De-escalation training
What is de-escalation?
The purpose of de-escalation is not to win an argument – it’s to de-escalate a conflict. Namely, to reduce the intensity, severity, or tension in a volatile situation. You may not get to a resolution in the situation and that's OK. You are not trying to convince your opponent to change their mind. You are trying to calm agitated individuals, prevent physical harm, property damage, and any other violence, and restore a safe, manageable environment for everyone involved. De-escalation is regularly used by law enforcement, healthcare and social workers, teachers, and managers. But many others have benefitted from such trainings to help diffuse tense situations in daily life, including caretakers and coaches, sports referees and store clerks.
What training do we provide?
We provide both public and private, online and in-person trainings, for interested individuals, groups, and organizations. We offer three levels of training that include both theory and practice. It covers foundational principles that serve as the grounding for nonviolent action; e.g., seeing nonviolence as a form of constructive conflict and active love, as a way of life for courageous people, and as a move toward understanding and partnership that demonstrates reverence for dignity and life.
Training also includes de-escalation skills, techniques, and tactics, including CLARA, distance, delay, delegation, documentation, interpositioning, peeling away, and enlisting allies.
In level 2 & 3 trainings, scenario-based role-play activities, followed by debrief and discussion, help participants to put it all into practice. Please note that Level 3 training is only for those whoplan to serve with the Gandhi Peace Team in San Jose, and have already completed Levels 1-2.
What is the cost?
Our public training sessions (listed on the calendar) is always free for individuals, although donations are always welcome and much appreciated. NGOs and for-profit organizations may request private Level 2 training, either virtually or in-person. The cost is $30 per student for a minimum of 12 participants. Grassroots/community groups can inquire about discounts and scholarships via email to nonviolence.ganhi@gmail.com.
When/where is the training?
Public training is listed on our calendar. Private training can be requested by emailing nonviolence.ganhi@gmail.com. Training can be conducted in-person in the Bay Area or virtually anywhere in the world.
Can I serve as a Peace Ambassador?
Peace Ambassadors help to keep marches and demonstrations peaceful and safe. They're usually the friendly, diplomatic type who can respond calmly in tense situations. Those trained in Levels 1-3 of de-escalation may end up serving in the capacity of a safety or demonstration marshal.
Please note that while anyone can take our training, we are especially interested in training Peace Ambassadors willing to serve on our Gandhi Peace Team at various actions in the greater San Jose area. We have a strict and unwavering commitment to nonviolence, explicitly condemning any form of violence, threats, or property destruction. The Gandhi Peace Team invites individuals to serve as Peace Ambassadors on our peace team only if they demonstrate the disposition and skills required to serve effectively in the role and if they are local to the broader San Jose area. When they serve with the Gandhi Team, Peace Ambassadors are expected to abide by our code of conduct and safety protocols. Individuals who violate them may be asked to step down as a Peace Ambassador, either temporarily or permanently, and to return their branded vest. Outside the Gandhi Team, anyone trained in de-escalation or bystander intervention may choose to serve as a safety person. If they choose to do so, we provide general best practices to help them remain safe and effective.