Here are a few things you can do:

As a student: demand education in nonviolent conflict resolution. Research a special case of nonviolence in recent history and present it to your class or study group.

As a teacher: propose a school board in which all teachers pay attention to nonviolence, devote a certain block to it, or discuss a book in the field of nonviolence.

As a parent: learn constructive ways to deal with anger and convey them to your children. Set up a family meeting to express feelings and resolve conflicts creatively. Perhaps set up a pledge for peace in the family.

As an artist: dare to address such themes as war, armament, racism, homophobia, the multicultural society, justice and peace. Plan concerts, art exhibitions and theater events on topics related to the culture of peace and nonviolence.

As a school: organize a day/week/month on non-violence to teach about alternatives to violence, to address recent violent events in the area, to generate ideas for non-violent solutions and to highlight positive results . Plan a series of speakers on themes such as militarism, racism, crimes involving hatred, economic justice, multicultural society, women’s rights and the rights of indigenous peoples.

As a church/ religious community: start a study circle to research racism, multicultural society, growing economic inequality or homophobia and explore the spiritual dimensions of nonviolence according to your tradition. Organize interfaith meetings so that groups of different faiths can learn from each other. Support conflict resolution training. Actively raise your voice against injustice in the congregation. As a member: join a religious peace association.

As a local community: Form a partnership of local representatives from schools, religious institutions, local business communities, police departments, and advocacy groups to learn about nonviolence through work sessions, programs, forums, nonviolence training, and speakers. Organize a local meeting with the city council to discuss issues related to school and neighborhood violence, as well as nonviolent methods of conflict resolution. Be sure to involve people who represent the different groups in your area in terms of planning, policy implementation, participation and evaluation. (See also the page nonviolent cities on our website)

Wherever you are: commit to bringing a ‘culture of peace and non-violence’ closer, in your own life, your family, neighborhood and at work. Question violence wherever and whenever you encounter it, and ask others to think about nonviolent alternatives. Support and participate in activities aimed at non-violent conflict management, sustainable living, social and economic justice for all, human rights and/or animal protection. Imagine what a world without armaments and violence would look like, read books about it, and talk about it.

Source: “Handbook for a Peaceful Society“, p. E 2.2, by Wim Robben.