Principles of the ANN

At the 1995 National Gathering of the Australian Nonviolence Network (ANN),
the following Vision Statement and Principles were adopted. In practice, this
means that anyone who agrees with these principles is welcome to consider
themselves a member of the ANN. 

Vision Statement
The Australian Nonviolence Network (ANN) is part of the Global Nonviolence
Network and exists to foster nonviolence in theory and practice. 

Principles
These are principles; not rules. They are guiding statements that 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
the needs of all living beings.
* 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 the 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
constructively.
* We will take personal responsibility for our actions and their
consequences.

In addition
In addition to this statement and these principles, the following points were
raised:
1. Patriarchy, and what this means to members of the ANN, is a complex issue
that requires ongoing reflection and discussion.
2. There should be discussions about patriarchy (including discussions about
what it means and what the ANN position in relation to it might be) in
various fora throughout the Network.
3. It would be desirable, if possible, for the women of the Network to
discuss patriarchy and to bring some shared sense of what they want to the
next Gathering.
4. The subject of ANN's position on feminism should be discussed at the next
Gathering with a view to seeking a new consensus that the Vision Statement
and/or Principles be modified to include explicit reference to the ANN's
pro-feminist commitment.
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.