We at the Coalition cannot take credit for this, we did not write it. But as I understand it, a group of community leaders developed this years ago – there are copies floating around various area agencies. I thought it was a great thing to bring back into the light and hopefully get people talking about it again. It is also posted on the Siouxland CARES website in their February 2013 Newsletter, which is actually where I sourced this from.
SIOUXLAND PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE
Making peace must start within ourselves, our families, our homes, and in our community. Each of us commits ourselves as best w can to become non-violent and peaceful people:
To Respect Myself: To care for myself physically, emotionally, and mentally; to take responsibility for myself; and to resist negative peer pressure and self-destructive behaviors.
To Respect Others: To affirm others and to respect diversity among people and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks, and self-destructive behavior.
To Communicate Better: To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger and other emotions, and to work at solving problems peacefully.
To Listen: To listen carefully to others, especially those who disagree with me and to consider others; feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way.
To Forgive: To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.
To Respect the Environment: To treat the environment and all living things with respect and to use resources carefully.
To Play Creatively: To select entertainment and toys that support nonviolent values and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny, or acceptable.
To Be Courageous: To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.
This is our pledge.
“Eliminating violence one person at a time, starting with ourselves.”
somebodysite 
Leave a comment