On the International Day of Nonviolence (October 2), around 30 people from across the United States attended Pace e Bene // Campaign Nonviolence's virtual teach-in entitled Nonviolence 101. (An additional 50 people connected to the training via the recording.) The lively, participatory session encouraged personal reflections, sharings, commentary in the chatbox, questions, and small group discussion.

Participants learned about the four dimensions of nonviolence (toward self, others, the earth, and the whole world through social movements). They also explored nonviolent solutions, skills, and strategies. An introduction to Dr. King's 6 Steps of Nonviolence and 6 Principles of Nonviolence was offered, along with an exploration of some of Gandhi's principles and other guiding concepts. Participants took a look at dozens of photos and stories illuminating the different tools in the nonviolent action toolbox, including protest and persuasion, noncooperation, intervention, and constructive action. An embodied exercise on Barbara Deming's Two Hands of Nonviolence led into reflection and further discussion in breakout rooms. Each person received free resources in nonviolence including downloadable posters and Nonviolent History Coloring Pages.

At the end of the teach-in, people shared which parts were most valuable for them. They mentioned the breakout rooms on the Two Hands of Nonviolence, the exploration of principles, meeting new people, being in community, the combination of the pragmatic and the positive, and the calm and centered quality of the teach-in.

As we shift from a culture of violence to a culture of active nonviolence, ever-widening circles of people can benefit from spaces that introduce the core concepts and understandings of nonviolence. This virtual teach-in allowed people to access this essential knowledge. By holding it on the International Day of Nonviolence, this training honored the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and countless others who have brought these powerful skills, approaches, and wisdom forward to us today.

Also on October 2, 2024, thirty people from across the United States gathered virtually for a special teach-in by the Nonviolent Cities Project on their work to foster nonviolence at every level of their local communities. Entitled "We Are The Nonviolent Cities Project—A Teach-In," the hourlong talk featured speakers from 9 cities and towns:

• Beth Kopicki, Nonviolent Seaford, DE

• Mary Danhauer, Nonviolent Owensboro, KY

• Pastor Carolyn Morton, Nonviolent Opelika, AL

• John Blewitt, Nonviolent Navarro Peacemakers, Corsicana TX

• Ruth Ann Angus, Nonviolent Estero Bay, CA

• Anne Walter, Nonviolent Compassionate Louisville, KY

• Bekky Baker, Ignite Peace & Nonviolent Cincinnati, OH

• Doug Kaspar, Concetta Smart, Karen Johnson, Nonviolent Joliet, IL

• Donnal Walter, Arkansas Peace & Justice Coalition & Nonviolent Little Rock, AR

In addition, stories were shared from the work in Nonviolent Rochester, NY; Twin Cities Nonviolent, MN; Nonviolent Lancaster, PA; and beyond.

Organizers spoke about preventing gun violence, getting city governments to make official proclamations about being a Nonviolent City, educational work with youth and community members, activism for racial and economic justice, mutual aid and hunger relief work, and much more.

Participants were enthusiastic about the scope of endeavors taking place through the Nonviolent Cities Project. Loyola Walter said, "I am SUPER excited by all this work that has been shared so far. WOW." Judy Traeger wrote, "Thank you all so much for all you are doing!! Keep up the wonderful peace work!"

About the Nonviolent Cities Project: From Nonviolent Estero Bay in California to Nonviolent Owensboro in Kentucky to Nonviolent Austin in Texas to Twin Cities Nonviolent in Minnesota, the Nonviolent Cities Project fosters nonviolent actions (like protests, boycotts, and strikes), nonviolent solutions (like restorative justice, renewable energy, and trauma healing), and nonviolent policies (like affordable housing and healthcare, community safety teams, and violence de-escalation). Wherever systemic or structural violence exists, Nonviolent Cities work to dismantle it and replace it with the viable alternatives that form the infrastructure of a culture of nonviolence. You can learn more about the Nonviolent Cities Project here.

This teach-in aimed to welcome new people to the great work being done by dedicated organizers nationwide. In a friendly and informal circle of sharing, people had a chance to hear the creative, humble, and bold ways that the Nonviolent Cities Project is fostering nonviolence in their local areas. At the end of the teach-in, everyone was invited to start a local project and/or drop-in on the next monthly meeting.

While we didn’t get any media attention for this event, in the photo above you can see Doug Kaspar is holding up the front page of the local newspaper in Joliet, IL, in which Nonviolent Joliet's Peace Walk is prominently featured this week!