Peaceful Purpose training
a resource for environmental activists based in south australia
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Nonviolent direct action (NVDA) has a long and powerful history of effecting positive change in the world, from the Chartists to the Suffragettes, the civil rights movement to Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement. Through peaceful sit-ins, blocking traffic, locking onto a tree or piece of machinery, creative street theatre, or other forms of nonviolent protest, NVDA challenges the status quo and sends a clear message to those in power that enough is enough.

But NVDA is more than just a means of disrupting the system. It is a powerful force for exposing the violence inherent within a corrupt system and standing up against injustice in all its forms. By refusing to engage in violence - even in the face of violence perpetuated against oneself - citizens who engage in NVDA maintain the moral high ground and reveal the underlying tyranny disguised by the State to the broader population.

This is especially true when laws are written and enforced to deprive or control those who seek to point out injustices in their communities. When the law becomes a tool of oppression, citizens hold the State accountable through NVDA and demand that it act in accordance with the will of the people. When the State fails to respond to its mandate, it loses credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of the population and change is all but inevitable.

NVDA is most effective when combined with a broader campaign and strategic actions (legal or illegal), such as blockades and lock-ons, which have been crucial in many successful environmental campaigns in Australia and worldwide. This includes the iconic campaigns to stop the damming of the Franklin River in Tasmania, the battle to stop uranium mining at Jabiluka in Kakadu National Park, and the Bentley Blockade against unconventional gas exploration in NSW’s Northern Rivers.

At Peaceful Purpose Training, we believe in the power of NVDA to effect change and are dedicated to educating South Australians about their rights and responsibilities under the law. As we face an urgent climate crisis, we recognize the importance of taking action to move beyond coal and gas to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, governments at all levels continue to prioritize the interests of corporations over the wellbeing of the people and the liveability of the planet. However, we refuse to sit idly by as the earth faces an uncertain future.

We call on all citizens to join us in taking a stand against the climate crisis through NVDA. With courage, creativity, and a commitment to nonviolence, together we can hold those in power accountable and demand real action to protect our planet and secure a just and sustainable future for all. Let's come together and create a more just, equitable, and peaceful world for all.

peaceful purpose training

As we face an urgent climate crisis, our goal is to equip activists with the tools and knowledge necessary for safe and strategic actions. We stand in solidarity with millions around the globe demanding action to address the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity. Our vision is a sustainable and equitable future for generations to come, and we call on all citizens to join us in taking a stand against the climate crisis through NVDA. Stay tuned for our Training & Events (coming soon), where you can learn more about how to get involved. Together, with courage, creativity, and a commitment to nonviolence, we can hold those in power accountable and demand real action to protect our planet and secure a just and sustainable future for all. 

This website is intended to provide legal information for the South Australian context only and it is not a substitute for legal advice. The content was prepared by volunteers with the assistance of lawyers. For free legal advice of a general nature, contact the Legal Services Commission of South Australia on 1300 366 424 on weekdays between 9am and 4:30pm, or speak with their lawyers during business hours by clicking on the Legal Chat Icon on their website. Our resources are continually growing. We welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can improve. Please feel free to contact us.

non-violent direct action

At Peaceful Purpose Training, we believe in the power of Non-Violent Direct Action NVDA to effect change and are dedicated to educating South Australians about their rights and responsibilities under the law. NVDA has been a driving force for positive change throughout history, from the Chartists to the Suffragettes, the civil rights movement to Black Lives Matter, and the #MeToo movement. NVDA encompasses peaceful protests, such as sit-ins, blockades, creative street theatre, and more. These actions challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those in power. By refusing to engage in violence, NVDA exposes the inherent violence within a corrupt system and stands against injustice in all forms.

NVDA is most effective when combined with a broader campaign and strategic actions (legal or illegal), such as blockades and lock-ons, which have been crucial in many successful environmental campaigns in Australia and worldwide. This includes the iconic campaigns to stop the damming of the Franklin River in Tasmania, the battle to stop uranium mining at Jabiluka in Kakadu National Park, and the Bentley Blockade against unconventional gas exploration in NSW’s Northern Rivers. For more information, read the one-page Six Steps for Nonviolent Direct Action (pdf) written by Stanford University’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute.