Gandhi-King Principles
Gandhi and King Principles of Nonviolence and King’s Six Step Process toward Social Change
Gandhi Principles with regard to Public Policy:
1. Truth and truthfulness
• Unconditional commitment to be truthful and authentic.
2. Ahimsa (nonviolence) in relationship at all levels
• One must also accept the fact that all forms of violence cannot be
totally eliminated.
3. Trusteeship
• Each one of us has a unique talent; however, we do not own it but serve as
trustee; our talent must be used as much for the sake of others as for ourselves.
4. Constructive Action
• Once acknowledged and balanced, we must use our talents to empower others in creating social change as a whole community.
Gandhi Principles with regard to Personal Policy:
1. Respect
• To respect others and accept the interdependence and interconnectedness of all life.
2. Understanding
• We must begin to understand the “whys” of being here, both for ourselves & others.
3. Acceptance
• Out of resepct and understanding, we can begin to accept one another’s differences.
4. Appreciating Differences
• To move beyond acceptance into appreciation and celebration of differences.
King Principles of Nonviolence
1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.
2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.
3. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustices, not people.
4. Nonviolence holds that suffering for a cause can educate and transform.
5. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.
6. Nonviolence holds that the universe is on the side of justice and that right will prevail.
King’s Six Step Process toward Social Change
1. Information gathering
2. Education
3. Personal commitments
4. Negotiation
5. Direct Action
6. Reconciliation and beginning the healing process