Nonviolent social movements require midwives.
They are NOT spontaneous events. Many historians fail to portray the intense preparation and training which precede the dramatic and courageous actions of nonviolent social movements. Richard Deats, himself a peace activist and teacher, is an exception. His new book, Marked for Life (New City Press), describes the life and work of Hildegard Goss-Mayr, a midwife to people power movements across Africa, Europe, North American, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
A military wife and a peace activist--I was both at the same time! My husband’s security clearance was threatened, yet he remained supportive. With other friends in the nuclear submarine service, we spent hours discussing the Vietnam War. They wanted peace, like we did. My husband considered, but decided against, seeking sanctuary as a conscientious objector at the Episcopal convention; he was due to be discharged soon. When he got out, he went to high schools, joined veterans’ and other peace groups, and marched. Together, we spoke to congregations; our largest and most attentive crowd was at the Navy submariners’ church. Over and over again, I discovered that military personnel were not necessarily pro-war and that they pondered the moral issues. And I observed that the public held veterans as among the most credible voices in the peace movement. These experiences convinced me to join Veterans for Peace (VFP) as an associate. 
The CCP circle of truths exercise is a transforming experience that engenders surprising respect and understanding toward opponents. It also is an effective tool for planning nonviolent actions. We know that a growing child eventually develops the cognitive and emotional maturity to conceptually "put herself in someone else's shoes." It is this ability to role-take that is practiced and refined in the circle of truths exercise. 
