Notes from Nonviolence: A Force More Powerful

The evening of Day Two of the two-week 12th International Nonviolence Summer Institute involved a special treat of an optional program:  A screening of the A Force More Powerful section on the Nashville movement starting in 1960 to integrate lunch counters and other public accommodations followed by a Q+A session with Rev. C.T. Vivian, a leader in this movement.

As someone who works primarily with university students, it was particularly moving to see how the movement involved a deeply rooted collaboration between university students and the Nashville community.

Throughout the discussion following the film, Rev. Vivian emphasized two key points to successful nonviolent movements:

• Successful nonviolent movements utilize nonviolent strategy.  A movement without strategy is unlikely to succeed at its goals.  Strategy also gives key motivation for the persistence and discipline needed for success.
• Successful nonviolent movements are intentional about relationships.  They must be built on mutual respect, connecting over shared vision, and practice the nonviolent principles behind the movement itself.

Rev. Vivian shared his insights with participants for 90 minutes.