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| #### FAQ | Español | Français ## FAQ 1. What is the Nonviolent Peaceforce? 2. Why is the Peaceforce necessary? 3. Does Nonviolence work? 4. How is the Nonviolent Peaceforce unique? 5. How does the Nonviolent Peaceforce work? 6. How are Peaceforce Field Members trained? 7. How is the Peaceforce different from UN Peacekeepers? 8. What kinds of challenges does the Peaceforce face? 9. How can I support the Nonviolent Peaceforce locally? ## ANSWERS 1. What is the Nonviolent Peaceforce? Formed at the 1999 Hague Appeal for Peace and inaugurated in Delhi, India in 2002, the Nonviolent Peaceforce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an international peace army of civilians trained in nonviolent strategies. The Nonviolent Peaceforce responds to requests for help anywhere in the world, using proven methods of nonviolence to assist human rights workers and to prevent violence, death, chaos, and destruction. The need is great: it’s estimated that only 1,000 people trained in nonviolence could have prevented the violence and genocide that devastated Yugoslavia in 1998. The Peaceforce represents an alternative to massive military intervention that many people hope for. It is a key component in the development of a strategic, cohesive, nonviolent response to brutality and threats of genocidal violence. #### (FAQ list) 2. Why is the Peaceforce necessary? In the 20th century, the international community was unable respond in a timely or effective manner to crises that led to devastating armed conflicts, brutal violence, and genocide—Kosovo and Rwanda being two examples. Sometimes the world chose not to respond, and sometimes it responded after a long delay and much deliberation with bombs and troops. Both of these responses led to untold human misery and destruction. The formation of the Nonviolent Peaceforce and its standing “peace army” is a new and creative alternative to stop the violence and human rights abuses before they reach crisis levels by quickly deploying trained, nonviolent peacemakers to defuse areas at risk. #### (FAQ list) 3. Does Nonviolence work? Yes. Deliberate, third party nonviolent intervention is a historically proven technique used successfully around the world. In many situations it is the only action that works. Nonviolence has changed policies and governments, and been effective in popular movements that confront power and injustice, resist terror, and defend human rights. #### (FAQ list) 4. How is the Nonviolent Peaceforce unique? The Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) has learned from and builds upon the work of other groups using nonviolent techniques, but is unique in several ways. NP is a truly international organization from the top down. The Nonviolent Peaceforce has world regional offices and a 15-member International Governing Council with representatives from every continent. NP creates a permanent, large scale, paid peace army. NP is not affiliated with a national, religious, or political viewpoint, which gives credibility to its neutral stance. NP does not take sides in a conflict, but instead creates the emotional and physical space between parties that enables them to discuss differences and reach their own solutions. NP’s field members receive training in nonviolent, third party intervention strategies as well as training specific to the people, language, and culture of the conflict area they are sent to. Nobel Peace Prize winners, government representatives, and the Dalai Lama have endorsed the Nonviolent Peaceforce. #### (FAQ list) 5. How does the Peaceforce work? Nonviolent Peaceforce is deployed at the invitation of local groups in the at-risk country who are working for peaceful change or resolution. The International Governing Council (IGC) of Nonviolent Peaceforce determines whether there is a clear mandate for intervention. If there is, Nonviolent Peaceforce Field Leadership team for the area-in consultation with local groups and the IGC-tailors specific strategies and objectives for the conflict area. Strategies could include accompanying local peace or human rights advocates, facilitating communication among the groups in conflict, monitoring elections or cease fires, training locals in conflict resolution, or other strategies as appropriate. As soon as possible, the Peaceforce will turn over their work to local groups, since only those affected can create a lasting peace. In 2003 Nonviolent Peaceforce began a pilot project in Sri Lanka, a nation torn by civil war. By September 2005, 25 field team members will be serving in four field locations. It takes $29,900 to support one field team member for a year. (FAQ list) 6. How are Peaceforce Field Members trained? Basic training is six weeks long and includes training in local language(s), the area’s culture, the nature of the conflict, and ways to engage participants peacefully. When appropriate, highly visible participants such Nobel Peace Prize winners, religious leaders, and former government leaders will be recruited as Peaceforce field members. Each field member commits to serving two years. Field members and their support personnel are paid while on duty, and in the future college scholarships and contributions to retirement funds will be part of the compensation package. In addition, since the risk of death or injury is present in nonviolent interventions, the Nonviolent Peaceforce is currently exploring the issue of providing death and injury benefits to Peaceforce field members. Site deployments will be evaluated with great care, however, and no unnecessary risks will be taken. In similar situations Peace Brigades International suffered no casualties in over 25 years. (FAQ list) 7. How is the Peaceforce different from UN Peacekeepers? UN peacekeepers are not trained in nonviolence and frequently act as an armed force to restrain civil disorder or violence at the request of the UN Security Council. They are not trained to resolve underlying tensions or conflicts. In contrast, the Nonviolent Peaceforce is preventative, not reactive in nature, and is comprised of civilians trained in nonviolent techniques. Its mission is to prevent warfare and violence before they occur by enabling conflicting groups to enter into a discussion where all parties are heard and real solutions can be found. #### (FAQ list) 8. What kinds of challenges does the Peaceforce face? A major challenge for the Nonviolent Peaceforce is nonalignment or nonpartisanship in a conflict area. The Peaceforce must tread carefully avoid being unduly influenced, to hold to its mission, and cooperate with other groups without compromising its principles. Field directors will be trained to be aware of and deal with these complex issues, and diverse funding sources and personnel will help prevent alignment with power structures. #### (FAQ list) 9. How can I support the Nonviolent Peaceforce locally? Affinity Groups are community groups of volunteers who support the goals of the Nonviolent Peaceforce, promote the growth and development of the organization, and educate themselves and the public about living nonviolently. Upon deployment of Peaceforce field teams, affinity groups support the mission and field team members. Check the Affinity/Support Group page to find one near you or contact Mary Lou Ott at mott@nonviolentpeaceforce.org for help in starting an Affinity Group in your area. U.S. volunteers can assist staff in the international office in St. Paul, MN, or in the regional office in San Francisco, CA. NP offices around the world welcome volunteers. For information, visit our website's volunteer information page. Donors make the work of the Nonviolent Peaceforce possible, and play a critical role in making it a success. Anyone who believes in the need to promote a nonviolent world is encouraged to contribute. #### (FAQ list) #### FAQ | Español | Français |
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