Irish Network for Nonviolent Action, Training and Education (INNATE).
INNATE provides information and training on nonviolence and nonviolent action. It acts as a network linking those committed to, or interested in, explicitly non-violent action and training. Some of INNATE’s work is intertwined with community relations and the development of a nonviolent response to areas of community tension. In the context of ‘peace’ work, INNATE insists that a radical concept of nonviolence and nonviolent action, learning from both Irish and international experience, offers much in addressing the conflict in Northern Ireland.
INNATE was the first body to introduce monitoring of contentious parades and situations to Northern Ireland in the latter part of the Troubles, but is as at home with actions involving advocacy (taking sides), including nonviolent direct action, as it is with mediative ‘third party’ action. Some of INNATE’s ‘learning’ would be reflected in their workshops and editorials on their website.
INNATE has only volunteer members of staff and no permanent employees.
Internationally, INNATE has informal links with other structures but is formally associated or affiliated with two, respectively faith-based and secular nonviolence internationals:
- International Fellowship of Reconciliation which has its headquarters in Alkmaar, the Netherlands; www.ifor.org
- War Resisters’ International, which has its headquarters in London; www.wri-irg.org
INNATE monitor debrief
Nonviolent News
INNATE run ‘Nonviolent News’, a newsletter to keep the people of Northern Ireland informed about human rights and non-violence locally and internationally. Nonviolent News started in 1987 and has been produced monthly (usually 10 a year) since 1994. It is produced in paper, and extended email and web editions.
The aim of the project is to ensure that people in Ireland and Northern Ireland have information about groups and initiatives in peace, nonviolence, campaigning, and to some extent green issues and human rights. While concentrating on Irish groups, North and South, the perspective is an international one and seeks to cover solidarity groups to some extent.
Nonviolent News is an important medium on the island of Ireland for information regarding peace, nonviolence, and campaigning issues and includes some coverage of human rights and green issues.
