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Nonviolence Institute Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial

The Nonviolence Institute is opposed to violence of any kind. We oppose the direct violence that resulted in George Floyd’s death, and grieve with so many others. And we stand against the systemic racism and normalization of violence that contributes to so many similar deaths. We recognize how traumatic and destabilizing it is when the use of legitimate force  granted to law enforcement becomes illegitimate violence.  We cannot become desensitized. Our anger and grief can inspire us to recommit to our larger vision of healing and building a Beloved Community. We have to care for one another. There is much work to be done. This could be a  starting point.

Now is the time for nonviolence: bringing to the table people with very different experiences and perspectives for the hard, messy work of building the beloved community. This means:

• We are opposed to violence in all its forms

• We are committed to the principles and steps of nonviolence

• There is truth to be found in all perspectives and experiences

• We believe in the power of relationship and dialogue as the starting point for change

We are committed to working in the tension of the world as it is with all our partners, including law enforcement and those calling for institutional change. We believe that violence is the enemy, not any person: abuses of power, the dehumanization of persons, and the acceptance of “us and them” thinking that is too often used as a justification.

The mission of the Nonviolence Institute, founded in 2000, is to teach, by word and example, the principles and practices of nonviolence, and to foster a community that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent solutions.  The Nonviolence Institute runs programs in street outreach, victim’s services, education, re-entry, and nonviolence training.  Its core participants are people deeply affected by violence who want to heal, give back to their community, and live lives of dignity and meaning.

Honoring Ms. Viola Davis with the 2020 Nonviolence Institute Community Impact Award

Honoring Col. Hugh T. Clements, Jr. with the 2020 Sister Ann Keefe Award

In 2016, the Nonviolence Institute (then the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence), assembled a group of staff, leaders, clients, and stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for growth and sustainability. The year-long planning process resulted in the formation of six strategic objectives.  These objectives are a framework on which we build our services and projects.

Strategic Objectives for Management:

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• Center of Excellence in Nonviolence (build to be a primary center of thought, research, and practice in the field)

• Relationship Management (work toward relationships that are strong with all constituent groups)

• Evaluation Capacity (grow, implement, and maintain systems that evaluate performance and impact)

• Resource Development (institute a management culture whereby resource development, especially but not solely financial, is the responsibility of all, not just one department or committee)

• Continuous Professional Development (grow opportunities for all staff to continuously learn and develop skills as professionals in this field)

• Communication Strategy (with intention, communicate the Institute’s story to each of our distinct constituent groups)

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For a quick look at our Strategic Plan click here, or read the full plan:

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