12 ways to work for a nonviolent end to the war in Ukraine from Pax Christi Michigan

from Pax Christi Michigan

Work for a Nonviolent End to the War on Ukraine!

Here’s what you can do:

1. Try to understand the full breadth of the conflict from those directly involved: It is at the heart of not only prevention, but cease-fire and negotiations. You may want to start with Ukrainian Pacifist’s Message to the World: U.S., NATO & Russia Share Responsibility to Avoid War
2. Read Pax Christi USA’s Statement on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
3. Be judicious about where you get your information, and whether its accurate before you pass it on. Consider the points made on Win Without War
4. Access the resource list, Resistance to War in Ukraine, compiled by the Metta Center for Nonviolence. It is kept regularly updated.
5. Support recognized NGOs that are currently offering direct services to Ukrainians. National Public Radio offers this vetted list: Want to support the people in Ukraine? Here’s how you can help
6. Consider sending a message of support to the antiwar activists in Russia.
7. Germany has offered to help Poland with Ukrainian refugees. Watch for ways to support these efforts, including calling on our own government to do so.
8. Looking to act from a more spiritual foundation? See Pax Christi USA’s Prayer/Study/Action page on The Ukraine Crisis. 
9. Do something tangible – right now – whenever and wherever you can. There is a ripple effect to empathy, compassion, random acts of kindness, and nonviolence.
10. Become better prepared. Take Meta Peace Team’s (virtual) Violence De-escalation Skills Training.
11. Stay on top of what’s happening with news sources that support nonviolent means.  Consider these from Waging Nonviolence:
    • Ukraine’s Secret Weapon May Prove to be Civilian Resistance ​
    • The Dangerous Assumption that Violence Keeps Us Safe
    • Ukraine Doesn’t Need to Match Russia’s Military Might to Defend Against Invasion
12. And from Pace e Bene:​
    • Let Us Not Forget: War is Madness