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FOUNDED IN KINGIAN NONVIOLENCE

How can communities go from violence to nonviolence?
By following Dr.King's life-changing principles and steps.

Everything we do at Nonviolence Chicago is born out of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s teachings on nonviolence. Dr. King’s philosophy was built around his belief that violence, though perpetrated by just a small number of people, can damage an entire community. Violence is learned, cyclical, and systemic.  

 

But, as Dr. King taught, it can also be unlearned. Cycles of violence can be broken through courageous and disruptive acts of nonviolence. And whole cities can be transformed, if we work together to change the unjust systems that lead to violence.  

 

Practicing Kingian Nonviolence isn’t theoretical to us. It’s something all of us here at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago have staked our lives on, because we have seen the life-changing effects it can have.

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EDUCATE, SUSTAIN, CONSOLE AND CELEBRATE
 

Nonviolence Chicago’s philosophy is formed by the four components of the Beloved Community: Educate, Sustain, Console and Celebrate.  We apply these components to ourselves, our relationships, our street outreach programs, and our community.  All are welcome in the Beloved Community. It is a community of justice, equity and peace. Conflicts in the Beloved Community are resolved through a mutual commitment to peaceful reconciliation.

AS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SAID:


“…the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.”

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–DR. KING, "FACING THE CHALLENGE OF A NEW AGE," 1956

A MESSAGE TO THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

Principle 1: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people

It has been embedded in us that in order to make a stance, we have to be outraged by the aggressor. We have to let them know who's more superior, the mindset of unhealthy competition. Nonviolence embodiment tells us that the way we respond is what makes the biggest impact on others and in ourselves. It takes an enormous amount of mental and physical strength to resist evil, choosing to combat it with: love, compassion, knowledge, or at times distance. Nonviolence is not passive, it is courageous confrontation. We honor our integrity, and withstand fear. We understand not to take negative reactions personal, because we know its turmoil from within.

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