As we get ready to celebrate Dr. King and all he stood for, I think about the many things Dr. King taught us. How does one man make such an impact? Part of that answer is that he did not do it alone. He was the leader of a community. There are many individuals and civil rights icons that walked and taught along side Dr. King.

Dr. King left us a playbook. We have his words – his teachings. Isn’t this a perfect time to keep learning and growing with the principles that Dr. King stood for?

Today I will re-dedicate myself to learning and reaching for the Beloved Community. I start here:

SIX PRINCIPLES OF NONVIOLENCE

1. PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.
   • It is active nonviolent resistance to evil.
   • It is aggressive spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
2. PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.
   • The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.
   • The purpose of nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community.
3. PRINCIPLE THREE: Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice not people.
   • Nonviolence recognizes that evildoers are also victims and are not evil people.
   • The nonviolent resister seeks to defeat evil not people.
4. PRINCIPLE FOUR: Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform.
   • Nonviolence accepts suffering without retaliation.
   • Unearned suffering is redemptive and has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.
5. PRINCIPLE FIVE: Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.
   • Nonviolence resists violence of the spirit as well as the body.
   • Nonviolent love is spontaneous, unmotivated, unselfish and creative.
6. PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.
   • The nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win.
   • Nonviolence believes that God is a God of justice.

Be courageous (principle 1) as you step out into the world. Walk alongside others that uphold these principles – be part of creating a Beloved Community. Reach with me.

Thank you Dr. King and all of those that work for freedom and justice to make this country and this world more compassionate.
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During the next couple of days, celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by attending events and service projects taking place here in Atlanta. Click here for details.

Leanne Rubenstein 
Executive Director
Compassionate Atlanta