Another resource from the unfortunately disbanded Midnight Special Law Collective, this workshop outline covers non-violent street action. The workshop is almost two hours long and isn't theory heavy. Instead, the facilitator is encouraged to promote discussion and explain suggestions for meaningful action. This workshop includes:

Exercises about defining violence

Role plays about non-violent reactions to violence

Police liaison role play

Tactics to deal communally with police violence

What would happen if we devoted the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that we now devote to war? In this workshop Jim Loney will challenge us to consider non-violence as both a way of life and a strategy for transformative social change in the current Canadian and global contexts. He will tell of his experience in captivity and also dialogue with us on how the philosophy and approach of non-violence might guide us in our own work for social change. Known for the time he spent as hostage in 2005 – 2006, Jim wrote a moving account of this experience, “Captivity: 118 Days in Iraq and the Struggle for a World Without War.” On December 8, 2006, Loney and fellow hostages publicly forgave their captors.

Hunger strikes are a form of non-violent protest that are not often used by activists. This is because they can be exceedingly dangerous if not done correctly. Fasting in protest is most successful in raising awareness about an issue. It shows personal dedication and a willingness to sacrifice for a cause that appeals to media. Though it's not always the best option, a safe hunger strike can really draw attention to injustice. This guide will cover:

History of hunger strikes

When it works best

How to stay safe

Tips for fasting

Coming off a hunger strike

History

An important part of protesting is taking part in direct actions. The Network for Climate Action has created this stellar workshop outline on teaching non-violent direct action.

The original workshop is 5 hours longs (and needs breaks built in) but you can customize the agenda to whatever time slot you have. The workshop covers:

Motivations for direct action

What actions people are willing to do

Legal role plays

We would like to welcome you to our Conference on Non-Violence beginning Friday night, Oct. 14th, featuring Dr. Ramin Jahanbegloo, one of world's leading authors and thinkers on Non-Violent activism. In addition, we are proud to welcome one of the organizers of "Occupy Toronto" to the event to speak about the action starting the next day.

We are also proud to announce the Toronto Premiere of the award-winning documentary "How To Start a Revolution" on October 15th at 7:30pm. Director and producer Ruaridh Arrow will be attendance and will participate in a Q&A after the film. For more information please visit the film's website here.

Trainer: Henry Wai

Non-violent Communication provides a simple process to clarify needs and
choices, resolve conflicts, and solve problems. Whether you want to improve
communications in your workplace, at home, with friends or fellow activists,
join us for this interactive introduction to explore and learn.

Fees: $10-$30 ($10 if you pre-register till 24 hours before the event)