Lesson: Nonviolence

Six Principles of Nonviolence

1. Nonviolence is not passive, but requires courage

2. Nonviolence seeks reconciliation, not defeat of an adversary

3. Nonviolent action is directed at eliminating evil, not destroying an evil-doer

4. A willingness to accept suffering for the cause, if necessary, but never to inflict it

5. A rejection of hatred, animosity or violence of the spirit, as well as refusal to commit physical violence

6. Faith that justice will prevail

Lesson adapted from Teaching Tolerance “A Time for Justice”

Nonviolence in Action

What did the theory of nonviolence look like when civil rights activists used it? To find out, we’re going to read some primary source documents. First, you will look at the “SNCC [pronounced Snick”] Statement of Purpose.” The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) started in 1960s, formed by students – both black and white – who had been involved in the lunch-counter sit-ins.

SNCC Statement of Purpose

We affirm the philosophical or religious ideal of nonviolence as the foundation of our purpose, the presupposition of our faith, and the manner of our action. Nonviolence as it grows from Judaic-Christian traditions seeks a social order of justice permeated by love. Integrating of human endeavor represents the crucial first step towards such a society. SNCC believes that through nonviolence, courage displaces fear; love transforms hate. Acceptance dissipates prejudice; hope ends despair. Peace dominates war; faith reconciles doubt. Mutual regard cancels enmity. Justice for all overthrows injustice. The redemptive community supersedes systems of gross social immorality. SNCC is convinced that by appealing to conscience and standing on the moral nature of human existence, nonviolence nurtures the atmosphere in which reconciliation and justice become actual possibilities.

— Excerpt from This is SNCC, 1960

“CORE Rules for Action.”

CORE stands for the Congress on Racial Equality. It was founded in 1942 and became a key organizing force during the activism of the 1950s, ‘60s and beyond, and was firmly committed to nonviolence. Go to the following website to analyze the document:

“CORE – Workshops in Nonviolence – Why?”

The third document is also one from CORE. Go to the following website to read the last document:

U.S. HistoryName: Per:

Nonviolence Document Analysis

  1. Of the “Six Principles of Nonviolence,” which ONE do you think is the most challenging to aspire to and why?
  1. For the “SNCC Statement of Purpose,” answer the following:
  2. Discuss the background/foundations of nonviolence.
  1. According to the reading, what can nonviolence bring about?
  1. After reading “CORE Rules for Action,” answer the following questions:
  2. Of the threefold types of power characteristics of nonviolence, which ONE do you think would be most effective in achieving change?
  1. What do you think is the cumulative purpose of the 13 rules?
  1. How does this enhance your understanding of nonviolence? In other words, what new idea is introduced in this document?
  1. To analyze “CORE – Workshops in Nonviolence – Why?,” we will do a “HIPPO” chart
  2. H – Historical Context: What is happening at the time? When is it written? Who is involved?
  1. I – Intended Audience: Who is the actual or intended audience? Who was meant to see, hear, or read it?
  1. P – Purpose: What is the purpose of this document? Why was it written?
  1. P – Point of View: What is the perspective or point of view of this document? Is it biased – if so, how?
  1. O – Outside Evidence: What else is important or needed to understand this document? What parallels or connections are evident?
  1. Think about how nonviolence might be a way to approach injustice today. First, think about some current examples of injustice. The problems might be in your community or they might be larger-scale.
  2. Identify one current injustice
  1. Looking back at the “Six Principles of Nonviolence,” which one(s) do you think might be useful for addressing the problem you’re looking at? Explain.