Non-violent Action

Who can register for this training?

This thematic training is intended for people who work in or plan to enter the field of civil conflict transformation, non-violent activism, peacebuilding or conflict-sensitive international cooperation and have an interest in the topic of non-violent action.

Content

The training content focuses on history and potentials of non-violent movements and conflict transformation, as well as the underlying philosophy and practical strategies for action. It will critically reflect the role of existing power structures as well as success rates of violent vs. non-violent activism and review campaigns in relevant conflicts, as well as related approaches like civil disobedience, boycotts and sanctions.

Objectives

The training aims to strengthen the skills of practitioners by building their capacity to plan for and implement non-violent actions and strategies. At the same time, the training will relate to the topic to their own working context and deepen their existing skills in self-reflection, and strategic and creative thinking through a number of multi-purpose exercises.

Key Topics

• Logic of non-violent action
• Organizing non-violent movements
• Strategies for action
• Challenge of dominant power structures
• Concepts of civil disobedience
• Evaluating the use of boycotts and sanctions

Methodology

The aim of this thematic training is to provide an interactive and practice-oriented learning environment, in order for the participants to acquire the essential skills and knowledge on the topic. The consolidation of the participants’ sense of self, awareness of own patterns, attitudes, behaviors, biases, needs and limits, as well as understanding of group dynamics and the importance of communication are core issues to the training, and are not only put forward through theoretical inputs, but are consistently brought to the focus through practical exercises and the encouragement of self- and group reflection.