IMPACT would like to introduce a compiled presentation of teachings and precepts on nonviolence. Collected over five weeks of study, we as a group aim to dissect the motivations and causes of violence, and most importantly, how to amend violence, teach de-escalation social concepts and take action against it to edify our communities and schools as well as ourselves as individuals on an academic community scale.
IMPACT is brought to you by the Youth Violence Prevention Ambassadors of the #ChangeChi campaign hosted by True Star Media.
Violence is defined as a great destructive force or something meant to harm.
There are three primary kinds of violence: Physical, Mental, and Emotional.
Nonviolence is a belief or vow to yourself to not be violent. We believe that courageous people can uphold a nonviolent life. This value and belief is upheld not just at home or in the workplace, but wherever the believer goes. If they find themself in a situation where they feel upset or something bothers them they do not resent or hate. Instead they think about what is upsetting them and take control of their feelings as to not be violent.
Introducing: The Beloved Community Model
In Action In Relationships:
- Raise each others understanding of the wealths of the Earth; Educate and discuss about things going on around the world.
- Hold each other accountable to actions.
- Support and Listen to one another without judgment; you can use the wealth of the Earth within relationships.
- Celebrate the progress and growth each of you have made.
A violent conflict involves at least two parties using physical force to resolve competing claims or interests.
There are five main causes of conflict, many displayed in schools between students:
- information conflicts
- values conflicts
- interest conflicts
- relationship conflicts
- structural conflicts
The definition of de-escalating a situation is: to decrease violence in extent, volume, or scope. In our own words, this means bringing down a heated situation and trying to peacefully solve an issue, without having to result to violence.
Sounds good? Here’s how we do it:
- Take a deep breath and collect yourself before you respond to a situation you’re not thrilled about.
- Discover different ways to compromise.
- Place yourselves in another person’s shoes! This can change a potential screaming match into a friendly discussion.
Our Beliefs
- We believe that members of the community deserve hospitality instead of hostility.
- We believe that members of the community should be educated on how to de-escalate situations
We believe this information and following principles should be taught in Chicago Public Schools to properly inform students of the socio-emotional benefits of de-escalation.
Additional resources that informed our principles can be found here, here and here. If you’d like to help us do this, stay tuned for our petition which will be live on this site soon.