The overview section of the online Backfire in Action course introduces nonviolent action as a powerful response to political violence and its role in fostering change. Through videos, interactive content, and expert insights, participants will explore guiding principles, historical and modern examples of nonviolent resistance, and practical tools to help communities stay safe, protect each other, and organize for lasting impact.

What conditions enable repression and political violence to happen? And what does repression and political violence actually mean? How do we recognize where it comes from and when it happens in our communities? In Part 2 of this training, we’ll go deeper into the larger context of authoritarianism and how authoritarians leverage political violence and repression to build, consolidate, and maintain power.  We’ll also discuss the tactics that those who enable, incite, and enact political violence use to hide their actions and silence resistance. We’ll explore the five common strategies that perpetrators use to get away with repression and violence, and how these tactics rely on the pillars of support that uphold authoritarian systems. Through real-world examples and strategic insight, this session will equip you to better identify repression and political violence in all its forms and understand the systems that enable it—so we can disrupt and ultimately dismantle them together.

How do we shift the balance of power when intimidation, threats, and abuse are used to silence voices and block participation? Part 3 of this training dives into the strategies that communities have used throughout history—and still use today—to expose injustice and make harmful tactics backfire. From the Selma to Montgomery marches to present-day organizing, we’ll explore how people have used five time-tested principles to reveal abuse, validate the dignity of targets, reframe the narrative, redirect energy away from official channels, and resist intimidation. Through case studies, modern-day examples, and practical tools, this session offers a roadmap for how we can push back against the systems and structures that enable oppression—and build the support, strength, visibility, and solidarity we need to win.

So how can you help your group, community, and or organization make repression and political violence backfire? In this section, we focus on how to turn preparation into power. You'll learn how to help your group, community, or organization lay the groundwork to make harmful tactics backfire—before a crisis hits. We'll walk through tools for building strong coalitions, mapping stakeholders, identifying strengths and risks, and planning for inclusive, strategic action. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your impact, this section gives you the frameworks and practical steps to move from preparation to activation when the moment calls for it.

Ready to go deeper? This section connects you with additional opportunities to strengthen your skills and grow your impact. Explore advanced trainings on nonviolent action, strategic planning, and narrative change led by HOPE team members and partners. If you're looking for more personalized support, you can request coaching, consultation, or customized training by filling out our intake form—someone from our team will be in touch soon to help you take the next step.