NVC and Social Change-Inspired to share a story

As an activist, I want to share my experience of the practicality and effectiveness of empathy and Nonviolent Communication when working to protect our rights as citizens of the United States. On October 26, 2001, the Patriot Act was signed into law, giving new powers to both domestic law enforcement and international intelligence agencies. At the time, I was running a 501(c)(3) organization: an alternative school for K-8 students. The school was unique in that its foundation and function was based on the tenets of nonviolence. As an educator, I was devastated and uncertain how to explain to my students what the Patriot Act meant for their lives and their families’ lives, directly and indirectly. As an officer for a non-profit, I fell under immediate suspicion for terrorism, simply by association.

A leading tenet in nonviolence is Direct Action in Love. The teachings of Nonviolent Communication (sm) offer clear and effective methods of taking action in Love, defined by Dr. King as the most powerful weapon. In regards to the Patriot Act, I chose to speak out about how the Patriot Act did not meet the human needs for equality, safety, or protection. I hoped to model to my students that one who walks in nonviolence does not shy from an opportunity to take Direct Action in Love and that it’s a far greater strength to join alliances than to create more enemies.

On Feb. 11, 2003, I spoke at a city council meeting in the town of San Anselmo, CA, where they were debating whether or not to oppose the Patriot Act. In the middle of my speech, I turned to the policeman guarding the door and put myself in his shoes, “I imagine this is hardest for you. I can’t imagine what it would be like for you to enforce the law of the Patriot Act when you have not been considered directly how it will affect your life.” I saw two councilmen begin to shake their heads in agreement. The police officer smiled. That was a moment of empathy. A simple understanding between humans seeing each other as human, not as the uniforms or roles they perform. The town of San Anselmo made a resolution to oppose the Patriot Act and it became a civil liberties safety zone.

Nonviolent Communication has given me a tangible way to speak empathy aloud so that others can connect to it. Empathy bridges the divide that is created when we forget that the person we’re talking to is a human with needs just like us. This empathic connection opens vast possibilities to solving problems and truly meeting human needs.

If you are willing to investigate more about empathy in the power of nonviolent action please go to http://www.change.org/ideas/view/bridging_the_empathy_gap_-_yes_we_can and vote for “Bridging the Empathy Gap”. While you’re there, please also vote for “Get FISA Right, repeal the PATRIOT Act, and restore our civil liberties” http://www.change.org/ideas/view/get_fisa_right_repeal_the_patriot_act_and_restore_our_civil_liberties.

Peace All Ways,
Catherine Cadden