Topic

Nonviolent Direct Action

Strategic nonviolence is a rich tradition within social change movements, generating theoretical exploration, research, different group formations and tactical innovation. In this topic you’ll find case studies, manuals, inspiring quotes, training materials, and practical how-to-guides.

Organizing Occupy Wall Street: This is Just Practice

Read a reflection and lessons learned from Marisa Holme’s 2023 book, Organizing Occupy Wall Street: This is Just Practice.

A group of people seated in a large square in Ulaanbatar, Mongolia. One person is holding a flag. They are holding a hunger strike.

Authoritarianism to Democracy: The Story of Mongolia

Learn about the story and the tactics (protests, hunger strikes) that led to Mongolia’s change from authoritarianism to democracy.

Cheeky and Disorganized: Nannagogy and the Knitting Nannas

Learn about the 6 characteristics of the Knitting Nannas, groups of cheeky, disorganised, supportive older women activists against fracking.

Report cover - Title reads 'Animal Rising's Grand National Protest: Public Opinion Impacts and Beyond'. Photo of animal rights protestors wearing pink t-shirts that read 'Animal Rising'. They are on grass some are standing some are kneeling or sitting with their hands handcuffed behind their backs surround by police.

The Effect of Protests and Media Reporting on Public Opinion Impacts: A Case Study

Research from the UK on the effectiveness of disruptive animal rights protests and media reporting on UK public attitudes towards animals.

Two May Day marchers carrying a banner in 1973 that reads "Support BLF Green Bans"

Green Bans Timeline: 1971-74

A timeline of the Green Bans implemented by NSW Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) in the early 1970s.

Working Tirelessly for Peace and Equality Civil Resistance and Peacebuilding in Liberia

Examining approaches of the various actors involved in civil resistance and peace building throughout each phase of conflict in Liberia.

How Democratic States Can Effectively Support Pro-Democracy Movements

A curated and comprehensive list of tools for democracies and their representatives to conduct an effective assistance program to nonviolent pro-democracy movements.

$A room full of people at an auction for fracking land parcels in Brazil. There is a large screen projector with a woman talking into a microphone. Three people are standing up holding no fracking posters.$

Creating Bold Safe Actions Despite Repression: Lessons from Brazil

Lessons learned and tips from 350.org about making escalated actions bold and safe. These tips were learnt after an action in Brazil against fracking in 2015

Organising Stories and Lessons from the 350 Organising Story Telling Lab

Collection of different case studies / stories of organising and movements from across the globe collated and presented by 350.org.

How to Win Well: Civil Resistance Breakthroughs and the Path to Democracy

Civil resistance-Moving from dictatorship to democracy. Negotiations & elections are the breakthroughs that lead to more democratic outcomes.

The Role of External Support in Nonviolent Campaigns: Poisoned Chalice or Holy Grail?

Civil resistance-Moving from dictatorship to democracy. Negotiations & elections are the breakthroughs that lead to more democratic outcomes.

SNAP: Synergizing Nonviolent Action and Peacebuilding: An Action Guide

A strategic framework for activists, peacebuilders, and organizers working to transform violent conflict and advance a just peace.

Flyer advertising rally for Saturday July 15th Rally 10 am Martin Place. Title reads Gay Rights Now! Overlaying image of people protesting with banners.

Revolution Is For Us: Gay Liberation, Unions and the Left in the 1970s

Two pivotal events that set the platform for contemporary campaigning by Australian LGBTQI+ movements: union bans and 1978 Mardi Gras protest.

A group of protestors with large banner that reads Keep Uranium in the ground, Socialist Youth Alliance.

Leave it in the Ground: Union Bans and Uranium Exports in the 1970s

Read about the history of opposition to uranium mining in Australia in the 1970s and early 1980s regarding union bans and uranium exports.

$a group of people standing outside a large building with a metal gate holding a banner that reads Ireland bans fracking.$

How to Beat the ‘Fracking Frenzy’: Lessons from the Campaign that ended Fracking in Ireland

The successful Irish anti-fracking struggle offers key insights on community power building for anti-extraction movements all over the world.

Lessons from Campaigning for AIDs Activism with Sarah Schulman

Commons Conversations Podcast with historian Sarah Schulman who shares lessons from campaigns led by the AIDS Coalition.

Book cover for Iron Will: Global Extractivism and Mining Resistance in Brazil and India

Mining Resistance in India

Community resistance has been astonishingly effective at stopping mining in India. This article draws from the book Iron Will.

Mining Resistance in Brazil

Community resistance has been astonishingly effective at stopping mining in Brazil. This article draws from the book Iron Will.

Two protestors have chained themselves to the railway line.

Frontline Action on Coal FLAC: Ten Years on the Climate Frontline

Frontline Action on Coal (FLAC) have used blockades and non-violent direct action to oppose new fossil fuel projects in Australia.

Australian Campaign Case Study: Stop Adani, 2012 – 2022

Learn about the Divestment campaign case study in Australia which aimed to secure commitments from institutions to divest from fossil fuels.