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You are here to discuss a matter which is of extreme importance to yourselves, your families and your community, so let's get to the subject at hand. A hundred and fifty-five years ago, in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico, a padre proclaimed the struggle for liberty. He was killed, but ten years later Mexico won its independence. We Mexicans here in the United States, as well as all other farm workers, are engaged in another struggle for the freedom and dignity which poverty denies us. But it must not be a violent struggle, even if violence is used against us. Violence can only hurt us and our cause. The law is for us as well as the ranchers. The strike was begun by the Filipinos, but it is not exclusively for them. Tonight we must decide if we are to join our fellow workers.

Cesar Chavez#2

Non violenceWorkersUnityFreedomViolenceCauseLaw

About this quote

What does it mean?
The struggle for freedom and dignity must remain non-violent despite opposition, as violence harms the cause while the law applies to all.
In plain terms
Fight for freedom without violence because it helps no one.
What can you take from it?
Use non-violent methods to protect the cause and future.

Where it applies

  • community meetings
  • movement planning
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • resolve conflicts peacefully
  • explain non-violence
  • unite workers

Questions to consider

  • Is non-violence effective against violence?
  • How to protect a cause?

Another view

Non-violence requires patience that some desperate situations may lack.

More from Cesar Chavez

  1. ?Si se puede!

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. We don't know how God chooses martyrs. We do know that they give us the most precious gift they possess - their very lives.

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. We, the undersigned, gathered in Pilgrimage to the capital of the State in Sacramento in penance for all the failings of Farm Workers as free and sovereign men…

    Permalink to quote #4

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