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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.”

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

DR. KING'S SIX 

PRINCIPLES OF NONVIOLENCE 

PRINCIPLE 1:

Nonviolence is for courageous people. It’s a way of life.

Dr. King believed that nonviolence should transform our lives—completely. Nonviolence doesn’t just change the way we think or what we do—it’s a way of being in the world. If we stand for nonviolence, we can’t be apathetic—we have to act on behalf of victims. But we also have to change the way we respond to those we disagree with. Nonviolence means we stop retaliating and instead replace violence and hatred with peace and love.

DR. KING'S SIX 
STEPS OF NONVIOLENCE 

STEP 1: GATHER INFORMATION.

When entering into conflict resolution, it is important that we aren’t biased or one-sided. We talk to all parties to hear the stories and concerns of everyone involved. This can happen through personal, direct communication or through surveys or polls. Conflicts are solved when we put away our assumptions and hear other truths.

STEP 3: STRENGTHEN YOUR OWN COMMITMENT.

It is easy to get burnt out during the often long-winded process of conflict resolution. So, it is important to do whatever it is that helps you reinforce your personal commitment to the cause—and help your community stay focused, too. Whether you practice a little bit of self-love or hold a service to unite the community, taking small actions will reinvigorate and refresh your spirit in the fight for nonviolence.

STEP 5: IF NEGOTIATIONS FAIL, TAKE APPROPRIATE DIRECT ACTION, THEN NEGOTIATE AGAIN.

Direct action can be used either to inform or to move parties back to the table after failed negotiations. It is ultimately used to keep communication between parties open and honest. Nonviolent direct action holds to all six principles and never uses violence.

STEP 2: SHARE THE INFORMATION WITH ALL WHO CARE ABOUT THE PROBLEM.

Once we gather information, we present it to all involved parties. Since misunderstandings and assumptions often lead to conflict, allowing everyone to participate and to hear issues and concerns helps open up honest discussion.

STEP 4: NEGOTIATE WITH DIGNITY FOR ALL.

In nonviolence, negotiations are not win-lose situations—they’re win-win. Our goal isn’t to win over an opponent—the goal is to win them over. Not to defeat them, but to help them see unjust conditions. Compromise is sometimes necessary in negotiations, but when it comes to moral truths like equality and injustice, compromise doesn’t always have a place. Ultimately, we negotiate out of love.

STEP 6: ALWAYS RECONCILE. CELEBRATE RECONCILIATION!

Reconciliation is the most important step in conflict resolution. Through reconciliation, we create understanding, forgiveness, and unity so that parties can walk through the next conflict not as adversaries but as allies. Then, when reconciliation happens, we celebrate. Because every victory is a step toward nonviolence—and those steps are always cause for celebration.

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