Election Violence Prevention: In the Virtue of that Life and Power that Takes Away the Occasion for All Wars

Election violence prevention (EVP) is a specific peacebuilding discipline. We know the best practices from international efforts and analysis, but that doesn’t make doing EVP an easy thing. Successful EVP requires a commitment to work with anyone who agrees with the goal of nonviolence, even across enormous political and cultural differences. This lecture will explain how Quaker theology and community have prepared Friends to engage in EVP. We’ll also explore best practices, including specific practices developed by Friends in East Africa, and detail ways in which each person can engage in a manner that is legitimately helpful and authentic to their own spiritual gifts.