In this edited video of our Zoom training, you will learn how the weapon system of nonviolence works to win campaigns for social justice, animal rights, and environmental justice. The training will define and provide examples of: direct action, civil disobedience, physical nonviolence, principled nonviolence, and Beloved Community.
Learn the six sources of power for all corporations, governments, and groups. Learn how nonviolent actions create power shifts to undermine our opponents’ sources of power while growing our own.
Learn the six principles that guide effective campaigns. When our strategy, tactics, and logistics align with these principles, our campaigns become focused and powerful. Following these principles also allows us to trigger the mighty tactic of political jiu-jitsu -- which uses our opponents repression to undermine their power while significantly growing our own.
This training was given to people seeking to stop Enbridge's new and expanded Line 3 tar sands pipeline, but the information is applicable to all movements.
Feedback from Attendees
These quotes were pulled from anonymous attendee evaluations:
"It was juicy, and full of helpful information. It made us really think and feel. It also inspired us to do more. It was emotionally impactful. And it really clarified just how nonviolent action can work. It makes so much sense."
" Really like the facilitators; thoughtful, kind people. Can never go wrong with that. Thanks very, very much for the work you're doing."
"Great job! Heart is filled with gratitude. And it feels good."
" I think the explanation about not using negativity, or name calling of our opponents, was the most useful for me. I've been a political activist for 26 years, and this has never been adequately explained to me, until now."
"Thanks so much for today! What an awesome experience, I really learned a lot."
" The content was very dense, and for the sake of sharing all the information it was done very well.... I really enjoyed the meditation and intentions offered in the beginning. As for content, the Strategic Levels of Decision making was incredibly helpful."
"I appreciated the message. I was happy to hear it said that the nonviolence message is not one to be pushed on injustice fighters who choose other means, specifically our BIPOC family who have been fighting for liberation for far too long.... This content did a good job of giving examples of the ways in which direct nonviolent action can occur."
"The slide presentation was easy to follow and had clear artwork and photos, good font type, easy to read, engaging and dynamic. The material was well-organized, logical, a good combination of intellectual content with space for grounding in ourselves, our emotions, etc. which is a challenge over zoom....The online version helped me think through strategy more and get clear about what is at stake and helped me explore my commitments.... I really appreciated Freeman's personal stories. Those connected me to him as a presenter, tugged more buy-in from me, and grounded his teaching in real practice. The content was really well organized. It built on itself. It was clear and the finer points were presented well, such as the difference and consequences and strategies between physical nonviolence and full nonviolence."
Share This Training with Others
The more activists who know this information, the more successful our movements will be at gaining victories and creating justice, reconciliation, and Beloved Community. Please let your friends know about the training on your social media pages. Use the images or sample text below.
TEXT SAMPLE: Friends and activists, I recommend that you watch this Direct Action Strategy Training if you want your activism and your campaigns to be strategic, effective, and successful: https://tinyurl.com/WatchDAST. It really explains the fundamentals of how direct action works to shift power and achieve victories. It’s a must see for all activists.
Want a Zoom Training for Your Organization?
If your nonprofit, place of worship, campaign, or other organization wants a nonviolent training, please get in touch We offer these trainings for free on the basis of gift economics. During the pandemic, we teach via Zoom and so where you are in the world is not a concern.
We prefer to teach this content in two or three two-hour presentations. This format allows for more participant interaction, community building, and better absorption and processing of the info by the participants. If interested, contact us using this form.
More Movement Strategy Resources
• Click here for a ton of excellent Nonviolent Action Resources.
• Dr. Martin Luther King’s Six Principles of Nonviolence.
• Understanding the Power of Political Jiu-Jitsu in Nonviolent Campaigns.