Lokashakti Encyclopedia of Nonviolence, Peace, and Social Justice

Thomas Paine

Born outside of London in 1737, Thomas Paine quickly became a true citizen of the world. Making freedom, social justice, self-determination, and democracy his life goals, Paine fought for his ideals in word and deed throughout the United States, Britain, and France.

Training for Nonviolent Action

A means of educating and preparing people in varying techniques of nonviolent action, first through an increased intellectual understanding of the dynamics at play, and then through direct physical participation in exercises designed to reinforce solidarity and nonviolent discipline.

Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution

The 2011 Jasmine Revolution, a call for political and economic reform in Tunisia, brought down the dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, at that point in power for 23 years. Sparking a wave of Arab democracy campaigns, Tunisia's revolution inspired protesters in and around the Middle East including Egypt, Bahrain, Syria, and Yemen.

Ukraine's Orange Revolution

2004's Orange Revolution took place after a disputed election in Ukraine where the ruling party was widely seen to have manipulated results. People took to the streets en masse, donning the color of the opposition leader's campaign, and within two months had their rightful president in office.

United Farm Workers

United Farm Workers is an American labor organization founded in the 1960s by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. It has excelled over the years at combining strikes, boycotts, and demonstrations to achieve better conditions and pay for agricultural workers in California.