Family Pledge of Nonviolence

Families Against Violence Advocacy Network
Institute for Peace and Justice
St. Louis, MO

Making peace must start within ourselves and in our family. Each of us, members of the ____________________ family, commit ourselves as best we can to become nonviolent and peaceable people.

To Respect Self and Others
To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.

To Communicate Better
To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to work at solving problems peacefully.

To Listen
To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way.

To Forgive
To apologize and make amends when I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.

To Respect Nature
To treat the environment and all living things, including our pets, with respect and care.

To Play Creatively
To select entertainment and toys that support our family's values and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.

To Be Courageous
To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.

This is our pledge. These are our goals. We will check ourselves on what we have pledged once a month on ____________________ for the next twelve months so that we can help each other become more peaceable people.

Families Against Violence Advocacy Network
c/o Institute for Peace and Justice, 4144 Lindell Blvd. #408, St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 533-4445 Fax: (314) 715-6455
Email: ipj@ipj-ppj.org
Web site: http://www.ipj-ppj.org