Constructive Nonviolence - Starting Small

by Janet Chisholm

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead

Empowering, educating, nurturing, cultivating, creating, reconciling, investing, skill-building, relating, listening—these are the words of constructive nonviolence. And they are activities that link us to the broader community, helping to expand the circle of those who understand and commit to nonviolence. They are what Gandhi said should consume even more of our time than nonviolent resistance.

Construction generally begins with small groups. The creative projects described below were initiated by small groups intent on constructing a culture of peace and nonviolence for the children of the world.

ART—with both artists and community youth

The Art of Compassion, an FOR affiliate, brings together artists, peacemakers, and community members to explore how images can help transcend conflict and evoke feelings of interconnectedness. A meditation teacher helped members understand the Buddhist concept of compassion, and special exercises helped them formulate guidelines for a compassionate critique of artwork. In addition to their own artistic explorations, participants committed themselves to working in supportive childcare services for low-income families in a multi-racial housing project. Artists also meet regularly with youth ages fourteen to sixteen to discuss their concerns and involve them in the planning process for a collaborative art piece. The Art of Compassion, 51 Rutland Square, Suite #4 Boston, MA 02118. E-mail: artofcompassion@earthlink.net. Web: www.theartofcompassion.com.

YOUTH CONTESTS—for posters, poetry, and essays

The Cape Cod FOR chapter collaborates with area schoolteachers to engage youth in thinking about building a culture of peace and nonviolence. They conduct annual poster, essay, and poetry contests and hold award ceremonies. Information about the contests and about the Decade is distributed throughout the community and at multicultural events. The poster and essay theme for this year is: "Find something in the world you do not like and do something to fix it." Juliet Bernstein, Cape Cod FOR, Box 595, Harwich, MA 02645. E-mail: ccforjuliet@earthlink. net.

LONG DISTANCE WALKS— with vigils and petitions

Fifty walkers joined a five-day, sixty-mile walk across Berkshire County. It was sponsored by GIRO, the Global Issues Resource Organization of Berkshire Community College. The walkers carried signs to inform passing motorists, held vigils every day in towns along the way, and collected signatures in support of the Decade principles. As they walked, a Buddhist nun in the group beat drums and chanted a peace mantra. Due to the glorious countryside and the meaningful conversations, the walk was a genuine celebration of life. Don Lathrop, 10 Dean Hill Rd., Canaan, NY 12029.

MULTIPLE EVENTS—vigils, workshops, theater, & a children’s day

For twenty-five years, the Olympia FOR has held an annual rally at a busy downtown street corner. The vigil goes forward, rain or shine, and the creative peace slogans on homemade signs evoke a variety of responses from passing motorists. The local group pursues a variety of other creative approaches to promoting the Decade, including workshops in nonviolent communication, a "Hands Are Not for Hurting" program on Children’s Day, and the Heartsparkle Players’ Playback Theater performances. Ramona Hinkle, Olympia FOR, Box 7273, Olympia, WA 98507. E-mail: monieram@aol.com.

A PUBLIC MEETING TO ENVISION COMMUNITY

Partners for Peace promoted the Decade throughout their county. Working with Brevard College, they brought in Dr. Luther Smith, Jr., Professor of Church and Community at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and the National Coordinator of the Pan-Methodist Campaign for Children in Poverty. Dr. Smith addressed a public meeting on "Becoming a Community of Hope." He led participants through exercises to discern the community’s strengths and weaknesses, hopes and concerns. A panel of local representatives responded. Everyone committed to building an inclusive community that affirms children and creates safe places and healing places for them, and to learning how to lead nonviolent lives and be more caring toward each another. Aima Lee Schiefeling, Secretary, Partners for Peace, 5 Dogwood Lane, Brevard, NC 28712. E-mail: danschif@citcom.net.

PEACE WEEK for the whole city

Houston FOR members are working with other groups to plan the "Decade of Nonviolence–Houston," a full week of events in November which will be open to all members of the community. There will be nonviolence workshops and presentations for children, families, and adults. The Texas Conference of Churches passed a supporting resolution in February, and other community groups are working on resolutions calling for peace and nonviolence education throughout the city. Brenda Hardt, 10375 New Wehdem, Brenham, TX 77833. E-mail: bbhardt@mail.esc4.com.

Janet Chisholm is FOR’s interim co-executive director and coordinator for the UN Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence.