Short Course

A Short Course In Nonviolence

Highbank Farm Peace Education Center
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

For more information, call 740-774-3510, or visit alternativestoviolencecourse.org

Differentiate ANGER, CONFLICT, and VIOLENCE: 

ANGER is a normal human feeling, every day, and OK. Anger can give us the energy needed to bring about changes. CONFLICT is a good and normal part of life, necessary for growth. VIOLENCE is a common but useless response to anger and conflict. 

VIOLENCE 

• has many forms 
• is institutionalized
• is legal is perpetrated by those with unmet needs 
• and, when answered with violence, 
• always escalates. 

VIOLENCE 

can be understood as anything that hurts,
including interrupting, or even silence,
sometimes, especially silence. 

VIOLENCE 

arises from 

• unmet human needs. 

NONVIOLENCE offers thousands of useful ways to respond effectively to conflict, handle anger, and stop violence. 

 The successful practice of NONVIOLENCE requires training and hard work. 

It’s not a quick fix. There are no guarantees.

But people who practice NONVIOLENCE are far less likely to be hurt than those who try to solve problems with violence.

They’re also more likely to reach their goals. 

The most important skill in using NONVIOLENCE is 

Listening 

•  to your own real feelings and 
•  to other people. 

If you don’t understand, pay close attention, ask questions, and keep listening.

The second major skill in using NONVIOLENCE is

to say or show very clearly

• your feelings, 
• observations, and 
• needs 

so other people can understand you. 

DO NOT BE A VICTIM. 

• How do you avoid being a victim of violence? 
• FOCUS on the perpetrator’s unmet needs. 

May all your days unfold in security, strength, and happiness! 

©2001,2019 Highbank Farm Peace Education Center