Each large action typically has its own nonviolence agreement, but below are ones that have been synthesized from those used at many actions with some notes on what they mean. These guidelines for action form an agreement between the participants of the action about what behavior is acceptable. When every affinity group agrees to these guidelines, then everyone in the action knows what they can expect from everyone else. By having a clear set of criteria, it is easier to know who belongs at the action — those individuals or affinity groups who do not adhere to the guidelines can be asked to leave (by the nonviolence monitors or others).
By making it clear in advance to ourselves, the opposition, and others that we will be nonviolent, spelling out exactly what that means, acting that way, and insisting that everyone act that way at our actions, we make it easy to deny accusations of violent behavior and we build a reputation as being nonviolent and trustworthy.
As participants in today's DPTJC action, we will reflect upon and abide by these commitments:
This includes both people we are working with and our “opposition” before and during the action. You should at least be able to pretend friendliness and lovingness. If you need to rage at authority figures, go do it somewhere else — it is not useful at this action.
Violence includes insults, snide comments, snottiness, guilt-tripping, obnoxious gestures and facial expressions.
The issue of property damage tends to shock and appal people.
We want everyone to be as clear-headed as possible and we want the issue of illegal drugs to be moot.
This means both that we will not run away and that we will not run from place to place — running tends to get people’s adrenaline flowing and to think that there is something exciting going on that they should run to also — encouraging a mob response.
As participants in today's DPTJC action, we will reflect upon and abide by these commitments:
This includes both people we are working with and our “opposition” before and during the action. You should at least be able to pretend friendliness and lovingness. If you need to rage at authority figures, go do it somewhere else — it is not useful at this action.
Violence includes insults, snide comments, snottiness, guilt-tripping, obnoxious gestures and facial expressions.
The issue of property damage tends to shock and appal people.
We want everyone to be as clear-headed as possible and we want the issue of illegal drugs to be moot.
This means both that we will not run away and that we will not run from place to place — running tends to get people’s adrenaline flowing and to think that there is something exciting going on that they should run to also — encouraging a mob response.