Nonviolence International https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ has very useful information on what it’s like for those resisting occupation and war in Ukraine & Russia, and what we can do to help people there build peace and justice.
This includes a report from Dec. ’22 on attitudes towards the war in Russia. It struck me that, although the situation in Russia is, in many ways, more harsh than what we face here, a key recommendation from the report applies to our situation as well as theirs:
“[…] the general thrust of anti-war messages should contribute to the dismantlement of the
imposed stereotype that there is no alternative to returning peace and normal life, except through military successes. An alternative to the mythical and incomprehensible “victory” for most people, should be framed not in terms of “defeat” – this will not be understood by the majority of the population7. Rather, it is possible to speak of “internal changes”, “reorientation toward of the country’s development”, etc. In this regard, it seems important to complement the anti-war messages with the image of a positive alternative. Among the anti-war-minded part of society, a request was repeatedly recorded for specific options for action, both in practical terms – how to avoid mobilization, and more general form – “why are we silent?”
imposed stereotype that there is no alternative to returning peace and normal life, except through military successes. An alternative to the mythical and incomprehensible “victory” for most people, should be framed not in terms of “defeat” – this will not be understood by the majority of the population7. Rather, it is possible to speak of “internal changes”, “reorientation toward of the country’s development”, etc. In this regard, it seems important to complement the anti-war messages with the image of a positive alternative. Among the anti-war-minded part of society, a request was repeatedly recorded for specific options for action, both in practical terms – how to avoid mobilization, and more general form – “why are we silent?”
********************
Thankfully, some of us here are speaking up in a useful way. An example: Bill Geimer’s recent article, published in the Victoria Times Colonist: https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/comment-tanks-but-no-negotiation-is-bad-news-for-ukraine-6467686
This Valentine’s Day, make love not war
“The Fund was established decades ago as part of our efforts to withold any support from war and militarism.” explains President Jan Slakov. “As we go through a period of transition, we want to make sure that people who have deposited money in the Fund know that it’s shutting down, so they can decide whether to ask us to return their deposits or allow the funds to be redirected to Conscience Canada’s operational costs.”
The International Day of Peace (Sept. 21) & the International Day of Nonviolence (Oct. 2) are good opportunities to raise awareness for a healthier, more peaceful world – AND to get out our white poppies 🙂 More info here: 