Resources for Learning More About Nonviolent Conflict

Ode magazine is a terrific resource that I subscribe to, and one that provides some great articles for my Nonviolence: Theory and Practice class. The full title of the magazine is Ode - For Intelligent Optimists, and it focuses on positive change being created by individuals and groups around the world. Many of the stories are quite inspiring, as well as being informative about issues. The July/August issue has a wonderful article called "Activism for Beginners," which profiles the success of a group called Invisible Children, which has focused on rescuing child soldiers in Uganda. Another good article in this issue is entitled "In Praise of Dissent," which is well worth reading and can provide some food for thought.


To get a sense of nonviolent conflicts going on throughout the world (many of which we don't hear about on our news here in the U.S.), check out the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict. Their website provides summaries of nonviolent movements and campaigns, past and present, as well as current news about nonviolent conflicts throughout the world. You can also subscribe to their News Digest via email. They also provide a great list of resources for more reading on the subject on nonviolent conflict.

A Message of Hope on September 11

As we reach another anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, we may find ourselves reflecting upon the horror of that day, mourning the lives that were lost or forever changed, remembering the heroic efforts of those who responded to the crisis, and contemplating how we can prevent such events from happening again in the future.

Some amazing articles that I've come across over the past couple days are worth sharing, as we try to put these events into perspective and figure out where to go from here.

A former student, Sheri Wander, wrote this incredible post on her blog, and notes that September 11 is also the anniversary of another significant event -- the start of Gandhi's system of nonviolent struggle, known as "satyagraha" (truth-force), which began on September 11, 1906. Sheri's reflections here are thoughtful, inspiring, and uplifting, and are definitely worth reading:

http://playfulspirit.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/how-i-will-honor-911-911-1906/


Another article I found inspirational is an Op-Ed piece from the New York Times from September 8, 2010, which talks about two 9/11 widows who channeled their grief and energies into helping widows in Afghanistan. They formed an organization called Beyond the 11th, focused on providing education and job opportunities to widows in Afghanistan, who often have no support systems, so that they could better care for themselves and their children, in hopes of helping to stop the cycle of poverty and hopelessness that can lead to violence. Their website also provides ideas for things that we can do as individuals to help with the cause.

For examples of courageous nonviolent actions and significant events throughout history, check out This Week in Peace History (or look at the entire year of peace history). There is a wealth of information here -- some of it well-known, some of it little known. Reading these examples each week can be both educational and inspirational. For each entry, there is a link to more information.

While the stories we hear on the news tend to focus on anger and hatred and violence, there are amazing people all over the world who dedicate their time and their energies to working for positive change. Today is a good day to recognize those people, and to think about the positive things that we can do to make the world a better place.