In this episode, Scot and Sue discuss Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence (HOPE PV), a new report and training program from 22CI and the Horizons Project, with report author Hardy Merriman and Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart of Political Research Associates. The vast majority of people in this country do not condone the use of violence to settle political disputes, yet political violence is on the rise and some politicians and elites stoke these flames with their rhetoric. Hardy and Naomi help us define political violence, explain how large the problem has grown, and detail how participation in HOPE PV trainings can equip community leaders with the strategy and tactics to organize against political violence.

Guest Bios

Hardy Merriman is the author of the HOPE PV report and President of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict. For over 20 years he has focused on nonviolent civil resistance movements using a range of tactics-such as strikes, boycotts, protests, and acts of noncooperation-to advance human rights, freedom, and justice around the world.

Reverend Naomi Washington-Leapheart is the Strategic Partnerships Director at Political Research Associates, a social justice research and strategy center. Previously, Rev. Naomi served the City of Philadelphia as the Director for Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs, and was the Faith Work Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force, the country's oldest national LGBTQ justice and equality group.

Additional Resources

• HOPE PV Website





• Waging Nonviolence Interview with Hardy





• Political Organizing and Teaching about Theology w/Reverend Naomi Washington-Leapheart





• Revolutionary Mothering with Kentina and Naomi Washington-Leapheart

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