europe and internationally.

Throughout, the five-days workshop and training will be an intensive, participatory and dynamic experience, helping to develop further concrete skills, tools and knowledge for committed social activists, community workers, and practitioners.

Content of the Programme:

Wednesday, May 5th

Morning:

Understanding those who have struggled…. The stories of the main activists in the history of nonviolent struggle, what are the heritages and how are those implemented in modern movements.

Afternoon:

The basic concepts of Nonviolence and their meaning in our conflicts. Clarification on the two main approaches to the use of NV: NV as a Technique and NV as a Lifestyle. Discussion on what does a Lifestyle imply and can it be learned at schools/courses?

Thursday, May 6th:

Morning:

The last twenty-five years of revolutionary movements: an overview of the cases.

The Secret stories about the Nonarmed revolutions. The role of media in covering Nonviolent Actions and events.

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