Training Resources

War Resisters’ International’s Handbook for Nonviolent Campaigns is a toolbox of ideas and resources to support activists to run more effective campaigns.
War Resisters’ International’s New Worlds in Old Shells: A Handbook for Constructive Programme includes a chapter on Training exercises to help groups develop programs.

READINGS ON NONVIOLENT ACTION

For more info on techniques, exercises, history, check out:

• Global Nonviolent Action Database – Case Studies
• WagingNonviolence.org – People-powered news and analysis, short articles posted weekly.
• The roots of revolutionary nonviolence in the United States are in the Black community by Joanne Sheehan
• Activist Editorial: The Parameters of Nonviolent Action and Parameters of Nonviolent Action: What Makes An Action Nonviolent? by WRL
• Still Relevant: What Makes an Action Nonviolent? by Joanne Sheehan
• Protesting Outside of Supreme Court Justices’ Homes is Fine, Actually by Kelsey Jost-Creegan

TRAINING RESOURCES

Exercises, workshops and agendas that help us learn from the history of strategic nonviolent action, begin to practice nonviolent action and build strategic campaigns:

• 10/10 Strategies | To learn about the rich history of nonviolent campaigns, gain a better understanding of campaigns, tactics and movements [30 mins minimum]
• Letter from a Birmingham Jail | To explore different elements of a campaign strategy and help a group reflect on the power of nonviolent direct action [20-30 minutes]
• Parallel lines/Hassle Lines | Practice dealing with a hassle or conflict using nonviolence
• Tools for Grounding, Protecting, Blocking |
• Matrix Exercise Handout |
• Nonviolence Training | NVDA Preparation Agenda
• Do’s + Don’t’s Handout |
• Affinity Groups Handout
• Legal Issues/ Risking Arrest/ Representing Yourself Handout

Check out WRL’s Online Store for more resources, including handbooks, organizing guides, and our Nonviolence 101 brochure. 

Nonviolent Action Training Survey Report, Websites, and Trainers Lists

This Nonviolent Action Training Survey Report gives us an insight into what is needed by trainers to support each other and help build a resistance movement through nonviolence training. In early 2025, over 70 trainers shared their ideas for Meeting the Moment and Ideas for Future Exploration to strengthen trainers and trainings. A list of websites recommended by the trainers and a partial list of nonviolent action trainers and educators in the US are included in the Appendixes. For more information write to joanne@warresisters.org.

Women’s Pentagon action marching through Arlington Cemetery. Photo by Ellen Shub