Gene Sharp of The Albert Einstein Institution

Nonviolent action is a technique of socio-political action for applying power in a conflict without the use of physical violence.

Whatever the issue and scale of the conflict, nonviolent action is a technique by which people who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to wield power effectively.

This technique of action uses social, psychological, economic, and political methods of applying sanctions, that is, pressures or punishments, rather than violent methods.

About two hundred specific methods of nonviolent action have been identified, and there are certainly scores more. These methods are classified under three broad categories: protest and persuasion, noncooperation, and intervention. Methods of nonviolent protest and persuasion are largely symbolic demonstrations, including parades, marches, and vigils (54 methods). Noncooperation is divided into three sub-categories: (a) social noncooperation (16 methods), (b) economic noncooperation, including boycotts (26 methods) and strikes (23 methods), and (c) political noncooperation (38 methods). Nonviolent intervention, by psychological, physical, social, economic, or political means, such as the fast, nonviolent occupation, and parallel government (41 methods), is the final group.

These many methods are also called the “weapons” of nonviolent action.

NKO.ORG is hosting a 4 hour hands on class in Maui, Hawaii:

Introduction to 99% Spring strategic nonviolent direct action.

The Goals of the class are:
• Form a local community of people committed to non-violent direct action to forge a more just economy.
• Tell our families’ stories to let go of our shame, discover what connects us and build solidarity.
• Learn how others like us have responded to economic and social injustice in the past.
• Create a vision for a new, more just economy.
• Begin to prepare ourselves personally and as a community for nonviolent direct action

Register now for an upcoming class in Kihei, Maui.

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