Maybe you’re looking to channel Gandhi’s non-violent resistance into your activist efforts in 2014, or maybe you just want to talk about the idea of violence in your network and community.

 

Either way, this workshop on non-violent street tactics is a worthwhile resource. It’s a great rundown of non-violent protest techniques and their goals and outcomes.  It even includes ways to diffuse violent situations without turning to dangerous behaviour yourself.

 

However, the guide also drives home an excellent point about the dangers of violent versus non-violent activism. What really scares your opposition, and many authority figures, is an effective protest. Whether you’ve staged a sit-in, or you came armed, the most dangerous actions are the ones that are influential, widespread and excite people around you. So don’t assume that non-violent action makes you immune to police brutality or somehow insulates you from harm.

 

Here are some of the situations covered in the workshop:

-effective non-violent organizing

-de-escalation of violent situations

-quick decision-making to avoid danger

-communication with police

-physical safety strategies

-dealing with arrest