Nonviolence Initiative

PRINCIPLES OF THE PEACEFUL COMMUNITY

When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was 29 years old, he wrote a book called Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. In the chapter entitled Pilgrimage To Nonviolence Dr. King described how, as a college student, he became interested in various philosophers. Through his studies he was able to piece together positive, life-changing philosophies of many of these people, such as Gandhi and Thoreau. From these philosophies, Dr. King developed the idea of the Beloved Community (also known as the Peaceful Community). In the Peaceful Community conflicts are solved nonviolently, using specific Skills (information gathering, education, personal commitment, negotiation, direct action, and reconciliation). Dr. King also developed the Principles of the Peaceful Community and believed that if all people followed these Principles, then the world would be a place were everyone lived in harmony.

Here at Wakefield School, we are striving to form a Peaceful Community, where all of our staff and children learn to solve problems nonviolently. We welcome your support and help!

The Six Principles of the Peaceful Community

(Reworded for children)

1. Nonviolence is a way of life for brave people.

2. The Peaceful Community is the goal for the future.

3. Attack problems, not people.

4. Know and do what is right, even if it is difficult.

5. Avoid hurting the spirit and body of yourself and others.

6. The world is on the side of justice.