What does it mean to be an ESD instructor?

It means more than teaching techniques. It means taking responsibility for the quality, safety, professionalism, and impact of our work — and recognising that certification is the beginning of an ongoing learning journey.

As ESD grows across communities and countries, we have an opportunity to strengthen the profession together. This means continuing to learn, practise, reflect, and share; teaching within our competencies; deepening our understanding of violence; and creating learning experiences that are safe, empowering, and meaningful.
 

This is not about teaching ESD in one prescribed way. Our diversity of experience, culture, and expertise is one of our strengths. What connects us is a shared commitment to quality, ethical practice, empowerment, inclusion, continuous learning, and professional integrity.

We also recognise that every training represents the wider ESD community. The quality of our work shapes how ESD is understood and trusted by participants, partners, institutions, researchers, and funders.

That is why maintaining and strengthening the quality of ESD is a collective responsibility.
 

By signing the Shared Commitment to Quality in Empowerment Self Defense, you are affirming your commitment to continued learning, responsible practice, and a strong, supportive professional community — and to helping build an ESD movement that is stronger, more connected, professional, and impactful.

Read the full commitment, reflect on it, and add your name to this shared vision for the future of ESD.