A Message from Michael Nagler, Founder

In today’s world, knowledge of nonviolence can provide leverage for extremely effective change. For example, in January of 2000 students in Serbia found themselves determined to rid their country of the long and destructive dictatorship of President Slobodan Milosevic. Drawing on the work of nonviolence scholar Gene Sharp and other resources, the Otpor (“Resistance”) movement used this critical information and insights about the principles and practices of nonviolence in developing its own nonviolent resistance. The result was the popular movement that swept from power a dictator who had withstood eleven weeks of NATO bombing. Knowledge of nonviolence and how it works was the catalyst in this transition toward freedom — which in turn influenced and inspired other such changes in Eastern Europe and elsewhere.

Imagine if we all could engage such nonviolent power not just for liberation struggles against an entrenched regime but as a way of changing cultures so that such regimes could be denied a grip on societies. And so that we all can take part in a popular movement toward lasting peace.

This is exactly what we do at Metta.  We help ourselves and others develop better understanding of the potential and power of nonviolence.  We work with students, educators, activists, the media, and military personnel from around the world who see, however far off in the future, a common vision of healing, respect, justice, and compassion.

We welcome the opportunity to work with you  in building a more nonviolent world.

In peace,

Prof. Michael Nagler
Cofounder and Board President
Metta Center for Nonviolence Education