Practicing non-violence - Teacher's Notes

Ripple Effects' Practicing non-violence program systematically teaches skills modeled by Martin Luther King. This set of FREE web-based tutorials helps prepare students to meet the unique challenges of a society that is both free and diverse.

The program is divided into three parts. "Managing Feelings" deals with personal transformation, the first step in a non-violent life. "Developing Tolerance" deals with interpersonal relationships in a diverse society where social conflict is inevitable. "Doin' Democracy" focuses on participating in social structures, especially structures of government, to develop a more inclusive, more just, less violent society.

26 lessons each include story-based scenarios with discussion questions, illustrated core concepts, behavior training, interactive games, and practice opportunities that develop specific skills. Several have first person true stories as well.

The first unit provides proven-effective, cognitive-behavioral strategies to mediate emotions, especially anger and fear.

The second unit focuses on attitudes and social behavior related to tolerance. It includes first person true stories of: an Asian boy who was a victim of a hate crime, an Egyptian girl, who responded to taunts with humor and ethnic pride, and a former hate crime offender who describes what motivated him--and how he changed.

The third unit examines the meaning of patriotism, and the roles of loyalty and dissent in times of national distress and situations of injustice. It is intended to promote participation in national life, and encourage respect for constitutional rights, especially the right to dissent.

Practicing Non-violence can be used for universal promotion of non-violence with all students, for prevention of violence among students who have special risks, and for intervention with individuals who may be perpetrators - or targets - of hate and intolerance.

Click on the Ripple Effects logo at the top to find out more about Ripple Effects. Click on "Practice Non-violence " to reach the landing page for this set of tutorials.