International Women's Peace Service

Non-violence

IWPS Non-violence policy

IWPS supports non-violent resistance to the Israeli occupation and uses non-violent policy, practices and methods with the aim of ending the Occupation. Within the context of our work, members of IWPS will make every effort to demonstrate respect for all individuals we encounter. We recognize that resistance takes many forms and we will work with any person or group who will work with us nonviolently. Even when faced with violence we utilize exclusively nonviolent methods.

All volunteers and guests must adhere strictly to our code of non-violence at all times while working with IWPS. Volunteers must have training and an understanding of what nonviolent approaches look like in situations of violence. For us, nonviolence involves the following:

  • Never using physical violence, even in response to the physical violence of others. (Volunteers must have training in strategies for minimizing personal harm in such situations)
  • Never using tactics of verbal or psychological abuse or intimidation against any people during stay with IWPS
  • Refusing to act as a protective shield so that others may commit acts of violence