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Nonviolence Commitment

When we say we are committed to nonviolence we are actively participating in the work for justice. A commitment to nonviolence includes not only utilizing nonviolent tactics but also not resorting to violence when engaging in protests, rallies, and demonstrations. 

Nonviolence is about building a future where justice is present, where we put people over profit and are continuously creating the beloved community.

Why Nonviolence?

  • Nonviolence works! Nonviolent campaigns are proven to be 2x more effective and successful than violent ones. 
  • Everyone can participate in nonviolent movements because they are more accessible and more inclusive. It builds people power.
  • High participation from nonviolent campaigns brings visibility to the movements and encourages risk-averse individuals to feel safe joining.
  • Nonviolence breaks the cycle of violence and counter-violence.
  • Nonviolence is more likely to produce a constructive sustainable outcome rather than a destructive one. 
  • Nonviolent tactics and methods of conflict resolution that may aim to arrive at the “truth” – a fuller picture of a given situation, rather than a victory for one side.  

Using Nonviolence and Staying Safe at Protests

Personal Safety:

  • Use the buddy system and stay visible.
  • Write down emergency contacts on paper. Do not rely solely on your phone.
  • Check in with friends before and after the event.
  • Take care of your body: Sunscreen, hydration, sunglasses, ear protection, snacks, breaks, shade.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for changing weather.
  • DO NOT bring: Any valuables, they could get lost, broken, damaged, etc.
  • DO NOT bring weapons or items that could be construed as weapons.
  • Check in with yourself regularly. If you don’t feel well — physically or emotionally — take a break. Your wellness matters.
  • Familiarize yourself with exit routes and safety/medic areas.
  • Identify organizers and those who are trained to help manage tense situations peacefully.

Collective Safety:

  • Look out for each other. Safety is a collective responsibility.
  • Be friendly, introduce yourself to someone, check-in with others – community is protection.
  • Kindness is an act of resistance. Stay kind and stay connected.
  • Be aware of who may be more vulnerable and offer support when possible.
  • Watch out for isolation. If you see someone alone and distressed, ask if they need help.
  • Protect privacy. Avoid sharing photos or videos where protesters are clearly identifiable. Blur faces if sharing. Avoid livestreaming and posting in real-time.
  • Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, let an event organizer know.

Counter Protestors: 

  • DO NOT engage. Their goal is typically to provoke – pay them no mind.
  • If someone tries to instigate a conflict, step back and alert an event organizer.
  • Know your triggers and practice centering techniques.
  • Practice and go over the 5 D’s of bystander intervention with your group.
  • Treat people with respect. Even if their actions don’t warrant it, your dignity does.

Know Your Rights:

Encountering ICE:

  • ICE may be operating undercover and be traveling in unmarked vehicles. 
  • ICE may use aggressive/violent means to detain someone. We should not respond with reciprocal violence, but we can still intervene. 

In the moment:

  • Ask ICE officers to identify themselves and show their badges.
  • Politely refuse to answer questions.
  • Ask if you are free to go.
  • You do not have to show ID or papers unless they have a legal reason to require you to do so (ex: a warrant or probable cause).
  • You have the right to remain silent. Do not answer any questions from an immigration agent.
  • You have a right to refuse a search of your personal belongings.
  • You have a right to speak with a lawyer.
  • Do NOT Sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. 

Be an upstander:

There are peaceful ways to intervene. You can stay calm and document from a distance, check in with someone who’s being targeted, or offer to help them leave safely. In urgent situations, some may choose bold nonviolent action, like blocking an ICE vehicle.

Check out our Engaging Nonviolence Training series developed through Pace e Bene to take a deeper dive in this subject. 

Thanks to our friends in Nonviolent Princeton for their work in creating this content. Check them out here:  https://modernpeacenik.com/pages/protest-safety 

Need more Nonviolence Commitment cards to share at an event? Download this Nonviolence Commitment Cards PDF to print at home or email bekky@ignitepeace.org to pick some up from our office.