Time to Debate ANN's Principles! At the 1994 National Gathering, members of the ANN prepared a draft vision statement and set of principles for discussion. We were asked to prepare a refined version of these principles in the light of the subsequent discussion and to circulate this version for consideration prior to the next gathering. Our revised draft is presented below for you to consider. You are invited to ponder the statement and principles, to consider how they might guide you in the context of the various aspects of your social change work, to write letters to 'Nonviolence Today' to express your reaction to this draft, and to come to the 1995 National Gathering to discuss them. Draft vision statement The ANN is part of the Global Nonviolence Network and exists to foster nonviolence in theory and practice. Draft principles These are principles; not rules. They are guiding statements which are used to help us in particular situations so that we make wise decisions. Using these principles, we may make different decisions in different circumstances without compromising their essence.1 As a member of the ANN I agree that: * We will work to end all 'power-over' structures and relationships and to build ones based on 'power-with'. * We will work to build relationships, communities and structures that meet human needs. * The means are ends. The means we use to bring about change must be consistent with our vision of a nonviolent world. * We will use consensual models of decision-making, inclusive and empowering group processes, and affirmative action where necessary. * We will develop processes for constructively supporting and challenging each other. * We will communicate with and consult all people affected by our initiatives. * We will strive to be truthful. * We will strive not to use ecological, physical, emotional or spiritual violence in our personal or political lives. * We will strive to show respect for all life and to acknowledge the humanity of all people, including our opponents. * We will strive to communicate assertively and to address conflict creatively. * We will take personal responsibility for our actions and their consequences. Glen Ochre and Robert Burrowes Footnote 1. For example, consider the principle of striving to be truthful. In planning a nonviolent action campaign, being truthful may mean informing our opponents of our intentions. However, in protecting a survivor of domestic violence from further assault, being truthful may mean refusing to reveal the location of the survivor.