Non-Violence Debate Intro
In the November-December 1997 issue, we printed an article, "The Cult of Non-Violence," that struck a nerve (like a root canal) with Earth First!ers far and near. In short, the authors argued that dogmatic adherence to nonviolence sets up unhealthy power dynamics and alienates potential activists from our movement.

The cult analogy stirred up a rich stew of ideas and criticisms that had been simmering in different parts of the movement for quite awhile. Suddenly, everyone had something to say about our strategic victories and failures. In the following five-page section, we have assembled some of the most eloquent advocates of varying futures for the movement. The authors include the old guard, the new guard, recidivists and law-abiders, committed nonviolence trainers and practiced iconoclasts.

As Mike Roselle says, the debate over the role of nonviolence in the movement reoccurs periodically. We believe the occasional reconsideration of this question is essential as the movement evolves.

Lest it be forgot, the opinions that follow are those of the individual authors, not of the Earth First! Journal, any local Earth First! group or the Earth First! movement. To take any of the following out of context and proclaim it the philosophy of Earth First! would be an ideological and intellectual crime of the first degree. We don't, of course, presume our opposition to be above such tactics. Nonetheless, we believe the debate to be integral to the growth of the movement.

The question the movement faces, and which the authors address, is not whether violence is an appropriate tactic, but what form of nonviolence is. Our use and understanding of nonviolent philosophy is nuanced and complex (as evinced by the two codes of nonviolence). We hope the following deepens our understanding of and commitment to practical, workable nonviolence.

  • Is There Any Other Option?
  • Movement Building Basics
  • Beyond Civil Disobedience
  • Nonviolence Forever
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  • Cult of Ass Kissing
  • Peace Bro: A Peacekeeper Responds
  • The Sum of the Parts
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    Cove/Mallard Non-Violence Code (circa'93) Redwood Nation Non-Violence Code
    Some principles of nonviolence (each affinity group should consense on their own)
  • We listen to others and acknowledge our differences.
  • We endeavor to respect all living things we encounter (even cops, though not too much).
  • We will not return the hostility or anger of others.
  • We will take personal responsibility for being in a clear state of mind.
  • We will not retreat from conflict if it occurs but will act in ways to resolve it peacefully. (We will not leave others in the lurch.)
  • We realize that there may be people at actions (including workers or police) who do not share the same principles as we do.
    Caution: Nonviolent direct action may be hazardous to your health, and in some cases has led to injury and even death. Self preservation is not a wise reason to use nonviolence. We use it to try to stop the cycle of destruction, but that sometimes means it stops after us. Be careful and brave.
    		•  This nonviolence code was adopted from many different movements, with the strongest influence from the late '70s/early '80s anti-nuke movement. It was formalized and consensed in May 1990 (only weeks before the bombing of Judi and Darryl) in response to increased death threats, intimidation by wise use groups and the coming of Redwood Summer. It remains unchanged and is the root of all of our organizing efforts (and successes!)...
  • Our attitude will be one of openness, friendliness and respect toward all people and the environment around us.
  • We will use no violence, verbal or physical, toward any being.
  • We will not damage any property.
  • We will not bring firearms or weapons.
  • We will not bring or use illegal drugs or alcohol.
  • We will not run.
  • We will be aware of extreme fire danger and obey fire safety rules at all times.
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    This page was last updated 10/25/98