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OURMISSION
WE are committed to defending a livable future through empowering nonviolent action.
WE seek to change the institutional and social status quo at the root of the climate crisis, and move toward a just and healthy world.
By pushing the reality of the climate crisis to the forefront of the public forum, WE will secure the attention and inspire the revolution the climate crisis requires.
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We must stand together to demand justice & build a healthy world. Join our Regional Action List.
I guess the fist looks angry to me. An open hand appears receptive, a closed one appears entrenched — without compromise.
The symbolism of the fist is intended to represent the fingers of the hand coming together in unity rather than something to hit with. That’s why it’s raised in a gesture of solidarity, not poised to strike out in anger. Real power, the power of the collective, is not synonymous with anger.
Right I agree, makes perfect sense for an open hand
I request American friends to protest peacefully. Best wishes from India
I agree that the fist is an inappropriate symbol for non-violence. There are some good suggestions here for alternatives. Of course, the language and the actions of all involved will be the most powerful message of inspiring and welcoming others, Thanks for all you do.
Nelson Mandela, who won a Nobel Peace Prize, turned an entire country around through non-violence. His symbol has always been a fist – a sign of strength, and the refusal to give up. I think it’s quite fitting.
Some leading eco-thinkers are now suggesting a multifaceted resistance approach, not just peaceful either – very interesting to consider their ideas: http://www.deepgreenresistance.org
Solidarity from climate activists in Britain. Our thoughts are with Tim. I think your logo is great and you should keep the clenched fist as it is. It links our generation’s struggle with the struggles of all oppressed peoples past and present – with our brothers and sisters in the international labor movement, with black and women’s liberation movements, and many others. It represents our collective strength and our uncompromising commitment to the highest human ideal. And because you make your commitment to non-violence and respect for all life explicit, you have the potential to bring that perspective into every arena of the global liberation struggle. Very inspired over here to see your courage and resolve. Seize The Day!
Ghandi and MLK never used the “fist” for their non-violent movements.
That’s a very good point about Ghandi and MLKJr. Times have changed, if we follow old paradigm symbolism we carry with it the same vibrations of fight. Just because other noteworthy members of our history used this gesture does not imply that it is the right gesture at this time. I support this movement, I also support considering new ways of doing things rather than repeating cycles.
Thank you! Well said.
I am totally behind your actions and would support in any way except by protesting. It just ends up being manipulated by politicians and media and leaves a lot of cracked heads. What happened to, “I do want any of this so I am not going to pay for it—at the store or as a tax once a year”.
I support your mission 100%, but right now this comment is about your website’s banner/logo. Instead of a “fist” I think an opened hand with fingers straight up at a slight bent and palm facing open at viewers to symbolized reaching, moving upwards, raising a hand to speak, to draw attention, to help, to pause…etc., is more effective than the closed fist. On a non-graphic suggestions: Have we considered collecting funds to pay and buy up the land which could then be sold to farmers, preserves, other non-commercial property, or create a “Public Contributors Area” (PCA) where every donor’s name would be permanently listed, edged in stone as contributory dedication to be display in the PCA’s entrance? I am more than sure you’ll get several million contributors at more than a few dollars each. You set aside what money is needed for Tim’s defense and the rest, which would be more than enough, would go toward buying the land–why stop here–let make this a national thing.
Gosh, Tobe, it’s amazing how many violent & angry images & expressions have seeped into our language. Thanks for pointing out this latest one. There are thousands of these. We must work to change them. I hope Peaceful Uprising responds with a design change…. The Medium is the Message (Marshall McLuhan)
The first time I saw the Peaceful uprising fist I loved it and thought immediately POWER TO THE PEOPLE. To me it symbolizes the return personal power. I was a teen in the 70′s and the symbol was used not as a weapon of violent power but that we each have the power to change.
I agree with Tobe that changing the graphic even ever-so-slightly will align it more with your message. I like Tobe’s suggestions, and also wonder what it would look like if the hand were depicted, still “raised upwards”, and also, outwards, so it looks like an outstretched hand ready to welcome all to this cause as it reaches ever upward. The clenched fist, while echoing the fight and plight of so many throughout history, seems contrary to the stated position of non-violence. I’m thinking a hand that is only slightly different from this tried and true universal symbol might also elude to the evolution of “fighting” that is civil disobedience. …just some more thoughts to consider.
I think the logo should stay as it is for all the reasons given by Theo above. Whatever rational and sentiments one might have for an open raised hand, nothing conveys the message of “Uprising” as well as the raised fist. “Peaceful” is just a qualifier not an action.The power of the raised fist image speaks for itself. I’ll also note that the anti-war/peace movement of the last decade chose as their bannar a rainbow flag. It moved no-one. If we had chosen the American Flag and carried tens of thousands, we may have stopped the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I saw you posted a tweet in Bill McKibben’s Twitter page and found you. I like what I see you stand for. It’s IS a grassroots process. Visit my website and let me know what you think.
We are also about Peaceful Resistance through non-compliance and are encouraging a global boycott and show of solidarity Friday April 15 through the weekend. We are asking people to participate by staying home in massive numbers, not spending any money whatsoever in multinational corporations, and then call their misreprentatives, telling them WHY they are not spending, and unload whatever else is on their minds. If people feel they must work, they can bring their lunch or support locally owned Mom & Pop stores, and still make a few calls. This way we will magnify our voices, regardless of whatever issue is most pressing to us individually, and those in power who are corrupting the system will begin to feel the wrath of the people who are rising, and begin to understand that they will be held accountable.
Power to the People through Peaceful Unity! http://www.unitedwestrike.com
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