August Update on Nonviolent Peaceforce's Work in the US
Date: August 11, 2020
AFP via Getty Images
Like you, our team is increasingly concerned that outbreaks of violence across the United States could escalate as the U.S. presidential election approaches in November. Building unarmed civilian protection (UCP) skills is vital during this time of national unrest, especially with so many potential flash points for violence, which might include: continued police brutality, unfavorable election results, election delays, accusations of election tampering, provocation by white supremacists, unfavorable court decisions, violence during demonstrations advocating for racial justice and further incursion of federal forces in cities across the country.
In response, we have formed a team of our experienced staff who are currently exploring possibilities of helpful roles NP could play in Minneapolis and throughout the U.S. We are committed to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and Black-led organizations as they lead the effort to stop state-sanctioned violence and create a just, anti-racist, anti-colonialist society, where every Black person has the social, economic, and political power to thrive.
So far, our team in the U.S. is focusing on two key areas: 1) training a cohort of unarmed safety and security specialists to replace the Minneapolis Police in Minneapolis public schools and 2) training city-based teams across the country in unarmed civilian protection methodologies, focusing on demonstrations for racial justice and situations involving state-armed actors and state-sanctioned violence. The first of these training session have been scheduled in Minneapolis, MN and Fargo, ND and will target more cities in the coming months.
We look forward to providing you with further updates soon.
You can protect civilians who are living in or fleeing violent conflict. Your contribution will transform the world's response to conflict.