Cross-Pollination: The End Of Either-Or Thinking
At NonviolenceUnited we try to stay informed on the issues... and there are many. One of the newsletters we subscribe to (and recommend) is that of the United Farm Workers UFW.org.
We noticed a recent alert come across the wires that asked supporters to take action and boycott dairy products from Threemile Canyon Farms where they not only abuse animals, but also abuse farm workers -- even firing those who speak out against animal abuse. Dean Foods, giant dairy processor and owner/marketer of Horizon Organic Milk and Silk Soymilk products, purchases from and supports Threemile Canyon Farms and has ignored UFW's pleas thus far.
What struck us and encouraged us was UFW's call to boycott because of abuses to animals. While it is expected that UFW would stand up for the abuses against farm workers, it is less expected that they would stand up for the animals.
Less expected by most, that is. We expect it -- UFW, after all, was founded by one of our heroes -- human rights leader and animal rights supporter (ethical Vegetarian) Cesar Chavez. Chavez recognized that violence is violence and that animals rely on us completely to expand our circle of compassion to include them. If we care about animals we don't stop caring about people and if we care about people we don't stop caring about animals. Our hearts are big and Nonviolence encompasses all.
Join forces with those of like minds and like hearts. There is a Nonviolent movement growing the likes of which can not be stopped.
Article/Lecture: The Failures And Hopes Of Organized Religion
Regardless of your religious or non-religious beliefs, we can learn a lot from the many faiths of the world -- from their failures and from what they aspire to be.
Many advocates and activists turn away from the popular religions when they see the hypocrisy of a few prominent people declaring allegiance to a religion based on truth and love while waging war and killing in the same breath. But let's be careful. What we see in the spotlight might not fairly represent those who really are trying to live their beliefs.
Case in point:
Leaders Are Readers: "Walden And Civil Disobedience" By Henry David Thoreau
The influence of the great philosophers was planted in Thoreau and the fruit of his thoughts and words gave rise to the unimaginable successes of Gandhi and then King. Don’t ignore the written words of the masters. They have so much to teach us and we have so little time to make a difference. If we can build on the wisdom and successes of the past, we’ll build an unstoppable movement.
Check out this book from your local library, or visit your local used bookstore. If you want to order this book, consider buying it from your local bookstore or online with BookSense.com -- your online source for local bookstores.
Practicing Nonviolence: Get Off Your Mountaintop
Sometimes staying up on your specific social justice Mountaintop (deeply involved in only your cause) can be isolating. While it can be painful, that familiar pain can get almost comfortable.
We're not asking you to take on another cause. We're asking you to simply visit another Mountaintop (another social justice cause). Maybe it'll be by researching online for a night about fair-trade chocolate, clothing or organic food. Maybe you'll visit a homeless shelter. Maybe you'll volunteer with your local animal rights group for an afternoon. Maybe you'll ask sincere questions of a stranger soon to be a friend.
Practice looking for your common ground -- Nonviolence. We think you'll find it very quickly. And together with your new connections, maybe you'll find ways of living, talking and being that support each other. The trip down your Mountaintop might even give you new support, strategies and awareness for a speedy and productive return.
Words To Live By: "The Roots Of Non-cooperation Lie Not In Hatred But In Justice..."
“Noncooperation is directed not against men but against measures. It is not directed against the Governors, but against the system they administer. The roots of non-cooperation lie not in hatred but in justice, if not in love.” - Mohandas Gandhi
In this issue …
1. Cross-Pollination: The End Of Either-Or Thinking
2. Article/Lecture: The Failures And Hopes Of Organized Religion
3. Leaders Are Readers: "Civil Disobedience "
4. Practicing Nonviolence: Get Off Your Mountaintop
5. Words To Live By: "The Roots Of Noncooperation...."
About Nonviolence United
Our mission is to see the world become a just home for all -- no more wars, no more hunger, no more suffering of one for the greed of another.
It can be done. And there is a remarkable way to make it happen. A way that builds rather than tears down. A way that allows you to live your ethics rather than selling your soul. A way where everyone is loved and no one is hated. A way that fills you with hope. A way that cannot be stopped and can never be destroyed.
Our Strategy
- Recognize “economic non-cooperation” (along with the cooperation with good industries and services) as a powerful Nonviolent means of advancing social justice
- Organize and unite the social justice movements within this strategy
- Quickly spread this strategy to the people via the social justice movements
Thank you!
Nonviolence United exists through the kindness and generosity of caring people like you. Please support our ongoing efforts to promote Nonviolence as a way of life and as a way of social change.
Keep Your Ideas Coming!
Nonviolence
P.O. Box 1161
Boulder, CO 80306
T: 720.252.8449
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