Nonviolence

In our culture the word "nonviolence" is loaded down with stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions. It may be among the most misunderstood words in our language. Followin a few overview articles and resources, the following activities offer opportunities to recover the breadth and depth and power of nonviolence and to explore arenas in which we can take those insights into our lives and world

1. Overviews

biblical vision – Jesus’ Way of Shalom, and What is Christian Peacemaking?
This popular activity explores the breadth and depth of the biblical vision of Shalom, peace, justice, community, wholeness. One to six session resource with additional questions and activities to build on or expand the impact of "Jesus’ Way of Shalom"

Definition of nonviolence – adopted by the ELCA (originally written by two LPF leaders)
Violence and nonviolence – a nice discussion handout from NV PeaceForce (forthcoming)

2. Activities exploring particular dimensions of nonviolence

ONE by ONE toward justice for All - Peace points activity on Millennium Development Goals and the ONE Campaign - among the most hopeful efforts in decades. (new!)

It's Time to Talk... - A thoughtful and stimulating activity for adult forums and youth groups to explore together the growing concerns about the Iraq War. *for additional materials see: Iraq Resources

Hunger Awareness Meal - An experiential meal that helps teach participants about the realities of hunger and poverty in the world.

Conflict Education - Insights, activities and resources for examining conflicts between individuals and on larger levels, and for strengthening skills to address conflict in any area of life.

Wall of Hope - Our most popular activity making use of this exhibit and listing of peace and justice movements and heroes throughout history; includes brief descriptions of eleven other activities; the full ‘how to kit’ includes an annotated selection of events from the Wall of Hope.
Peace and justice successes throughout history.
Versión en español
El Muro de la Esperanza
Eventos y movimientos a favor de la justicia y la paz a través de la historia.

Just War - A series of activities for youth and adult groups that explores in detail the classic just war principles, and also opens up the dynamic insights of the ‘just peace’ perspective. (html version)

Peace Points Starters - Resources for creating or strengthening a peace-focused session for youth.

Peace Worship - Provides a variety of resources including prayers, litanies, songs, and a complete 20 minute worship session.

Reclaim the Season! - Peace & justice living and giving – especially appropriate at Christmas; useful throughout the year.

3. Ideas, activities, and resources for leaders

In the congregation – Building a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence as well as Our Congregation as Peacemaker and Peacemaking Discussion and Activity Resources

In youth groups and classes -- 24 Ways Students Can Work for Peace and What can our student group do for peace?

In the family -- Family Pledge of Nonviolence

In the community – ten stories (forthcoming)

Iraq – Invisible Option, The Lutheran article (see also other Iraq resources)

Around the world – Global Spread of NV article by Richard Deats and other stories

Throughout history – Wall of hope

Worship and devotional use – litany and peace deck

Decade for Peace, Nobel Appeal -- lpf page on nobel appeal

The Promise and Challenge of the Nobel Peace Appeal

Nobel Laureates Appeal Discussed in Lutheran Theology Journal

Canadian Commission for UNESCO website on the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence

Alternative versions of the nobel resolution for a:
City Council, Community Group, Church, School, College or University

4. Further resources

Peacemaking Discussion and Activity Resources and Conflict Transformation, Nonviolence, and Justice: An Annotated Guide to Over 400 Outstanding Books, Manuals, Audiovisuals, and Web Sites

Peace Links