By Gabriella Diaz
The Start
My internship with the Nonviolent Peaceforce team in Minneapolis, Minnesota marked a pivotal moment in my life's path. As I stepped into the role of Development and Communications intern, the very essence of the organization's name sparked a profound curiosity within me. In a world often defined by conflict and aggression, the idea of nonviolence seemed almost fantastical. How could such a concept exist amid the tumult of nations armed with threats and fear? Yet, there I was, surrounded by people who were ready to support individuals, communities, and organizations daring to challenge the status quo.
The core principle guiding the mission of the Nonviolent Peaceforce is unarmed civilian protection. This means that the organization focuses on providing communities with the tools and training necessary to maintain safety without resorting to violence in any form. Essentially, they prioritize safety over security. Prior to joining, I had never considered the nuanced difference between feeling "secure" and feeling "safe." Like many others, it wasn't something that had crossed my mind. But through my involvement with the Nonviolent Peaceforce, I've come to understand that these seemingly interchangeable terms carry distinct meanings.
The Big Debate
During one training session with Nonviolent Peaceforce, a staff member profoundly shifted my worldview. The core of the presentation revolved around distinguishing between safety and security, and one exercise they facilitated truly opened my eyes. We were given Post-It notes and instructed to draw the images that came to mind when we heard the word "security” and the same for "safety." As we completed the exercise, our Post-It notes adorned a poster board, divided by a line.
On one side, images of guns, gates, and watchtowers filled the space. On the other, we depicted houses, beds, and two stick figures embracing. The contrast could not have been more striking. In essence, security often implies the presence of physical barriers or armed protection, while safety encompasses a deeper sense of well-being and freedom from harm.
It's a subtle yet significant shift in perspective that underscores the organization's commitment to promoting peaceful solutions and empowering communities to thrive without the need for violence.
Safety is what unarmed civilian protection training aims to achieve. What sets the Nonviolent Peaceforce apart as a leading example in the realm of nonprofit humanitarian organizations is their emphasis on local actors. In an interview with Anna Zaros, Director of Organizational Advancement at the Minneapolis Hub for Nonviolence and Peace, she explained to me what exactly makes NP so special:
“One of the principles of Nonviolent Peaceforce is the "primacy of local actors." What that means is that we work alongside local communities. Many of our staff are from the local communities. We don't impose our ideas but start first by asking what safety means to the community and if they would like to work with us. People in the local community know best what needs to be done to increase safety and interrupt cycles of violence, but they often want support in making that happen.”
The Vision
In conclusion, the task of ensuring a future without violence is monumental, a vision that may not fully materialize within our lifetimes. Yet, the role of the Nonviolent Peaceforce remains pivotal. By fostering conversations on the crucial distinction between safety and security, and advocating for the former, their mission gains greater momentum. It's about embracing the seemingly impossible and challenging the status quo. As we normalize the fantastical and dismantle the normalized, we pave the way for a more peaceful and just world for generations to come.
This blog reflects the author's opinions and does not necessarily represent the views of the Human Rights Program or the University of Minnesota.
Gabriella (Gaby) Diaz is an alumna of the College of Liberal Arts, class of 2024. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies, with a regional and thematic emphasis in Latin America and Human Rights and Justice. Gaby has recently stepped into the role of Bilingual Case Manager at People Serving People, and is incredibly humbled by the opportunity to serve the community in any way she can.