Tools for Meeting the Moment

Globally, authoritarianism has been on the rise, and political freedoms have been steadily declining. Authoritarianism is not just a threat to democratic governance or a concern for political actors. It is a concern to us all, as it both relies on and fuels violence in order to take root. Authoritarians intentionally sow divisions, cast vulnerable groups as enemies, and stoke feelings of superiority to justify and/or distract from unpopular policies, including those that aggrandize their power. Underlying this is a politics of us versus them: a guilty and threatening “them” that endangers “our physical security,” “our way of life,” and “our women and children;” and a virtuous “us” in need of protection. These narratives also dehumanize marginalized groups, criminalize opponents, and erode accountability for the use of violence in alignment with authoritarian goals, ultimately creating a permissive environment for political and identity-based violence.   

History teaches there are many ways we can rise to meet this moment. We can work to prevent political and identity-based violence by strengthening our shared values, identities, and social fabric. Where threats have escalated, we can defuse risks for violence by anticipating and addressing growing tensions. And if instances of violence do occur, we can respond to them in ways that limit harm and downstream consequences, and demonstrate solidarity with targeted communities. 

PREVENT

Building relationships around shared values and making inroads with unlikely allies creates the infrastructure needed to defeat authoritarianism. These tools are designed to help leaders expand and deepen trusting relationships: 

• Community Resilience Mapping: Identify key partners for building resilience to violence

• Community Risk and Resilience Assessment: Identify sources of risk and resilience in your community to lay the groundwork for effective response efforts

• Building a Resiliency Network Toolkit: Build local "resiliency networks" to prevent and respond to violence (a full guide) 

• Case Studies in Preventing and Resisting Identity-Based Violence: Learn from global case studies about how leaders steer their communities away from division and violence  

DEFUSE

By preparing for likely risks, engaging trusted messengers, and counteracting dangerous narratives, we can defuse threats with the longer goal of running out the clock. Here are some tools in service of those goals:

• Scenario Planning Worksheet: Guide to anticipating and planning for risks of violence that may occur in communities

• Six Things Faith Leaders Can Do Amid Heightened Tensions: Guidance for faith leaders to defuse tensions and empower communities to take pro-democracy actions

• Ten Ways Veterans Can be Advocates for Peace During Contentious Times: Guidance for veterans on promoting peace and democracy as trusted messengers in our communities

• Partner Engagement for High Risk Events: Guidance for state and local leaders on how to prepare for and defuse risks at potentially contentious events

RESPOND

There will also be times when we need to directly counter and respond to harm, while taking as many precautions to mitigate risk as possible. Below are guides to strategically speaking out against violence and restoring norms of peace and civility: 

• Guide to Rapid Response Communications: Introduction to rapid response communication principles and protocols for responding to instances of identity-based or political violence

• Dos and Don’ts for Communicating in Response to Violence: Guidance for leaders on how to skillfully denounce violence and promote positive actions, while avoiding common downfalls

• Specific messaging guidance for different scenarios, including messages you can adapt to your context:

• Scapegoating for Political Ends

• Scapegoating of Immigrant Communities

• Scapegoating of the LGBTQ Community 

• Violence at a Protest or Event

• Civil Unrest

• Violence Against a Politician/Candidate

• Extremist Activity 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE MEDIA

Media guides for responsibly covering political violence, including extremism, incendiary rhetoric, violence against candidates, and violence at protests/demonstrations can be found here.  

QUESTIONS?

Over Zero holds office hours as an invitation to think through strategy together. You can sign up here or reach out to us at info@projectoverzero.org.