Nonviolence
is both a philosophy and a strategy that is based on striving
to attain social or political change without the use of
violence. It does not advocate passively accepting an unjust
situation. Instead, nonviolence presents techniques to bring
about change without the use of force. Civil disobedience
and nonviolent resistance are two powerful tools of those
who practice nonviolence. Nonviolent movements have used
many specific techniques such as protests, pickets, petitions,
vigils, hunger strikes, sit-ins, tax and draft refusal,
blockades and many other methods.
Mahatma
Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. are two of the most inspiring
leaders who utilized nonviolent methods to successfully
lead movements for change. In 1997, to commemorate the 50th
and 30th memorial anniversaries of these great leaders,
A Season for Nonviolence was organized from January 30 to
April 4. Since then, each year this global grassroots campaign
has continued to commemorate their legacies and raise awareness
about the healing and transforming power of nonviolence.
The Season For Nonviolence has become an important educational
and media opportunity to bring communities together, empowering
them to envision and help create a nonviolent world, one
heart and one day at a time.
Throughout
the 64-day campaign, events and activities for peace and
nonviolence take place all around the world, highlighting
existing peacebuilding initiatives, and inspiring new year-round
activities for a more peaceful, nonviolent, just and sustainable
world.
Season
for Nonviolence - January 30 - April 4
