Nonviolent direct action

Actions of civil disobedience or nonviolent direct action (NVDA) are an important part of the tactical repertoire of social movements. As they usually involve disobeying a legal norm, they often lead to confrontation with police. Therefore, participants of actions of civil disobedience or nonviolent direct action are encouraged to participate in a preparatory workshop before taking part in an action. Often these workshops are provided as part of the action preparation. However, they can also be organised independently, to empower participants and allow them to reflect on whether such actions are an option for them.

A typical workhop includes:

  • A pragmatic reflection on nonviolence and how nonviolence works
  • Affinity groups, action buddies, and safety during an action
  • Decision making and quick decision making by consensus
  • Practical tactics of resistance: blockading, using tools such as lock-ons, etc.
  • Dealing with fear
  • Basic legal information

A workshop ideally lasts a full day. Shorter workshops are not recommended.

 

  • Series Nonviolent January

    31/12/2015 - 13:22

    PortadaManualCampanasNoviolentas

  • What to do against the “Ley Mordaza” in Spain?

    16/12/2014 - 15:45

    Political Jiu-jitsu or: turning the repression against itself

     

    On 11 December 2014 the Spanish Congress passed the so-called “Ley Mordaza” – the law on the security of the citizens – with the absolute majority of the Popular Party. So far the approval of the Senate is still requited – just a formality. The objective of this “anti-15M (Spanish indignados)” law is obvious: to limit the political space of the social movement through the criminalization of expressions of protests outside the tolerated forms.