Mutual Aid and Nonviolence Education: Action Days in Seaford, DE
Seaford, DE is an active part of our Nonviolent Cities Project, working year-round to build a nonviolent community. During Action Days 2023, they have taken their efforts up a notch with an event at their local library that included nonviolence education materials, mutual aid resources, and more.
Nonviolent Seaford organizer Beth Kopicki writes: “On September 21, The Seaford District Library lobby was filled with nonviolent displays. One table held children's books available free through the Delaware Public Library system, along with sample crafts and posters for the children's events being held later during CVN Action Days. Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence lit up the lobby with their bright orange display of information, activity pages for youth, and free gun locks. Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long's Behavioral Health Consortium Community Outreach distributed free baby formula, Narcan kits, and lots of practical information on everything from renewing your Medicaid enrollment to suicide prevention help.
Nonviolent Seaford had two tables. One, primarily for youth, introduced visitors to nonviolent communication, with handouts on ‘giraffe speak’ and identifying feelings and needs, which is not always easy! There were nonviolent hero coloring pages, information about entering the Visionary Peace Youth Art exhibition, and Nonviolent Action Coloring Pages, as well as poster about upcoming events . . . ooooh! and candy too! The adult-focused table held information about Nonviolent Seaford, nonviolent principles, Dr. King's ‘Triple Evils’ of violence, QR codes to sign the Campaign Nonviolence pledge or become a nonviolent neighbor, and how to register to vote or become a poll worker . . . plus candy. Inside, patrons found two tables filled with books on nonviolence available at the Seaford District Library.
We topped off the day with a concert by local acoustic duo Kindred Spirits, who sang songs of peace and unity from several peace and justice movements the world over. The Library provided sweet treats to enjoy along with the beautiful guitar, violin, banjo and vocal music. The final song was a patriotic one, lacking bursting bombs, but filled with hope for a beautiful land of unity ‘from sea to shining sea.’
While I would have loved to see a packed house and hundreds more people, the day was filled with people grateful for the practical assistance we provided and rich conversations about violence, nonviolence, and how to move toward a beloved community. As a still emerging nonviolent city, we are moving to education about nonviolence, its effects, and strategies, and I was delighted to see so many people learn a little more about nonviolence and Nonviolent Seaford.
On September 22, 18 young people gathered at Seaford District Library for a special Nonviolence Week edition of Fantastic Fridays Crafts. Beth Kopicki of Nonviolent Seaford introduced several books available from Delaware's public libraries and led a discussion about ways to create peace in our world and be kind to others. They then created art projects expressing their ideas to take home. Nonviolent Seaford donated Jeremy Gillen's book Peace One Day, the Making of World Peace Day to the Library's collection.
We must work with the young people in our communities to educate them about nonviolence. Introducing this group to books about people who have changed the world in nonviolent ways and encouraging them to think of ways to spread kindness is one small step towards a more nonviolent future. I will say that my four year old granddaughter complimented each of us around the dinner table after participating in this activity.”