Nonviolence International
| Founded | 1989 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Mubarak Awad |
| Type |
Non-Profit NGO |
| 501(c)(3) | |
| Focus | Nonviolence, Activism, Human Rights |
| Location | |
Area served | Global |
| Method | Education, training, support |
| Website | http://nonviolenceinternational.net/ |
| Holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations | |
Nonviolence International describes itself as a decentralized network of resource centers that promote the use of nonviolence and nonviolent resistance.
History
Founded by Palestinian activist Mubarak Awad in 1989, NI is a 501(c)(3) organization registered in Washington, DC, United States. They are active in educating and training the public and activists in the use of nonviolent resistance. They were particularly active in Aceh, Indonesia in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. Their mission statement is:
- "Nonviolence International promotes nonviolent action and seeks to reduce the use of violence worldwide. We believe that every culture and religion can employ appropriate nonviolent methods for positive social change and international peace." [1]
Organization and affiliations
Nonviolence International operates as a collective of independent offices around the world. Each office manages its own programs and activities.
In addition to its own programs, Nonviolence International holds membership in a number of other organizations and campaigns, such as the International Campaign Against Foreign Military Bases, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, the US campaign to end the Israeli occupation, War Resisters' International (WRI), and the International Peace Bureau(IPB). Nonviolence International is further affiliated with the Holy Land Trust, and the al Watan Center. It is also the co-sponsor/administrator of the El-Hibri Peace Education Prize.
Activities
The main focus of the organization is promoting nonviolent solutions through the training and education of individuals, NGOs, and governments. It provides education materials, and sponsors and organizes training and strategy sessions. Specifically the organization:
- Sponsors local, national, regional and international seminars on nonviolence;
- Offers training programs and develops educational materials;
- Provides resources and specialists to groups or governments seeking alternative possibilities for peace;
- Prints and disseminates articles, newsletters, reports and undertakes public interest research on nonviolence;
- Provides public education through speakers and the media;
- Cooperates with other nonviolence, peace and conflict resolution organizations internationally in order to work together toward a common goal.[2]