Our job as leaders of the Progressive revolution is to create a secure, dry, inviting stepping stone for people in the middle of a raging stream. The world is tottering, like a person trying to reach safety on stones that are far apart, under the surface, and slippery. We need to build one for them that is close (i.e. non-scary), secure (convincing), broad (visible) and free from slime!

The history of paradigm shifts shows clearly that individuals here and there, known as ‘early adopters,’ will gladly step onto this new foundation. Some, perhaps many of them will also be ‘tipping-point leaders’ who will bring groups of people with them — and at some unpredictable moment we will at last reach critical mass. Then, with a majority (or vocal minority) safely on the far shore, the struggle will be much easier, though some struggle will remain. The momentum will be on our side, and the new paradigm within our grasp.

Let’s begin!

Metta Center founder Michael Nagler’s prize-winning book, The Search for a Nonviolent Future, has recently been spotted on a Korean publisher’s website.

“Michael Nagler is one of America’s contemporary pioneers in the field of nonviolence. For anyone seeking to strategize a peaceful future, The Search for a Nonviolent Future is a must-read. It’s wonderful material.” —Marianne Williamson

Also, Metta Center has just produced a new brochure, which is now available for download!

Can nonviolence be a tool for change, even in the midst of war and extreme violence?

La Onf (”No Violence” in Arabic) is a network of Iraqi civilians and civil society organizations who are working together use nonviolent action to bring peace to Iraq. La Onf was established in 2005 by a group of activists in Baghdad. This year they are organizing their third annual Week of Nonviolence, with nonviolent actions taking place throughout Iraq starting on October 10. The work of La Onf was featured in the documentary Masalla, Activists in Iraq. La Onf’s website is entirely in Arabic, but more information can be found through the Peaceful Tommorows site. You can also see images from the 2007 Iraqi week of Nonviolence on this page and on this page at the site of Un Ponte Per, and Italian group who is supporting La Onf.

Metta Center for Nonviolence Education is excited to offer a unique opportunity to support nonviolent action in Iraq!

La Onf, which means “No Violence” in Arabic, is a network of Iraqi civilians and civil society organizations who are using nonviolent direct action to resist the war, factional violence, and corruption that is threatening to destroy their country.

Their work is ongoing, but each year they also promote a “Week of Nonviolence” during which nonviolent actions are scheduled to take place in locations throughout Iraq. The third annual Week of Nonviolence began in Iraq this October 10, 2008 and will continue through this Friday October 17th.

Earlier this year, Metta Center was approached by one of the founders of La Onf to provide support for the training of nonviolent actors. Specifically, Metta founder and president Michael Nagler was asked to lend his perspective to a list of questions being discussed within the La Onf network. These questions address the special problems faced by those engaging in nonviolence in Iraq, and in war zones generally. Metta Center has produced a 20 minute video of Dr. Nagler answering these questions.

Here’s what our Iraqi friends need:

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