Back to the Nonviolence Education and Training Homepage. Nonviolence can be a way of life, deeply rooted in a spiritual tradition. Others recognize active nonviolence as an effective political tactic that has been used to win national independence, build trade unions and stop wars. There are as many definitions of active nonviolence as there are activists. All definitions of active nonviolence do have two points in common.
Active nonviolence is also a vigorous and prompt response to injustice.
Nonviolence training empowers people, giving them the skills to face their fears and challenge those in power. All systems of injustice need people's cooperation to continue. When that cooperation is withdrawn, the system collapses. Reconciliation, or the healing of divisions, is another essential component in building a just society. A lasting peace can only be established when former enemies have been brought together and past pain laid to rest.