YES!! GO to NYC if you can !!! & please consider THIS.....

[G_j]

(please kick if you think this is important)


Though I want to, I'm not sure if I'll be able to attend the NY RNC protests, but in my opinion the situation is serious enough that it would be very smart/wise to begin thinking of MLK and discussing some genuine 'Non-Violence' training.
There is a lot that can be learned from those who have gone before.
I hate to think of people out there without some preparation, to at least have thought about how to de-escalate violent situations, how to care of one another, etc.
I have attended a number of NV trainings and I can say without hestitation it is always worth the time.
I have also helped facilitate some trainings.

I would be encouraged to see people getting together with friends and discussing these things before hand. For example most people don't really think about body language and the role it can play in tense situations. Police have their own way of reading body language, are we aware of how a policeman reacts when we are talking to them with hands in pockets for instance? How do you make a strong & committed political statement through non-violent disipline? etc..
Some in depth discussion of various scenarios could be helpful. Perhaps even finding an experienced 'non-violence' trainer.
-------------
Non-Violence & Non-Violent Training

http://www.crmvet.org/info/nv.htm

--
links below listed at: www.unitedforpeace.org


Trainers

The War Resisters League
One of the oldest peace organizations in the United States, has a national network of trainers who can support local activists and organizations by providing training in nonviolence, direct action, tactics and strategy, anti-oppression, and related skills.

339 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10012
[phone]
fax [phone]
[e-mail] ;
[e-mail]

Fellowship of Reconciliation
The oldest interfaith peace organization in the country, the FOR's Directory of Nonviolence Trainers helps grassroots groups select members of FOR who are committed to and experienced in active and principled nonviolence.

Fellowship of Reconciliation
Janet Chisholm
845/358-4601 or
[e-mail]
FOR, POBox 271, Nyack, NY 10960

RANT, Root Activist Network of Trainers
Provides training and organizing support to grassroots local, regional, national and international groups.

Their primary focus is creative nonviolent direct action but they can train on strategy, organizing, consensus and facilitation, trauma and healing, and anti-oppression.

Contact Lisa at [e-mail] .

The Ruckus Society
Provides non-violent direct action and creative action training by facilitating the sharing of information and expertise that strengthens the capacity to change our relationship with the environment and each other.

5111 Telegraph Ave. #326
Oakland, CA 94609
Tel [phone], Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

The Spin Project (Strategic Press Information Center)
Provides media technical assistance to nonprofit public-interest organizations across the nation who want to influence debate, shape public opinion and garner positive media attention.

77 Federal Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94107
Tel [phone] x309, Fax [phone]
[e-mail]

=======
Non-Violence Help
http://nonviolencehelp.tripod.com /



-------------
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0119-05.htm

Dr. King’s Gauntlet: Nonviolence or Nonexistence
by Father John Dear

I consider Martin Luther King, Jr. the great, holy prophet to the nation. He was a prophet of nonviolence sent by the God of peace and justice to call our country to repent of the sin of violence and war and to call us to the new life of nonviolence and peace. On this national holiday, as we recall the life of Dr. King, I hope we can remember his central, crucial, critical message.

On April 3, 1968, the night before he was assassinated (by our government), Dr. King told thousands of people at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee: “For years now, we have been talking about war and peace. But now, no longer can we just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence; it’s nonviolence or nonexistence.”

..more..

----------------------------

www.thekingcenter.org/prog/non/6principles.html

Derived from "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence" in Dr. King's book Stride Toward Freedom, Harper & Row, 1958.

Martin Luther King- Six Principals Of Nonviolence

Six Principles of Nonviolence

--Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It is active nonviolent resistance to evil...

--Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation...

--Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice, not people. Nonviolence recognizes that evil doers are also victims.

--Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform. Nonviolence willingly accepts the consequences of its acts...

--Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. Nonviolence resists violence of the spirit as well as the body. Nonviolent love is active, not passive. Nonviolent love does not sink to the level of the hater. Love restores community and resists injustice.

--Nonviolence recognizes the fact that all life is interrelated.
Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice. The nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win.

Six Steps for Nonviolent Social Change

--Information Gathering: In order to understand and articulate the issue, problem or injustice facing the community, you much first research, investigate and gather all vital information that will increase your understanding of the problem. Know all sides of the issue, including the other party's position.

--Education: It is essential to inform others about your issue. This minimizes misunderstandings, and gains you support and sympathy.

--Personal Commitment: Eliminate hidden motives and prepare yourself to accept suffering, if necessary, in your work for justice.

--Negotiation: Using grace, humor and intelligence, confront the other party with a list of injustices and a plan for addressing and resolving these injustices. Nonviolent communication does not seek to humiliate, but to call forth the good in an opponent.

--Direct Action: Used to morally force the opponent to work with you in resolving the injustices, direct action imposes a "creative tension" into the conflict.

--Reconciliation: Nonviolence does not seek to defeat the opponent, but to seek his/her friendship and understanding. It is directed against evil systems, forces, policies and acts not against persons.
------------------------

If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in the struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos.

- Martin Luther King Jr., "Justice Without Violence", 4.3.57

[NMDemDist2]

1. kicked and nominated n/t

[NJCher]

2. I already signed up for this

I know a bit about the law so I hope I can be helpful.

I'd like to protest but a foot injury looks like it will preclude that so I'll make my contribution this way.


Cher

[G_j]

9. yes I think that would be helpful

I've also found that these discussions and trainings have helped in many life situations, not just protests.

[MuseRider]

3. Another kick

and another nomination. Very important, thanks.

[MidwestTransplant]

17. Awesome photo!

[aquart]

4. Non-violence is ONLY of use as a form of resistence.

What, precisely, are you figuring people will be resisting? The protest areas have been negotiated and designated. WHAT are you planning to do that requires RESISTENCE???????????????

Because, let's be real clear about this, the NYPD is NOT the enemy. The NYPD is NOT the GOP. They hate Bloomberg and Bush lied to them.

So WHAT are you assuming will require resistence????????????

This isn't the 60s. It ain't the 70s. I wish to God you'd all get that fun fantasy out of your heads.

[G_j]

7. it is pretty obvious

that you simply do not like the idea of protests in NYC for the RNC.
In other posts you seem to express dismay that people will behave in troublesome ways but when I post a call to consider training and preparing in peaceful self-discipline you call it a "fun fantasy".

NYPD the enemy? Did you really read the post?

I completely respect that you do not like the idea of the protests, but hey, this is a democracy.

[Kanary]

11. Oh well, G_j, some people get their jollies out of being

contrary.

Y'know, get people to spend all their energy defending everything, including the kitchen sink.

It's a well-known tactic.

:evilgrin:

I used to be on a forum where the site owner frequently said that he watched the patterns of those who seemed to cause problems, and noticed that they were almost always the ones who almost without fail posted negative and critical posts, and hard, if ever, posted supportive ones.

I think that's a good rule to watch for..... :hi:

Kanary, who longs for the "old days", when people would take a suggestion of being prepared very seriously.

[aquart]

16. Ah. The defender.

When I used to object to having smoke blown in my face, someone would always leap up to defend the rights of the poor innocent smoker.

So, what do you see happening in NYC during the RNC? Bringing flowers? Or don't you live here?

[aquart]

14. What a ridiculous thing to say. Yes, I read your post.

And I ask again: What are you resisting???? Noting, of course, that you give no answer.

Where, also, do you get that I am against protests? That would be quite odd, since I've participated in so many. I am against planned violent disruption of the legitimate democratic process. I am against giving George ANY argument to win with. I am against giving George photo ops of Democrats behaving badly. I am against jamming a million protestors in with millions of commuters and ARMED national guard troops in Penn Station. Not to mention children shopping for school clothes. And I am against the disingenuousness of pretending this is not a recipe for disaster.

Yes, you ARE having a fun fantasy. Are the people wearing love beads in it?

What saddens me is that you actually believe you are counseling peace. You are counseling RESISTENCE. Therefore I ask, again, what are you planning for us to resist?

[G_j]

19. I might answer your question

if you point out to me where specifically "resistance" is emphasized aside from "The War Resisters League"

I can tell you that UFPJ have resisted accepting the Westside highway location as a rally site.
Perhaps people showing up at Central Park may be "resistance"
Other than that I really don't know what to say.
And I still don't see how you could have read the post and come away with the impression that the NYPD is the "enemy".

Oh, and as a matter of fact, I do have my love beads on today, rather nice ones too!

[underseasurveyor]

20. What is the purpose of repeating only that which you are against?

Why not offer up useful suggestions and alternatives instead? If you have different ideas, lay em out on the proverbial table so those may be discussed instead. Merely saying, 'I'm against this, I'm against that' stagnates the flow beit forward or back.

The table is open for discussion and compromise.....now might be a good time to utilize the opportunity.

[King Coal]

10. Aquart, do the words "Get out of Dodge" ever occur in your mind?

[aquart]

15. Lately, quite often.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

23. They'll be resisting

the GOP plants in with them trying to incite violence to make it look bad for the protesters and Democrats in general.

THAT'S what they are resisting.

Duh.

[Gman]

5. And, another kick

Excellent and invaluable information.

Looking down the road to next year and beyond, this information may merit its own section similar to Campaign Underground. If Bush wins, this may be our first recourse.

[Kanary]

6. Been on my mind, also....... should be a prerequisite!

Exactly what you said..... much to be learned from those who have gone before.

I only hope people heed your words.

Kanary

[G_j]

8. thanks Kanary! n/t

[RhodaGrits]

12. And take this info with you to any protest:

The Bill of Rights, First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.


http://www.nycbordc.org/resolution0389-2004.html

The City Council Right to Assemble Resolution 389 recognizes that:
• New York City has a long tradition of championing First Amendment rights
• Peaceful political expression is entitled to the broadest protection under the Constitution
• There is no inherent conflict between protecting public safety and protecting lawful political expression
• The forthcoming Republican National Convention will test New York’s commitment to freedom of speech, association and expression.
The Right to Assemble Resolution calls for:
• Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe to uphold First Amendment rights, particularly upon the occasion of the Republican National Convention
• City officials to take affirmative steps to ensure prompt action on permit applications, no unreasonable denial of such applications, written explanation regarding denied permits, and reasonable efforts to provide alternatives when permits are denied
• City officials to refrain from the use of force in policing public demonstrations except to the minimal extent required based on legitimate law enforcement purposes
• Demonstrations to be permitted within close proximity to and within sight & sound of the object of such demonstrations, consistent with reasonable security concerns
• No use of four-sides pens except in limited circumstances based upon legitimate and reasonable security concerns, and in such circumstances to ensure that enclosures allow people to exit a pen, move freely around the demonstration site, and return to the pen if there is sufficient space
• Training of police officers on the First Amendment rights of persons engaged in lawful political activities
• No investigation of individuals based solely upon First Amendment protected activities
• City officials to reduce to written memorandums all authorizations for investigation of political or religious activity

NYCLU monitors will be operating out of the NYCLU’s Protecting Protest Storefront on 520 Eighth Avenue just north of Madison Square Garden (212-629-3011).

[chuck555]

13. I've never been there but can't you do Gracie Mansion?

how about a barbecue at the Mayors house. a few barrels of beer and some boonbox music. Rudy had room for his whore,it must be a big place.

[aquart]

18. Welcome to DU, Chuck. Gracie Mansion is quite small.

Aside from being across the street from A HOSPITAL, the mansion's park is about the size of a city school playground.

[underseasurveyor]

21. BTW: 'The Ruckus Society' Rules.........n/t

:thumbsup: Peace man :hippie:

[leftchick]

22. kick and...

peace, Gj

LC....

[Eric J in MN]

24. Please don't block traffic.

It only makes us look bad, and drivers often have important reasons to get where they're going in the expected time.

[underseasurveyor]

25. wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

:kick:

[ClassWarrior]

26. kick

:kick:

[Kanary]

27. puuuuushing this back to the top.....

~~puff~~ ~~puff~~ ~~puff~

[WhoDoYouTrust]

28. YAHOO!

From shy little me.

[Kanary]

29. a responding YAHOO!

:hi:

[ClassWarrior]

30. Heeding your clarion call!

But one question - is there anywhere online that I can find specifics on Tactical NV Training? Or is this something that can only be taught in-person with a good trainer? I intend to seek out just this sort of training locally, but I'd love to do some background research first. I think these are excellent links, but they only go so far in decribing tactics to use:

http://www.crmvet.org/info/nv.htm

http://www.crmvet.org/info/nv1.htm

[G_j]

31. it is always best of course to

be with a group in a training. I have discussed the possibilities of creating a video. Others agree it would be a good idea, but it hasn't happened yet. If there are videos available I haven't heard of them.

**Here are some excellent outlines of a trainings from the Pagan activist Starhawk whom I have done a number of trainings with.

http://starhawk.org/activism/trainer-resources/actionbasic.html
http://starhawk.org/activism/trainer-resources/nonvio-dir-short.html

more resourses here:
http://starhawk.org/activism/trainer-resources/trainer-resources.html

[Kanary]

32. Hurrah for Starhawk!

One of my sheroes!

:toast:

Kanary

[G_j]

34. She is on the of my list!

I feel so very fortunate to have spent some time training, hanging out and doing some 'magic' with her.

[Kanary]

35. I consider you fortunate, too!

Many years ago, I was able to attend her workshop in Boulder, and was quite impressed with her, even though I wasn't into paganism at the time.

I have a tape of hers I play quite often. I'm glad to know she is still very involved. She seems like an ideal one to be conducting non-violence workshops. Although, of course, I still connect that to Joan Baez. :hi: Guess that dates me, eh? :)

Any upcoming projects for Starhawk?

Kanary

[G_j]

37. She is in NYC right now preparing for the protests

some info and Starhawk's call to action here:
www.pagancluster.org

to find out about what Star has been doing in the last number of years, check out her website and look at "activist writings" www.starhawk.org
Her writing is excellent.
Among many other things, she has been to Israel numerous times as an 'International' putting her safety on the line helping Palastinian civilians. She also works with Medea Benjamin on Codepink issues.
www.codepinkalert.org

[Kanary]

39. got a 404 on the pagancluster

but signed up for her list. :)

That's great that she is working with Codepink...... I didn't know that.

Thanks for the info!

Kanary

[G_j]

40. the link should be working now, but

here is Starhawk's 'call to action' for the RNC:

www.pagancluster.org/calls.htm

At the CrossRoads: Come to New York city to Oppose the Republican National Convention.

by StarHawk

This is a letter for anyone who is swearing at your TV every night, sickened by the images of torture in the newspaper, disgusted by the lies, fuming after viewing Fahrenheit 911, and waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night feeling helpless and wondering what the hell you can do about it all:

Come to New York. Come at the end of August to join the marches, demonstrations, and nonviolent direct actions protesting the Republican National Convention.

There are strong moral and strategic reasons to come, to mount a powerful and big opposition to the policies of the Bush administration. And although one progressive magazine recently suggested we confine ourselves to candlelight vigils, there are important reasons for taking stronger actions,
that directly, nonviolently, confront the institutions and architects of that power, including the corporations that fund and direct it, the agencies that enforce it's policies, and the media that colludes in the lies.

Our country stands at a crossroads. Democracy in the United States has always been an imperfect experiment, leaving out many, many groups, conducted on stolen land. It's never lived up to the ideals we pledged allegiance to as kids in school, of liberty and justice for all. But those ideals are still worth striving for. Now we must decide whether we will continue the struggle to broaden and extend democracy, or whether we will abandon it entirely to the rule of lies, brute force and fear.

Democracy has never been extended through timidity. It has been carried forward only when individuals and movements have risked themselves to actively confront abusive power, withdraw consent from its functioning, and challenge the legitimacy of abusive institutions.

The Bush forces have maintained power because the legitimacy of their policies has been tacitly accepted even by those who disagree with them. They have set the framework of discussion, and the Democrats, the media, the groups who are supposed to function as counterforces have accepted their frame.

We must form a counterforce on the streets, the only place where social movements that challenge power have ever been carried forward. We will act
nonviolently, to embody the values we stand for of compassion and liberation, and to make clear where the violence in society stems from: those same policies of lies, brute force and fear and their enforcement on those unwilling to collude with them.

In taking action in New York, we join that tradition of nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience, that has carried forward every social movement in this country that has sought to broaden the base of democracy, from the abolition of slavery to suffrage for women to the rights of labor to the civil rights movement.
We set a new frame. We make clear that Bush's power does not rest on the consent of the governed. He was not elected legitimately. His pre-emptive war, are justified by lies, and his assaults on civil liberties are not legitimate.

Our actions will send a strong message out to five key groups:

The Republicans
We need to make it clear that the current policies do not have popular support, and that the people of this country will not stand by passively and let another coup take place.

The Other Politicians, Democrats, Miscellaneous Media, etc.
We need to make it clear that we want more than a choice between Republicans and the republican elite, that if Kerry and the Democrats will not challenge Bush's framework, we will. We are a force to be reckoned with, and they need to start tuning their policies to us.

The World
We need to show all those international allies that Bush has offended or jettisoned, all those former friends he has alienated, all the threatened nations on his enemy list and all the victims of his policies that vast numbers of us oppose his actions and everything he stands for.

Ourselves.
You'll feel good about yourself if you come. You'll have done something. You'll have refused to be merely a passive victim, and asserted your right to be an active shaper of the future. You'll be able to look at yourself in the mirror with pride.

Each other.
We need to know we're not alone in this. We need to see each other, to see the masses and crowds of us who say that this country and the world deserve something better. We need to look each other in the face and hear our voices joined in thunderous chants and feel the linked rhythm of our marching feet shake the fortresses of power.

If we don't take action, if we limit ourselves to mild expressions of discontent, we will undoubtedly be safer in the moment. But we will have moved further into a huge, longterm danger, of continuing the slide into tacit acceptance that we are not the people we thought we were, not the liberators of the world but its jailors, not the defenders of human rights but the torturers of Abu Ghraib.

If we do take action, we can win three key vitally important strategic goals:

We can set a new frame, taking the media focus away from the coronation ceremonies inside the convention and out onto the streets, to our opposition and our demands and our alternative vision.

We can delegitimize Bush and his policies by showing the breadth and depth of our opposition.

We can offer an alternative: embodying in our organizing and our actions the values we stand for: compassion, diversity, nonviolence, freedom, creativity and love, embodying a vision of a society based on real democracy, on liberty and justice, not for a privileged few, but for all.

In short, we can turn away from the road to Abu Ghraib and set our country on a new direction. I think that's worth the risk, and I invite you to join the joyful and courageous company of those who will march, demonstrate, and take nonviolent direct action in New York City during the Republican National Convention this August.


(*mods, no (c) problems here)

[ClassWarrior]

33. I have background in video.

I'll see what I can do to get one made.

[Kanary]

36. I'm afraid it sounds inevitable that there will be some who

unwisely insist on creating a nasty scene.

:(

We all know that a half-million peaceful protesters who make an important contribution to the dialog wil be ignored in favor of 4 or 5 people who insist on wreaking havoc, for no purpose other than to wreak havoc.

I hope there is a lot of preparation for handling these unwise people.

Kanary

[G_j]

38. Certainly things are heated up, but also

keep in mind there was NO violence at the large anti-war protests in DC.
So although we all have our concerns, I am envisioning a peaceful protest. There is not a single activist that I know who attends protests who is not deeply committed to peace and non-violent solutions.

[peace4all]

41. MLK gave us so much,

he gave his life to teach the ways of nonviolence, the most powerful 'weapon' of all.