Community action group Rise Above Bermuda is urging everyone to take part in a day of peace tomorrow

The group is launching the National Commitment to Non-violence Day on the birthday of US civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

A spokesman said: "The overall purpose would be to promote non-violence as a courageous way of living — a new beginning."

Tomorrow The Royal Gazette will be distributing "We Support Non-violence" posters with the paper for every reader to display prominently at their residence or place of work.

And Rise Above hopes the Country will get actively involved in thinking about non-violence tomorrow, when they want:

• Principals, teachers, and leaders to promote any or all of the principles of non-violence focus in lessons, assemblies, meetings and relevant school settings;

• Citizens to drive with headlights on and wear blue in solidarity and to demonstrate commitment to non-violence;

• Radio and talk show hosts to facilitate conversations on the principles of non-violence;

• Promoting non-violence as a way of life on social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter;

• Organisations to plan speaking events which feature the principles of non-violence across the Island throughout the day;

• Organisations to hold lunchtime forums discussing how to promote non-violence in the workplace.

The group was started by brothers Dwayne, Travis and Wayne Caines and Lou Matthews, who grew up in the Pembroke area which has been marred with violence in the last six weeks.

In the middle of December they challenged the community to 30 days of action. Some of the actions they have organised included peace walks along St. Monica's Road, night patrols through neighbourhoods and prayer vigils.

They also spearheaded a $100,000 reward scheme for information that leads to arrest and conviction of people responsible for any of the five murders since May 2009. Last year 17 people were shot, four of whom were murdered.

So far this year two people have been shot. Perry Puckerin was murdered at Hamilton Workman's Club at 9.30 p.m. on January 4 and an unknown 21-year-old was shot in the leg on Pembroke Place Road on January 10.

Yesterday, founder Dr. Matthews said the group wants people to think about the principles of non-violence.

"We believe non-violence is a way of life for courageous people," he said. "We believe non-violence seeks to win friendship and understanding.

"We believe the end result of non-violence is redemption and reconciliation.

"We believe non-violence seeks to defeat injustice, not people. We believe non-violence holds that suffering educates and reforms.

"We believe non-violence chooses love instead of hate. We believe that the universe is on the side of justice."

l Are you doing something to promote non-violence tomorrow? E-mail newsroyalgazette.bm