Brainstorming on Violence and Nonviolence

From Peacebuilding

Activity: Violence and Nonviolence

Contents 1 Aim: 2 Time: 3 Participants: 4 Materials: 5 Procedure: 6 Source:

Aim:

To explore participants’ opinions about violence and nonviolence

Time:

At least 15 minutes

Participants:

Any number, although a group with more than 25-30 participants can make plenary discussion difficult

Materials:

• Flip charts

• Markers

Procedure:

I) Draw a vertical line down the middle of a flip chart. Write VIOLENCE at the top left of the chart and NONVIOLENCE at the top right.

II) Get participants to brainstorm ideas/feelings/opinions relating to “violence”. Write them down on the flip chart. Whenever you feel it’s necessary, interact with the participants and ask questions.

III) Repeat the procedure with “nonviolence”.

IV) Ask participants to read all the points on the flip chart and focus on any contradictions emerging from them.

Examples.

Under “violence” you might find both the word hierarchy and the word disorder. Get participants to discuss the potential contradiction between these two words. You may find the word solution under both “violence” and “nonviolence”. Discuss the potential contradiction with participants.

V) Write this question on a new flip chart: “When is violence acceptable?” Gather opinions and develop a discussion.

VI) Other questions you might use for discussion are:

• What level of violence is necessary for a society to protect its members and grant their rights?

• When is nonviolence realistic?

Source:

Adapted from Greenpeace Nonviolent Direct Action Training Programme.