The complicated simplicity of nonviolence: Sal Monteiro at TEDxMosesBrownSchool

When Sal Monteiro left his house one afternoon, he had no idea that his life would change forever. Barely 19, he was involved in an unanticipated incident that was so horrific, his view of the world underwent a complete metamorphosis. His life, along with those of several others, would never be the same. As a result of Sal's actions, these few seconds of his life, he served 13 years of a 20-year prison sentence. Fully accepting responsibility for his actions that day, Sal was released as a changed individual. He had learned that violence breeds violence, and the real resolution to conflict is achieved through nonviolence. Committed to the principles of nonviolence espoused by Martin Luther King, Jr., Sal currently serves as a trainer of nonviolence for the Institute & Study of Nonviolence, in Providence. His compelling story, and the lessons derived from it, have helped improve the lives of many young men and women whose life direction prior to meeting Sal had them headed for "jail or the grave." The Institute is an innovative, nationally lauded organization that targets the reduction of gang or group violence in Rhode Island. Working with law enforcement and hospitals, the Institute has brought Rhode Island's homicide rate down consistently over the past ten years.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[historyyt]

This guy came to my high school to teach us stuff like this. Amazing guy and I hope he's doing well.

[emmcmanamy]

Sal, that's so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

[kathleenmacferran]

Sal, I'm inspired by your story that shows nonviolence as a tool of power and a consciousness of courage. However it was that you found the strength within you that day to say "no, " I'm glad you did. I'm also glad you have the willingness to share that power with others. I'm convinced the world is a better place because of the choices you've made and the vision you embody.

[alphajiz]

The sound is terrible for a TEDtalk.. Is there a post process that will improve it?

[angelheartsolor]

Minus and Subtracting inappropriate suggestions form the astral realm on the poor and socially legal but not popular political views, in all directions and time zones, in  Divine GeOM{ong}try, unborged, unassimilated...seeing through the pin box reality...revolution begins with the mind it stays in mindfulness and peaceful legal actions. Remember though if it isn't legal you can break that law.

[angelheartsolor]

In the astral realm you cant tell a man from a woman?OTRRTO.

[angelheartsolor]

Invite Putin to join in supporting freedom and stabilization of Urkraine, President Obama and John Kerry. Sweet Irish butter.