Developing a Culture of Nonviolence Through Cultural Humility Professional Development

Abstract

Nonviolence is a way of being, one we should begin building in early childhood. Early childhood development centers and schools can and should play a critical role in cultivating the spirit of nonviolence through curriculum, program design, parent-teacher interactions, peer-to-peer role modeling, and every interaction with children. Early childhood education (ECE) can play a pivotal role in supporting attributional development of both teachers and families in cultivating the spirit of nonviolence. This intrapersonal and interpersonal development is essential for the creation and sustainability of a culture of nonviolence in ECE programs. In this chapter, the author examines nonviolent attributes at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional level to create a culture of nonviolence from the inside out. Special attention is paid to the attribute of humility and how cultural humility principles and practices foster the skills of and commitment to nonviolence. Recommendations for promising practices and professional development are provided.