Human Symbols of Peace and No Violence

MAKING NONVIOLENCE VISIBLE

‘Because putting the body and the intention to show ourselves in favor of peace and nonviolence is not only playful, it is also to record a joint commitment that opens up the future for us’. 

The action consists of making two human symbols, one for peace and the other for nonviolence, in order to stage in a very visual and experimental way our aspirations not only for peace, but going beyond that, to move towards nonviolence as a way of life. 

 On the occasion of the various World Marches for peace and nonviolence, or to celebrate 2 October, nonviolence international day, human symbols have been promoted in different parts of the world, the largest being the one in Lucena in the Philippines with 12,000 students, held in October 2009. https://nuevaregion.com/filipinas-el-simbolo-humano-de-la-paz-mas-grande-del-mundo-mas-de-12000-alumnos/

Another example: in January 2017 in Madrid (Spain), an awareness-raising campaign was launched with the creation of human symbols in the educational sphere, which for one year involved 132 educational centers with more than 35,000 participants.

It is difficult nowadays to evaluate the total number of symbols made all over the world. 

Depending on the case, they have been adapted to particular situations with posters, colors, music and songs. In many cases, it is complemented by the Ethical Commitment ceremony, to be further deepened with other tools such as workshops and seminars that WwWV makes available to educators, trainers and activists. 

Given that all these experiences have been very well received, the ‘Human Symbols for Peace and Nonviolence’ campaign is moving on to another level. 

Indeed, we aim to multiply the configuration of these symbols in different formats and in all the places and countries where we can, to raise awareness of the themes of Peace and Nonviolence among the social base, young people and professionals of culture and education.

It could be argued that this does not solve wars and conflicts, and it is true, but nowadays, when we are submerged in a constant invasion of negative images, which generates more and more fear, it is important to show and make visible what most people aspire to.

 It is therefore an invitation to any collective, educational center, community anywhere in the world to join this silent but powerful cry, the cry of those of us who want to live in a peaceful and nonviolent world.

If you want to create a human symbol in your school, community or other space, you will find here how to use it; if you need any help, do not hesitate to write an email to info@worldwwars.org; in any case, please send us back some photos and a few explanatory lines so that we can publish your creation.