Nonviolence
Principle 9. We are a nonviolent network: using nonviolent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.
We choose to practice Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA) out of principle and because it is proven to be more successful in creating a stable transition than other kinds of resistance. Its success throughout history, has been thoroughly researched by leading civil resistance scholars. In the 20th C, examples of mass NVDA that brought about huge social change include the Suffrage Movement, the Indian salt marches, US Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Liberation, the Gay Rights Movement of the 1960s, and Anti-Apartheid. Smaller campaigns have also had major impacts. NVDA is also more inclusive, attracting people from wider segments of society. Nonviolence makes it harder for the state to respond with violent oppression. NVDA is beautiful.
Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence.
Martin Luther King Jr (1929-1968)
This is reflected in the rebel code which we ask everyone to abide by at actions:
- We show respect to everyone - to each other, the general public and to the government and police.
- We engage in no violence, physical or verbal.
- We carry no weapons.
- We hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
- We bring no alcohol or illegal drugs.
- We take responsibility for ourselves, we are all crew.
On major actions, or those with potential conflict situations, we use trained deescalators (identifiable by their white high viz vests) to keep the situation calm and try to ensure that tense situations never escalate to violence. This has proved highly successful.
More information:
Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA) training
Information about the Deescalation team.