Mairead Corrigan Maguire
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Before the 5th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, November 10-12, 2004

On 11th September, people everywhere were shocked into the realization that we live in a dangerous world. Those who lost loved ones, and the American people, had our sympathy. But how did the American Administration respond?

Tragically,very badly. There was no breath of vision, no wisdom, only violence, terror, and war. In spite of millions of people calling for ‘no war’ British and American Forces, rained death and destruction on the people of Afghanistan and then Iraq. Iraq, a country where, when I visited in l999, not only their children, but the whole country, was being destroyed by the effects of the Gulf War, economic sanctions of UN/USA/UK, and the cruelty of a Military dictator. As if their lives were not desperate enough, they were brutally bombed again. These wars were not heroic, courageous, or honorable. They were immoral, illegal, and unnecessary. In time all those involved in the murder of many thousands of Iraqi people ( the latest figure is 100,000 civilians), and Afghans, will want to say they are sorry. Over 1,000 US and many British soldiers, were killed, and untold thousands of US soldiers injured. The Russian war against Chechnya was another example, of State terror against a civilian population. This planted seeds of revenge and hatred, and resulted in desperate acts of terrorism, such as those against the children of Beslan. As sure as Spring follows Winter, terrorism follows State Violence and Repression. In spite of this, we are promised ongoing Wars by the United States. I believe that War is State Terrorism by another name, and is itself a threat to humankind. It may well be, only a matter of time, before some Government, or terrorist group, decides to use Nuclear weapons, and that is why Nuclear Proliferation is also a threat.

Direct Action

The Activist Handbook: a resource for budding activists and a good primer for people wanting an introduction to activism.

Nonviolence.org: ‘Direct Action’ is a term which is often misunderstood. It has the cachet of dramatic zealotry, yet in essence, it is often quieter and more powerful than this stereotype.

Just Law Collective: a legal handbook with useful terminology, flow charts, and preparatory materials for direct action and potential legal consequences.

American Civil Liberties Union: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is our nation’s guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

Nonviolence Education & Curriculum

The Bruderhof Peacemakers Guide
Anyone can be a peacemaker. The Bruderhof Peacemakers Guide was created to inspire and empower you to work for peace, and to arm you with living proof of the power of nonviolence to effect change and resolve conflicts. Some of the peacemakers featured on this website are famous, others obscure, but all have dedicated their lives to building a more peaceful and just world through nonviolent means. For each you will find a short biography, an original portrait, and links to further reading.

Gene Sharp Resources: a comprehensive list of 198 methods of resistance and organizing strategies.

Youth Activism: stories from the global uprising.

Fellowship of Reconciliation: “Deepening the Roots” is a two-part training program offering first a holistic approach to the foundation of nonviolence, followed by more specific and specialized training and resources.

Sustainability And Simple Living

Permaculture: In 2004,The Permaculture Activist magazine celebrates its 20th year promoting the design of sustainable community. The Activist is North America’s leading permaculture periodical offering articles on permaculture design, edible landscaping, bioregionalism, aquaculture, natural building, earthworks, renewable energy, and much more. It provides a current listing of upcoming permaculture design courses and serves as an valuable global networking tool linking students to teachers and information, homeowners to designers and consultants, homeseekers to community, organisms to habitats, life to soil, and hope and help for all who imagine a culture that cares for the Earth AND people.

Catholic Worker: The Catholic Worker Movement, founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933, is grounded in a firm belief in the God-given dignity of every human person. Today over 185 Catholic Worker communities remain committed to nonviolence, voluntary poverty, prayer, and hospitality for the homeless, exiled, hungry, and foresaken. Catholic Workers continue to protest injustice, war, racism, and violence of all forms.