Mission Statement
We train individuals and groups on nonviolent intervention techniques and courageous, creative engagement in conflict situations. We educate about the principles and strategies of nonviolence to build a more just and peaceful world through action for social change while upholding core values of respect and human dignity for all. We help foster a safe and peaceful environment during public demonstrations, exercising their First Amendment rights by de-escalating tensions, promoting dialogue, and ensuring street safety.
Overview
The Gandhi Team is an unincorporated, all-volunteer group of individuals engaged in three primary efforts.
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De-escalating training. This includes both scheduled public sessions which are free for interested individuals and private trainings for NGOs and for-profit organizations ($30/student).
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Nonviolence education. We offer a 15-part course on nonviolence as well as various workshops and classes about nonviolent resistance to injustice and diverse social issues.
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Peacekeeping. We serve as an official Gandhi Peace Team at approved nonviolent actions hosted by other groups and organizations in San Jose, CA.
History
The Gandhi Team was formed in 2017 by several peace and justice activists to educate about nonviolence and to promote commitment to nonviolence action and public safety at mass protests that followed the 2016 US presidential election.
We initially collaborated with the Women’s March movement by training over 1,000 individuals in nonviolence and de-escalation and forming a volunteer team of over 60 Gandhi Team Peace Ambassadors who serve at protests and rallies in the San Jose area.
For this work, we received received a commendation from San Jose City Council and Mayor Sam Liccardo.
We continue to collaborate with a broad mix of political, labor, and faith-based groups through de-escalation training and peace team support.