Non-violent civil disobedience

Description

Non-violent resistance is the practice of achieving social change through symbolic protests, civil disobedience, economic or political noncooperation, or other methods, while being nonviolent.

“Non-violent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue” — Martin Luther King Jr.

In a world that seems surrounded by turmoil it is good to remember that successful civil rights movements are rooted in nonviolent protest. The suffrage campaigner Susan B Anthony, the Indian independence activist Mahatma Gandhi, the civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King, and the reconciliator Nelson Mandela have all convincingly demonstrated the power of peaceful protest. Greta Thunberg has proven how effective this style of movement can be. She has done her part and it is time for us to do ours.

A recent study by Erica Chenoweth has shown it takes around 3.5% of the population actively participating in the protests to ensure serious political change. This is a relatively small number. We already have the support, we just need to mobilize the individuals.

Tips

• What are specific ideas that you can act on? Here is a simple, extensive list to start you thinking.

• Consider joining with other to collectively coordinate and get involved. Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future are great places to start, but there are hundreds of different organizations making a difference. There are different types for different interests. Take a look at the Earth Hero group finder to find a good option or two for you try out.

• Research those who have been successful in the past. For example, listen to speeches from great leaders of the past for ideas and inspiration.