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Whether you are stopping an aspiring autocrat from taking power or bringing down an autocrat already in power, nonviolence works better than all alternatives--more often and with far fewer costs than violence and, of course, better than apathy or fantasizing, no matter how fervent.
Part of the key to creating a movement that sticks to nonviolent conduct is to develop a code of conduct, preferably one that can be printed up and carried by all participants. Gandhi had one, Martin Luther King Jr and the Civil Rights movement had theirs, and so have other successful nonviolent movements.
I personally feel the Einstein adage applies best: Make it as simple as possible, but not simpler. In other words, there really isn't any need for an elaborate code covering all possible permutations of scenarios, so it should be simpler than that. However, a code that is too simple may be seen as, well, simplistic. Either problem can make it seem unrealistic.
Once your relatively small original core leadership agrees on the code of conduct, it may used as a filter for joining the movement, whether for individuals or for groups. Here is one sample:
Code of conduct
· We will harm no one physically
· We will treat all with respect
· We will express no hatred for any person
· If we are attacked, we will respond only with nonviolence
signed_______________________
Some codes of conduct include points that deal with property destruction and some do not. Some codes of conduct include points that deal with scrupulously following the law and some don't. Some include faith-based points, some include loyalty to leadership, and some include state of mind promises. The important job of the code of conduct is that it starts as a promise and develops into a tool to defend participants in the media, to armed agents of the state, in courts, and to their neighbors. Carrying a signed copy on your person is a surprisingly valuable tool in your nonviolent toolkit.
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