Each large action typically has its own nonviolence agreement, but below are ones that have been synthesized from those used at many actions with some notes on what they mean. These guidelines for action form an agreement between the participants of the action about what behavior is acceptable. When every affinity group agrees to these guidelines, then everyone in the action knows what they can expect from everyone else. By having a clear set of criteria, it is easier to know who belongs at the action — those individuals or affinity groups who do not adhere to the guidelines can be asked to leave (by the nonviolence monitors or others).

By making it clear in advance to ourselves, the opposition, and others that we will be nonviolent, spelling out exactly what that means, acting that way, and insisting that everyone act that way at our actions, we make it easy to deny accusations of violent behavior and we build a reputation as being nonviolent and trustworthy.

DPTJC Guidelines For Lawful Nonviolent Demonstrations:

As participants in today's DPTJC action, we will reflect upon and abide by these commitments:

1. Our attitude — as conveyed through words, symbols, and actions — will be one of openness, friendliness, and respect towards everyone we meet.

   This includes both people we are working with and our “opposition” before and during the action. You should at least be able to pretend friendliness and lovingness. If you need to rage at authority figures, go do it somewhere else — it is not useful at this action.

2. We will use no violence, verbal or physical, toward any person.

   Violence includes insults, snide comments, snottiness, guilt-tripping, obnoxious gestures and facial expressions.

3. We will protect those who oppose us from insults or attack.
4. We will not destroy or damage any property.

   The issue of property damage tends to shock and appal people.

5. We will carry no weapons.
6. We will not bring or use any drugs or alcohol other than for medicinal purposes.

   We want everyone to be as clear-headed as possible and we want the issue of illegal drugs to be moot.

7. We will block neither vehicular nor pedestrian traffic.
8. We will comply with all lawful requests from police officers.
9. We will not run or use any threatening motions.

   This means both that we will not run away and that we will not run from place to place — running tends to get people’s adrenaline flowing and to think that there is something exciting going on that they should run to also — encouraging a mob response.

10. As members of the nonviolent demonstration, we will follow the directions of the designated coordinators. In the event of a serious disagreement, we will remove ourselves from the action.
11. We understand that plans for our activities may be shared with the "authorities".

DPTJC Guidelines For Nonviolent Demonstrations That Include Civil Disobedience:

As participants in today's DPTJC action, we will reflect upon and abide by these commitments:

1. Our attitude — as conveyed through words, symbols, and actions — will be one of openness, friendliness, and respect towards everyone we meet.

   This includes both people we are working with and our “opposition” before and during the action. You should at least be able to pretend friendliness and lovingness. If you need to rage at authority figures, go do it somewhere else — it is not useful at this action.

2. We will use no violence, verbal or physical, toward any person.

   Violence includes insults, snide comments, snottiness, guilt-tripping, obnoxious gestures and facial expressions.

3. We will protect those who oppose us from insults or attack.
4. We will not destroy or damage any property.

   The issue of property damage tends to shock and appal people.

5. We will carry no weapons.
6. We will not bring or use any drugs or alcohol other than for medicinal purposes.

   We want everyone to be as clear-headed as possible and we want the issue of illegal drugs to be moot.

7. If arrested, we will behave in an exemplary manner. We will not evade the legal consequences of our actions.
8. We will not run or use any threatening motions.

   This means both that we will not run away and that we will not run from place to place — running tends to get people’s adrenaline flowing and to think that there is something exciting going on that they should run to also — encouraging a mob response.

9. As members of the nonviolent demonstration, we will follow the directions of the designated coordinators. In the event of a serious disagreement, we will remove ourselves from the action.
10. We understand that plans for our activities may be shared with the "authorities".