Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA)

The training behind the Civil Rights Movement

What do you think it means to be nonviolent?

1. Nonviolence is not passive, but requires courage.

2. Nonviolence seeks reconciliation, not defeat of an adversary.

3. Nonviolent action is directed at eliminating evil, not destroying an evil-doer.

Six Principles of Nonviolence

4. A willingness to accept suffering for the cause, if necessary, but never to inflict it.

5. A rejection of hatred, animosity or violence of spirit, as well as refusal to commit physical violence.

6. Faith that justice will prevail. 

According to SNCC's Statement of Purpose...

On what would a nonviolent social order rest?

How does integration relate to that social order?

What can nonviolence bring about?

How does nonviolence bring about those realities?

CORE Rules for Action

CORE is the Congress of Racial Equality.
It was founded in 1942 and became a key organizing force during the activism of the 1950s, 60s, and beyond, and was firmly committed to nonviolence.
After you read the CORE document (see handout),
explain what it adds to your understanding
of nonviolence in the civil rights movement.

Workshops in Nonviolence - Why?

The next document is also from CORE. 

• What is the purpose of this document?
• Why did CORE believe it was important to train people in nonviolence?
• What surprises you about this document?
  Why were you surprised?

In what ways could nonviolent direct action be utilized to address modern social issues?

For access to the documents,
please visit the source of this activity: 

https://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/kits/A_Time_for_Justice_Teachers_Guide.pdf