Training for Peaceful Community Action: Broome

Local supporters at James Price Point for filming of the Kimberley TV commercial

An invitation to attend a workshop for Peaceful Community Action is extended to those who want to protect the Kimberley.

When: Saturday 20th March, 10am to 4.30pm
Where: Lotteries House, Broome

Lunch is provided free of charge - but only if you RSVP by Wed 17th March.
To RSVP, or if you have any questions about the content of this workshop, please contact Environs Kimberley on 9192 1922 or envrkimb@wt.com.au

Peaceful Community Action may include NVDA, which is the focus of this workshop.

What is NVDA? Nonviolent direct action is a highly developed philosophy and strategy for social change that rejects both passivity and the use of violence. Nonviolence is an effective way to focus attention on harmful actions by governments and corporations, and ultimately prevent them.

Various methods can be used in campaigns for social change, including education and persuasion, civil disobedience and nonviolent direct action, and targeted communication via mass media.

One of the best Australian examples of successful NVDA is the protection of the Franklin River, in Tasmania, from being dammed and destroyed. Read more here.

Well organised NVDA can gain widespread public support as part of the wider campaign to protect the Kimberley’s globally significant marine and coastal environment from inappropriate and unnecessary industrialisation.

The objective of such actions is to show Environment Minister Peter Garrett, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, WA Premier Colin Barnett, Woodside and joint venture partners Shell, Chevron, BHP Billiton and BP the depth and extent of community opposition to the industrialisation of the Kimberley coast.

Will The Wilderness Society or Environs Kimberley be undertaking non violent direct action?

Neither The Wilderness Society nor Environs Kimberley will be undertaking NVDA. However, we will be offering training in the hope that any community action is conducted in the most effective and safest possible way.

We are mindful that for this campaign to be successful and to avoid alienating the very people needed for support - all action must be well planned, peaceful and respectful.

*** A Perth training workshop will be held in April 2010, please check back regularly for information ***