About us
Nonviolence is a way of life
The Gandhi Team was formed in 2016 by six faith-based activists committed to a diverse set of issues in peace and justice. In the context of the first electoral victory by Donald Trump, they wanted to assist with public safety in anticipation of the mass mobilization that would follow, as well as to educate the public about the success of disciplined nonviolence resistance. The Gandhi Team initially collaborated with the Women’s March organization, as well as a broad mix of other campaigns, movements, and faith-based groups working for social change.
In the first few years, the Gandhi Team trained nearly 1,000 individuals in nonviolence and de-escalation. Additionally, they trained over 150 Peace Ambassadors who have served at dozens of hundreds of marches, protests, and other actions in the broader San Jose area since then. For this work, they received received a commendation from San Jose City Council and Mayor Sam Liccardo.
The Gandhi Team continues that same work today, working with diverse set of groups and individuals committed to nonviolence -- both as a value and way of life and as a means of enacting social change -- and to the teaching of effective de-escalation skills that make nonviolence so powerful in practice.
Mission Statement
We help foster a peaceful environment during public demonstrations by promoting dialogue, de-escalating tensions, and ensuring the safety of all participants through trained nonviolent intervention techniques and collaborative engagement. We also empower individuals and communities with the principles and strategies of nonviolent action to build a more just and peaceful world through education and action for social change while upholding core values of human dignity and respect.
Nonviolence Commitment
The success of any social movement relies entirely on its commitment to and maintenance of nonviolence. This is especially true under the growing threat of authoritarianism in the US and the consolidation of power across branches of government, including the military. Research proves that nonviolent campaigns are more than twice as likely as violent ones to meet their stated goals. Therefore, groups and organizations that hope to enlist and grow public support must begin every event with commitment to nonviolence, as well as safety planning and risk mitigation. This includes nonviolence education and de-escalation training for organizers, peacekeepers, and participants as well as ongoing formation. Nonviolence includes the protection of human lives as well as non-destruction of property. The Gandhi Team will offer its official support only for groups that make this nonviolence commitment.
Peace Ambassador Mission
At the heart of the Peace Ambassador role is commitment, maintenance, and practice of nonviolence at all times. Peace Ambassadors must be well-trained in de-escalation skills and put those skills to practice in tense, often high-risk, situations. This includes individual and team preparation, risk assessment before planned actions and situation awareness while serving. Effective Peace Ambassadors are impartial mediators who use de-escalation skills, wisdom, creativity, humility, authenticity, candor, and humor to build trust and rapport and to create space for understanding and relationship-building.
Team Leads
Joanna
Joanna bridges a career in technology with a commitment to social justice. Since 2007, she helped lead service and solidarity trips to Tijuana, Mexico. She ministers to the unhoused and teaches at the Institute for Leadership in Ministry. She is an advanced lay leader in the Diocese of San Jose and holds an MA in Pastoral Ministries from Santa Clara University. She co-founded the Gandhi Team in 2016.
Andre
Andre has served with the Gandhi Team since 2018, both as a Peace Ambassador liaison and as a radio lead during protests.
He brings crucial technical and tactical skills from years of working in high-risk situations. He is also a glider pilot and flight instructor.
Lori
Lori retired from public school teaching (Masters in Curriculum and Instruction) in 2020 but stays active with tutoring, substitute teaching, leading history trips to DC and NY, and resisting. She has participated with the Gandhi Nonviolence group since 2017 at the first Women's March, and she is active in a local Indivisible Group.