Celebrate non-violence

As the government marks the First World War centenary by celebrating nationalism and military values, a new study/action group in Hastings will be examining the power and complexity of non-violence, writes Zelly Restorick.

An introductory public workshop will be held in Hastings on 19 January, presented
by Milan Rai, author and co-editor of Peace News, including a preparation reading,
On Anger by Barbara Deming, American feminist and activist for non-violent social change. Milan will cover questions and topics such as:

• what is non-violence,
• the history of non-violence,
• the Campaign Non-violence Pledge,
• non-violence towards oneself and
• our capacity for aggression.

Milan was motivated to reach out to local contacts by the US Campaign Non-violence, a project promoting start up of groups in 2014 pledging to take part in public non-violent actions in their communities.

Working for social change often involves feelings of outrage at the crimes
of the powerful. At this introductory workshop, ideas will be shared
about non-violence and the workshop will consider how outrage and anger can (or cannot) be reconciled with a commitment to non-violence.

Inspired by the Campaign Non-violence (CNV) project launched last autumn in
the US, the Hastings group, Burning Gold, will be addressing the three-fold CNV
pledge of active non-violence: striving to practice non-violence towards ourselves;
and towards all others, and joining the global movement to abolish war,
end poverty, stop the destruction of the earth and foster a just and
peaceful world for all.

A second Burning Gold public workshop will be led by non-violence
trainer Denise Drake. Entitled ‘Communicating non-violently’ it will be held on Sunday 9 February, 2pm-5pm also at the Friends Meeting House. More information will be given at the session on Sunday 19 January, or contact Milan Rai: milanrai@btinternet.com or phone 07980 748 555. To join the Burning Gold announcement email list, please email: burntgold-subscribe@lists.riseup.net

On anger: an introduction to non-violence Sunday, 19 January, 2014 2 – 5pm, Friends Meeting House, South Terrace, Hastings TN34 1SA Ground floor – easy access for all

Also in: The HOT Planet