Climate Movement Values: Non-Violence
Introductory Series Post #10.8
If love is our highest and deepest value, then non-violence is the only way for us.
It is the only way for us to remain true to ourselves and all of our Movement Values, for us to keep our integrity, for us to be a moral movement that calls the world to do what’s right.
So what are we not doing? We are not doing physical violence towards others. But there is also emotional violence. Whether it is physical or emotional or both, our response is the same: we don’t do that. That’s not who we are.
We don’t do it even if others do it to us — especially if others do it to us. That’s when our commitment to our values is truly tested. Such moments are when we find out who we really are together, because we need each other to remain strong and true.
Seeing non-violence in action inspires us to more action. The idea of non-violence guides us in how to act and helps lead us into who we are being called to be. As such, non-violence is supremely valuable. It is at the core of who we should be as we overcome climate change by creating a just and prosperous sustainability that enhances wellbeing for everyone and everything.
Non-violence is the presence, the embodiment, the incarnation of love, justice, beauty, freedom, and wisdom; it serves them all; whereas violence is antithetical to every one of them.
Non-violence is also pragmatic because it works.
Non-violence helps us achieve success because when others see us acting non-violently they can be inspired to join our Movement or become Climate Action Supporters. This is especially the case when counterprotesters and even governments try to bait us or provoke us into violence. They do this so we can be discredited as violent and give anti-democratic governments an excuse to suppress free speech and climate action. We mustn’t fall into their trap. With wisdom we win.
For all these reasons non-violence makes hope happen by helping us turn our vision into reality, turning vision-hope into action-hope.
As the late US civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis encouraged us to do, we must get into lots of “good trouble.” Join us!
Remember to check out the other posts in our Introductory Series, including the other values, Love, Justice, Beauty, Freedom, Creativity, Wisdom, and Pragmatism. If you like this post, please “like,” comment, and share. And thanks for all you’re doing.