“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead Grandmothers for Peace International
Barbara Wiedner, Founder, 1928 - 2001 Lorraine Krofchok, Director
August 2005 Founded 1982 1,872 U.S. Military Casualties - And Still Counting
Arlington West: Santa Monica, California. Eyes Wide Open Exhibit: Sacramento, Calif., Eyes Wide Open Exhibit: Sacramento, Calif., A temporary cemetery erected every March 2005. Each white-tagged pair of March 2005. These few civilian shoes Sunday by the Veterans For Peace. boots honors a U.S. military casualty. represent thousands of Iraqi casualties.
Arlington West is a tribute not only to the On March 29-31, 2005, the American Friends Service Committee brought the “Eyes fallen U.S. soldiers, but also to the count- Wide Open” presentation to Sacramento. The exhibit speaks directly to our hearts— less innocent Iraqi citizens. reminding us of the human cost of war and honoring the sacrifice of all who have died in Every Sunday Veterans For Peace erect the Iraq war. The exhibit has visited over 40 cities with extensive local, national and inter- temporary cemeteries in Santa Barbara, national media coverage. Over 1,000 boots are tagged for the US war dead, empty shoes Santa Monica, Oceanside and other loca- and a Wall of Names represent the Iraqi civilians killed. tions around the United States. Grandmothers for Peace International co-sponsored the Sacramento event. We had ten Over 1,700 crosses, a flag-draped coffin, volunteers helping at the exhibit. Because of rain, the first day was indoors at Trinity and a 20-foot board listing the names of the Cathedral in downtown Sacramento. The display had “only” the California casualties— dead servicemen and servicewomen invite about 150 boots on display, along with hundreds of civilian shoes representing the dead the public to honor these unacknowledged Iraqis. When I walked in the door that morning I gasped, with tears flooding my eyes, and fallen, and to ponder the cost of war. thought “I won’t be able to stay.” But, as I gained my composure I walked among “The Visitors may write the name of the dead on Boots,” the empty boots. a slip of paper, and along with fresh flow- Sunny days brought the full exhibit to Capitol Park in Sacramento, in sight of our ers, place them on a cross. Capitol building and next to the All Wars Monument. Roberta Penrose and her husband A separate sign informs: “If we were to Richard walked among the boots and related this experience. “We were there the last day honor the Iraqi Dead, it would fill this and near two women who were placing a remembrance on the boots. A man came up to entire beach.” them and said ‘is that your son?’ One replied, ‘no, it’s my granddaughter, and her great Arlington West has been built every granddaughter.’ He said, ‘my son is over here.’ All I could manage to get out was ‘I’m so Sunday since February 2003, and will con- sorry’ and they said ‘thank you.’ It will be with us for a very long time.” tinue to be built until the war ends in Iraq. I urge you to come to this exhibit. It is heart wrenching, but it is necessary for you to The goal of Arlington West is “to honor see for yourself the human cost of war. Of course we know the cost, but seeing the exhib- the fallen and the wounded from the Iraq it makes it so real. The visuals are heartbreaking; the impact is astonishing. Please remem- War, to provide a place for Americans to ber this is what we, Grandmothers for Peace, are about. We must break the cycle of vio- grieve and to encourage dialogue about lence and war, seek peaceful conflict resolution, and strive to live in peace—for a better, America at war.” safer world for the future. (Ed: See pg. 10 to order the Arlington West video.) (Ed: See page 9 for EWO Exhibit dates; for more formation: http://www.eyes.afsc.org) GFPI CHAPTER A CTIONS FROM COAST TO COAST AND BEYOND
Columbia, Maryland information both locally and nationally. these destructive policies, and we Deborah Matherly On the national front, we discussed the idea feel certain that our little vigil Bette Hoover, who traveled with Mothers of working with other groups to establish a day helps accomplish that. for Peace USA, reported on her recent trip to (perhaps the Saturday before Mother’s Day) to the Women to Women for Peace Conference gather at military recruiting stations to present in England. She told us the people of alternative material to potential recruits. Yorkshire are very aware that the intelligence (Ed: www.thepeacealliance.org for US gathered from major communications (spy) Department of Peace information.) facilities there (staffed almost entirely with New York City, New York US personnel) is going back to Maryland. Joan Wile The conference included representatives Grandmothers Against the War, the New from Japan, who are very concerned that the York City affiliate of Grandmothers for Peace Japanese government, with US urging, is International, has a vocal group called the New York City, New York, GFP: left, Helen attempting to change the 9th Article of its con- Miles, Joan Wile, Tommy Goodman, New York Granny Chicks. We were invited to Rosemarie Jun at the Martin Luther King stitution. That article specifically disavows perform January 18, 2005, for the Martin Day celebration, January 18, 2005. warfare and avows peace, and precludes Luther King Day celebration at Holy Name Japanese troops from fighting in Iraq. The Church in Manhattan. It was a HUGE success! London, England women of Japan are seeking support from Our greatest yet. There were about 120 people, Jean Stead peace-loving people in the US and elsewhere including Father Berrigan. At the end, we got a In the past few months, our GFP have been to help them preserve this peaceful legacy standing ovation. in the news. resulting from the violence of World War II. Between songs, I gave this speech: Helen John, a campaigner against Menwith Also discussed at the conference was the I founded Grandmothers Hill the American “listening post” for the Star desire to promote formation of the US against the War in November 2003 Wars project, has been banned from entry to Department of Peace. The bill will be resub- because I could no longer bear to the United States. She applied to have it lifted mitted by US Representative Elijah read the daily toll of Iraqi and so she could attend the United Nations nuclear Cummings of Maryland and others on American casualties, who were non-proliferation talks, but her case has been th September 13 . Great Britain has a Ministry being slaughtered and maimed for delayed due to a backlog of court cases. for Peace- as do other nations. a war I considered, to quote During the past General Election, Helen ran Elaine Andrews and I reported on the May Martin Luther King’s words about on an anti-nuclear platform and gained votes st 21 Wilde Lake Festival. In addition to Vietnam, “Unjust, abominable and publicity for her cause. She stood with and evil.” I believed it was time to Parliament against Tony Blair. do more—to attempt to help make In early July, Helen and many other grand- a dent in the concrete wall of mothers attended a mass demonstration at deceit and misconception that Faslane base in the west of Scotland where separated President Bush from submarines carrying the Trident nuclear reality and which enabled him to weapons are based. continue his criminal policy of One of our long-standing members, decimating a sovereign nation Raymonde Hainton, attended a meeting in which had meant us no harm. Exeter, to sign a nuclear-free world petition Columbia, Maryland, GFP: left, Helen Kolbe, Thus began a year of vigils, that was to be presented at the New York Non- Bobbi Koons, Virginia Bates, Linda Kreplin, which we hold every Wednesday in Lynne Brallier, Elaine Andrews, Bette Proliferation Treaty talks by Bruce Kent. At front of Rockefeller Plaza on Fifth Hoover, June Martyn, and Debbie Matherly. the Exeter meeting, Hilda Sperry, the Lord Avenue. It is hard to know specifi- Mayor of Exeter, signed the petition on behalf cally what we accomplish by these “Elevate Peace” balloons, we had substantial of the Exeter nuclear-free local authority. actions, but I am convinced that information from AFSC, CHOICE and others Raymonde also attended a United Nations our being there radiates positively on military recruitment, the delayed enlist- Association meeting at the ancient city of Bath in many unseen ways. Hundreds of ment program and alternatives, as well as where a panel of University academics spoke foreign tourists pass us each week, cards that students could sign to “opt out.” against nuclear proliferation. Trident is due to and often stop and thank us. They There was quite a bit of interest from parents be replaced by a new generation of nuclear as well as students, some who were not aware reveal their disdain for the war and their hope that we can turn it weapons. A regional paper published a letter of the recruiting law, and others who were from Raymonde pointing out that replacement aware that recruiting was going on but did around. Many Americans do the same. We believe it is important to of Trident would be incompatible with not know what to do about it. It felt very Britain’s original agreement to support the rewarding to start “getting the word out.” We send the message here and around the world however we can, that elimination of nuclear weapons. discussed other ways of disseminating the there is a resistance in America to ◆ PLEASE SEE CHAPTER NEWS,PAGE 3 page 2 Grandmothers for Peace International Chapter News: Indiana, Minn., Wis. Meet Lindis Percy: 150 arrests and 5 jail terms ◆ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Lindis Percy, hide, there was no ‘ambush’ and I did Anderson, Indiana 64, has cam- not flap the flag—all a bit of poetic Christie Stephens paigned non- licence! But I did ‘bump’ into Colin Our Indiana Chapter participated in the Peace violently and ... and he did not get to have the pho- Day events in Anderson which included a pres- peacefully tocall with the steam train (must have entation by Colin and Wendy Parry of against nuclear cost an awful lot of money to bring it) “Children for Peace,” and the planting of a weapons for and the 2,000 business delegates! I Peace Pole in the Anderson Town Center. The nearly 30 years. later shook hands with Desmond Islamic Center in Muncie, Indiana, invited us to She has been Tutu who happened to arrive by heli- their open house dinner. arrested more copter—so much for ‘tight security’ Lois Rockhill represented us at the National than 150 times, as reported in the local press ... Hunger Awareness Day convocation at the Lorraine Krofchok, left; 30 in the past In another non-Menwith Hill protest, Lindis Washington National Cathedral, Washington, Lindis Percy, GFP year, and was arrested Nov. 17, 2003, after climbing the D.C. She lobbied Senators Lugar and Bayh and member from served five jail Hull, England; Lockheed- 20-foot-high gates at Buckingham Palace to Congressman Pence regarding hunger issues in Martin demonstration; terms. Her protest President George Bush's state visit. She America. Lois also attended the 40th anniver- Sunnyvale, California, main campaign clung there for over two hours before voluntari- sary reunion of Peace Corps volunteers who May 10, 2002. is against ly coming down. served in Turkey in the 1960s. Menwith Hill, occupied since 1966 by the Lindis is married to a Church of England Kay Shively presented a conference on peace U.S. National Security Agency, and report- chaplain, has three children and six grandchil- and reconciliation at the North American edly the biggest communications and satel- dren. She is a register nurse and midwife, but “I Convention of the Church of God. Norma Abby lite eavesdropping post in the world. actually now work as a Health Visitor (equiva- continues to write articles and letters regarding Along with Anni Rainbow, Lindis lent to Public Nurse in the US). Jean Stead sent the politics and actions of the Bush administra- formed CABB, the Campaign for the a very generous cheque which I say thank you so tion that are published in the Herald Bulletin Accountability of American Bases. It is much for. None can do this work without sup- here in Anderson. The Indiana Chapter meets “grounded in a deep concern and opposi- port in so many ways.” weekly sharing needs, concerns and resources. tion to weapons of mass destruction in Contact: email: [email protected]; St. Paul, Minnesota general and nuclear weapons in particu- [email protected]; website: www.caab.org.uk Constance Fleisher lar ... raising public awareness, scrutiny, and accountability of American bases in (Ed: *The Guardian, “Anti-war protester escapes Black Dog Cafe, a peacenik coffee asbo,” by Martin Wainwright, May 18, 2005; **The the UK.” shoppe/restaurant/peace mission establishment, Guardian, “Flag waver and scourge of US bases In May 2005, Lindis faced sentencing for in St. Paul, Minnesota, has offered to display thwarts a five-star general,” June 11, 2005). the recent conviction of five offenses of our huge St. Paul Chapter banner on one of their STEPS ACROSS THE OCEAN TO PEACE obstructing traffic outside MH. At the May walls when we are not using it for peaceful BY JOAN WILE sentencing, there was the possibility she demonstrations and peace fairs. We are able to The Grandmothers Against the War affiliate in would be the first peace campaigner to be promote our chapter through free newsletters New York City has made some valuable connec- served an anti-social behaviour order and G4P buttons. tions with two Japanese women through its (ASBO). The government has been trying We are planning our first Peace Essay project weekly vigils in front of Rockefeller Plaza on to use ASBOs to intimidate and restrict the for the public high schools and charter schools Fifth Avenue. Since it is one of the main tourist right to protest. However, Judge Anderson in the St. Paul area. centers of the City and attracts people from all dismissed the attempt stating: “the law We are active in the Boots exhibit that will be over the world, quite often Japanese visitors stop clearly intended the orders to be used at St. Catherine College in September. and talk with us. against ‘oafish and intimidating’ behaviour Recently, a Japanese woman named Kazuko Superior, Wisconsin which bore no resemblance to the long and Tataki spoke with us and then returned to Japan Dorothy Wolden dogged activities of Percy.”* He did go on where she wrote a letter about the vigil which The GFP Northland Chapter was one of the to give her an eight-week, night curfew. was published in a major Japanese newspaper. sponsors for a Peace is Patriotic concert and However, she was not electronically tagged, This is her letter, in her own translation: forum on July 4, 2005. The concert was held at as expected. “I was relieved—that is so Granma Against The War Want the historic Norshor Theater in downtown humiliating, like a medieval form of ball to Communicate Duluth, Minnesota. Over 120 people attended and chain,” Lindis said. from Kazuko Tataki (housewife, Izumi an evening of music, poetry and speeches by A June 10, 2005, protest by Lindis merit- ward, Sendai, 49 yrs.) representatives of local peace groups, including ed this June 11th headline in The Guardian: 2005 May 12th Karen Barschdorf of Northland GFP. “Flag waver and scourge of US bases I had a chance to know the group of Information tables were set up in the theater thwarts a five-star general.”** ◆ PLEASE SEE Letter, PAGE 4 lobby and copies of the GFP Opt-Out pamphlet GFP member Lindis Percy sent us this were distributed. email concerning the article: To the British people: It was an inspiring evening of sharing and Just thought you might be inter- Grandmothers for Peace send our hope for a more peaceful future, a poignant ested in this account when Colin concern, regrets, and sympathy counterbalance to the militaristic fervor of Powell came to Harrogate for the July 7th attacks in many July 4th events. recently. If you use it please your city of London would you add that I did not Grandmothers for Peace International page 3 Letter: flier they gave me moved me a lot ◆ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Darfur, Sudan: “Never Again”— Is Again “Grandmothers Against the War” when In 1994, the world stood by and watched as the Rwandan genocide claimed one million I visited New York in the beginning of lives. Afterward, world leaders vowed that genocide would never again happen. this April. Every Wednesday, from 4:30 Sadly, they were wrong. Genocide is occurring once again in the Darfur region of to 5:30 (for an hour) some relatively old Sudan. Government-backed Arab militias, called Janjaweed, are targeting the ethnically women stand in front of Rockefeller African population of Darfur. To date, over 400,000 people have died and more than 2.5 Center with placards appealing for million people have been displaced. their opinion against the dispatch of The violence in Darfur began in February 2003 when two rebel groups, frustrated with soldiers in Iraq. discrimination and poverty, led an insurgency against the government. Fearful that the No marching, no shouting in chorus. rebellion would encourage others to follow suit, the Sudanese government launched a But the flier they gave me moved me a scorched earth campaign to silence the rebels. lot. Millions of people have since been forced to flee as their homes and villages were The main members of this vigil destroyed. The Janjaweed terrorize the region with murder, rape, and torture. Those in the movement are ‘granma’ generation. refugee camps face malnutrition, starvation, and disease due to the lack of basic health- They say they’ve lost fathers in World War II; husbands in Korean War; sons care and sanitation. in Vietnam; and now they are losing Violence against Women: grandchildren in Iraq. Their sorrow The situation on the ground is especially dangerous for women. Rape is the signature inspire them to keep on vigiling till the crime of this genocide, and the UN has said it is being used as a “systematic weapon of day all soldiers come back from Iraq. war.” The attacks are not isolated crimes of opportunity but part of a deliberate campaign Not only ‘granma’ generation but to destroy the social fabric of the entire community. As a weapon of genocide, rape is used young and old, male and female gather in three ways–to impregnate women with children who are not ethnically African, to ostra- including teachers, lawyers and veter- cize unmarried women so that they can’t begin families, and to damage women’s bodies ans. They support the principle of so they are unable to have children. GATW. Women-from young girls to grandmothers-are raped and gang-raped during attacks on I wish Japanese people who’ll visit their villages and as they attempt to flee. Women who reach the relative safety of refugee New York go to Rockefeller Center and camps are susceptible to further attacks as they leave the camps in search of water and fire- watch their vigiling. They’d like to com- wood. Many women and girls are abducted and forced into sexual slavery in Janjaweed municate with Japanese women’s camps. Women are often raped in front of their families and neighbors, leaving survivors groups against all the wars, especially with extreme emotional damage in a society that shuns rape victims. ‘granma’ generations. The African Union Peacekeepers: Kazuk was so inspired by our vigil that she While many organizations provide aid to the victims of the genocide, the African Union started a peace group with some of her friends. (AU) is the only group providing protection for the people of Darfur. Where AU peace- Another Japanese lady, Chiyoko Tanaka, keepers are present, violence is lessened; when humanitarian convoys come under fire, AU read her letter in the paper and was similarly peacekeepers come to their aid. In particular, AU peacekeepers prevent further rape by inspired to the extent that she emailed me to escorting women when they leave refugee camps in search of water and firewood. express her appreciation for our activities. She However, the AU lacks sufficient resources to protect all civilians in need. While the AU then mailed me a series of cards on which she has deployed 3,200 peacekeepers to Darfur, the International Crisis Group (ICG) estimates had painted absolutely beautiful little miniature that 12,000–15,000 peacekeepers are needed to adequately protect the civilian population scenes of peace birds, the New York City sky- in Darfur, a region the size of Texas. lines, other images and, often, a cello, represent- The Genocide Intervention Fund: ing her love for Pablo Casals and his peace con- Recognizing the world’s repeated failure to stop genocides, the Genocide Intervention certs. They are truly exquisite. Chiyoko has Fund (GIF) aims to help people keep the promise of “never again.” The GIF’s current cam- incorporated little bits of glistening matter into paign for Darfur combines fundraising for the African Union peacekeepers with education the paintings which give them a unique sparkle. and advocacy efforts. By engaging citizens and pressuring international governments, the Dear Ms. Joan Wile, GIF reminds people of their responsibility to help protect victims of genocide. After only I’m very happy to know that you have really a few months, GIF has raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars, mainly donated by con- enjoyed my little cards, and the cards have cerned citizens. inspired you so much. I wish to tell my deepest What You Can Do to Help: thanks for your kind and amiable comment on The details of the crimes being committed in Darfur are heartbreaking. But although my cards. the situation is bleak, it is far from hopeless. Everyone can and must take the initiative to Indeed, across the oceans, we have the same prevent further violence against the people of Darfur. There are many things you can do strong desire to promote world peace, which is to help bring an end to the genocide: the most important as mothers, as grandmoth- ● Organize an awareness event in your community. ers and as human beings. I’m very glad to be ● Hold a fundraising event for the African Union Peacekeeping Mission. able to send my picture cards to peace vigilers ● Organize a letter writing campaign to urge your Congressperson to co-sponsor who have the same desire. the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act, H.R. 3127. My deepest respect to your valuable activity, The Genocide Intervention Fund urges you to help end the violence in Darfur. Please Chiyoko Tanaka visit our website at www.GenocideInterventionFund.org to learn more about these and other ways to take action and to sign up for our monthly newsletter.
page 4 Grandmothers for Peace International Director’s Notes
On Friday, February 25, 2005, I lost a In Vietnam, husbands, wives, and Some of them will be traveling to Ft. Benning, dear friend. children were killed. GA, this November. Actually, we all Those of us in middle age and Then we traveled to Redwood Country and lost a friend. Bill beyond have suffered immeasurable Garberville, the home of a dynamic Veterans Corrigan was losses! for Peace Chapter, hosted by one of our best. In Gulf War I, children and grand- Fredy Champagne. This is He spoke out for children were killed, and in Gulf War a truly dedicated group of peace and justice, II, grandchildren and even great Veterans, very honored to never with anger grandchildren are dead in this war have Fr. Roy speak. After but with joy and built on lies. that we headed for the beau- hope. Bill went to We who have lived this long say: tiful Northern California jail for two Silence is affirmation. We speak out! coast and Ft. Bragg. We had months in 1995 No more monuments to war, no more a very large turnout at the Fredy for his beliefs, as tombstones in Arlington, no more Town Hall, hosted by Tom Champagne, Lil and Bill Corrigan at an a prisoner of con- Vietnam walls of names, and certain- Wodetski and Janie Pres. of VFP, Garberville, CA SOA demonstration, science protesting ly no more empty ‘Boots and Shoes.’ Rezner, Alliance for Fort Benning, GA. the School of the Enough already! Democracy, Mendocino Coast chapter. We Americas. Up until the very last months of his If your children, grandchildren, and great went on to Ukiah for an event sponsored by life he and Lil would protest the war in Iraq on grandchildren believe Steve Scalmanini and then to Willets, CA, the Square in Marietta, GA. they are conscientious hosted by Sue Parkinson. Many people I met Lil and Bill when I lived in Georgia, objectors, it is time to helped put these venues together and those right after Bill went to prison. Our friendship start building a “file.” mentioned were initial contacts who helped get continued throughout our years in Georgia and Their participation in everything “rolling”! We were greeted at each continues today with Lil between phone calls, peace events, talks, ral- stop with outstanding hospitality, great interest mail, and faxes. The strength and faith of both lies, and gathering and generosity. of them inspires me always. should be kept, dated, Now we must go to work! Bill HR 1217, the and put away into a file. Latin America Military Training Review Our Community Speaks out Against War Act of 2005, calls for the Close of the School st Include pictures, where was held May 1 at the State Capitol, of the Americas. It will suspend the authority Sacramento, CA. Several of us were asked to possible. The time to start is now, before a for the Western Hemisphere Institute for speak about how Evan Roth, 2, is Security Cooperation—the successor institu- building his draft. war harms peo- tion to the United States Army School of the ple. Obviously CO file. He is the You can even begin a grandson of Americas. We have 113 co-sponsors, but need the war hurts us: file for very young chil- Myrna Seto, dren. The “powers” more. Please take the time to make an appoint- nearly 2,000 Sacramento, Calif. ment at your local Congressional offices to dead Americans should know what kind of family the CO comes from. Remember this, lobby for your Congressperson to sign on. If and 10’s of thou- you need to get more information about the sands of Iraqis; “I will not raise my child to kill your child,” from a poem by Barbara Choo. School of the Americas, please visit over $180 billion www.soaw.org. and counting In early March I have an excellent resource: a long list of spent for this war 2005, I traveled with Organizations and Groups calling for the close built on lies; and Fr. Roy Bourgeois, of SOA. I will send this to anyone who wants we are harmed Janice Freeman of it. It is very useful to leave this in the hands of because it divides Lorraine Krofchok, Our SOAWatch whomever speaks to you. We must strongly our country. Community Speaks out Sacramento and urge Congress to finally close this school When will it Against War, at the State Leisa Barnes, Capitol, Sacramento, CA, which furthers the agenda of a destructive for- stop? The war May 1, 2005. Prisoner of eign policy. George Bush has said we must affects each of us, Conscience. We were close all the terrorist training camps. We can but to those of us who are middle aged and gone for four days. Back, left: start with the School of the Americas at Ft. older, it has a ring all too familiar. These are Our first stop was Janice Freeman, Benning, Georgia. Leisa Barnes, my words that day: Sonoma State While writing this article, I learned that Fr. For our oldest senior citizens, in Fr. Roy Bourgeois, University, where we Lorraine Krofchok Roy’s mother died in early July in Louisiana. WWII parents and sometimes spous- were hosted by Peter Personally and organizationally we extend out es were lost. Phillips of Project Censored; then on to San deepest sympathy to him and his family. In yet another war, Korea, spouses Mateo at Junipero Serra High School where Peace to all of us, Lorraine were mourned. over 600 young men heard Fr. Roy speak. Grandmothers for Peace International page 5 FYI: Why the Opt-Out Insert Grandmothers Against the War vigil each week across from Rockefeller Center and A History of Its Travels — So Far pass them out. Our GFP, Faith Woolson, in Fredonia, NY, BY LORRAINE KROFCHOK After consultation and fine tuning, said their Center for Peace and Justice Grandmothers for Peace developed the Marjorie Boehm, Shirley O’Key and myself offered $25 to print 250 copies to give out at a enclosed information booklet about recruiters came up with this booklet version. large festival in August. The local Friends' after a meeting several months ago at an Elk It has been extraordinarily well received in Meeting saw the pamphlet and wanted 250 to Grove, CA, Peace and Justice gathering just a short time. Please copy it, use it, take it, give away at their Sunday Meeting for Worship where Sacramento Veterans for Peace pre- distribute it and let people know they have the at Chautauqua Institution. Perhaps 10 to 20 sented their “alternatives to the military” - the right to opt out their children from being inter- people attend the Quaker Meeting, but we presentation they give to local high schools. viewed by military recruiters. reach an entirely different crowd during the Military recruiters are relentlessly targeting Chautauqua Institution's nine-week summer young students for enlistment. Federal public program—it has an attendance of 10,000 peo- law 107–110, section 9528 of the ESEA, “No ple. “We are trying to find the cheapest print- Child Left Behind Act” requires school dis- ing rates, but even if it costs a bit more, can tricts to release student names, addresses, and you think of a better way to spend a few dol- phone numbers to military recruiters upon lars? Think what just one of these booklets their request. The military uses this informa- might do for someone: save a life!” tion to recruit students. The law also requires Dorothy Wolden of Northland GFP (Wis.) the school district to notify you of your right is working to distribute copies of the Opt-Out to Opt-Out from this by requesting that the pamphlet at local high school orientations this district not release your information to mili- fall. It is a very valuable tool for counter- tary recruiters. The completion and return of Arlington West: Santa Monica, California. recruiting and will be very helpful to parents an Opt-Out form serves as your request that A temporary cemetery erected every and students. “We must stop this exploitation private information be withheld. However, Sunday by the Veterans For Peace. and coercion of our children, their names many times the Opt-Out information is and personal information handed over to mil- buried within a “welcome” book distributed at THE TRAVELS itary recruiters by the ‘No Child Left Behind’ the beginning of the school year. OF OUR BOOKLET Act which is sometimes rightly referred to as Recruiters get home phone numbers, go to My first introduction of the booklet was at a the ‘No Child Left Unrecruited’Act.” teen “hangouts,” take young people out to eat, meeting about a month ago. I passed out 120 In Florida, GFP Peg McIntire made 100 and make promises that can not be kept. In a and a man came up to me and said he “walked copies. “I will include it in my next GFP case that made national news, a recruiter in precincts and would copy and pass out hun- newsletter also.” In addition, on July 12th, Peg, Houston told a young “possibility” that if he dreds” in the coming months. Anne Galloway and Laura Braly of People did not come in for his appointment interview Marjorie Boehm and Ellen Schwartz are for Peace and Justice requested the St Johns he would be arrested. Fortunately, the call was distributing copies at their weekly literature County School board meeting make the Opt- recorded on the young man’s answering table at Farmers’ Markets in Sacramento. Both Out form available to the students and their machine. are members of GFP and WILPF. families. No action was taken at this time. In June it come to light that for the past 2-3 Sacramento GFP Loretta Schmitz has In Minnesota, GFP Constance Fleisher years, the Pentagon has been working with given out 200 on her own, at a July 4th parade, tells me her chapter spent the evening of July the private marketing firm BeNow, Inc. of and to jr. high and high-school students. 15th at bookstores handing out the Opt-Out Wakefield, Mass. to create a huge database Veterans for Peace and Peace Action in Form to parents/guardians accompanying chil- of million of high-school students, aged 16 New York City have printed up hundreds and dren, and young adults waiting for the Harry to 18. The database includes names, dates of will distribute to schools and meetings. Potter one-minute after midnight book release. birth, genders, addresses, Social Security Sonia St. Charles, of Shoreview, Minnesota, numbers, e-mail addresses, ethnicity, tele- has hosted a number of high teas for mothers phone numbers, and even grade point aver- of teenage sons and daughters to inform them ages. The purpose, according to a Defense about the Opt-Out forms—plus, her own 15- Department statement, is “to assist” in “direct year-old son is giving out brochures. marketing recruiting efforts.” In the Bay Area our GFP Ginny DeMartini Students have the right to Opt-Out and not and Corine Thornton are handing out be subjected to recruiters’ interviews. This is brochures at meetings and events they attend. NOT anti-military; it is anti-the Bush Agenda They are being distributed at the annual of aggressive actions against the world. The Livermore Labs demonstration where hun- troops are being used as cannon fodder by the dreds gather each year on August 6th. current administration! There are no better In Houston, Texas, GFP Susan Wright and words to describe this than in a quote by her “team,” Beth, Jodi, Misty, and Colin, George Main, President of Veterans for Steve Weiss, VFP, stood at attention for two Susan’s 27 year-old son, will distribute the Peace, Sacramento, CA: “I support our hours while the names of casualties, U.S. and opt-out fliers during the Texas Tax Free week- troops and their sacrifices. I do not support Iraqi, were read at the Sacramento, California, Eyes Wide Open display on March 29, 2005. sacrificing our troops.” ◆ PLEASE SEE Travels, PAGE 7 page 6 Grandmothers for Peace International Travels: Washington, California ◆ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Recruiters Avoid Veterans For Peace In June, a small group of local activists went in solidarity support to the MEPS (Military end, prior to the start of school. They plan to dis- Entrance Processing Stations) here in Sacramento, CA. It is where the young recruits are test- tribute 2,000 in malls and stores where people shop. Susan says “That’s our goal. In fact, two ed and processed into the military after the promises of their recruiters. The military chose of us are even using vacation days to do this to take a five- minute action and blow it into a full blown media event! project because we are so committed to getting George Main, President of Veterans for Peace Sacramento Chapter had a “Petition for the word out to other parents. I’m sure there Redress of Grievance” that he wanted to leave with the officer in charge at the facility. are so many out there that do not even realize Essentially the petition asked the Department of Defense to recognize and honor a 72-hour that the military has access to their children’s cooling off period for persons under the age of 21 who sign the Enlistment/Reenlistment records! I’m also glad that I found GFP,it has Document Armed Forces of the US. It would give our young people the same “right” as buy- given me courage to stand up for my convic- ing a product and changing your mind after thinking about what you have done. tions when I live in an area where being against Bush isn’t always popular.” The doors were locked and no one was answering the knocks or the bell, although many In Washington state, GFP Ellen Murphy has were gathered inside. After about 40 minutes, the police came out and said George could slip made copies to hand out at a Peace Action meet- his list between the slats of the locked door! No one would come out or let him in to exercise ing near Seattle. She also will give them to the a First Amendment right. We pay the salaries of the people behind that locked door! As we local Peace & Justice Center counter-recruiting left, the paper remained on the floor. group, and “continue to take them with me Veterans for Peace and others gather at 4:30 a.m., four days a week as the young poten- wherever I can.” Ellen was arrested and went to tial recruits are bused in to MEPS for their final paperwork and exams. They attempt to trial a few years ago for handing out information tell them there are alternatives to the military, and in some cases have had success. at a recruiting station about Depleted Uranium. And, because of the efforts of Corine Left: George Main waits Thornton in Hayward, CA, the opt out form is for someone to let him on the website of Representative Pete Stark! in to talk and present Corine gave it to Rep. Stark at a Town Hall the petition. Right: George slips the Meeting and he promised to post it, which he did. petition in the door. Far (Ed: At his website, type “opt out” into the right: The untouched search area.) document on the floor.
Women’s Pledge to Protect and Resist
I, am not raising/did not raise my son, daughter, or the other Print Full Name children in my life to wage war on or to harm the sons and daughters of women anywhere. Nor will I myself ever agree to fight in war.
I will support and assist my spouse/partner, children, grandchildren, or other family and friends in registering as Conscientious Objectors and/or refusing to serve in the US military.
Signature Address Date Additional statement:
A conscientious objector is one who gains legal status for opposition to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms, on the grounds of moral or religious principles. This pledge is sponsored and supported by Consent Denied: Women Reject War 118 1/2 W 10th St Duluth MN 55806 218-724-1891
Grandmothers for Peace International page 7 Grandmothers for Peace Directory
International Office Florida: St. Augustine Chapter New York: Chautauqua County Area Contact Lorraine Krofchok, Director Peg McIntire, Grandparents for Peace (Peg’s Person Grandmothers for Peace International name for her local group) Faith Woolson P.O. Box 580788 21 Village Las Palma Circle 3488Weber Rd. Elk Grove, CA 95758 St. Augustine, FL 32080-3590 Fredonia, NY 14063 Phone: (916) 685-1130 Phone: (904) 471-1986 E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] New York: Affiliate Organization - Florida: Cocoa Area Contact Person Grandmothers Againt the War United States Terre Beasley Joan Wile Local Chapters/Contact People P.O. Box 1471 Grandmothers Againt the War Alabama: Evergreen Area Contact Person Cocoa, FL 32923-1471 263 West End Ave., Apt. 4B Diane S. Sosebee Phone: (321) 591-8644 New York, NY 10023 103 McMillan St. E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: (917) 441-0651 Evergreen, AL 36401 Florida: Venice Area Contact Person E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (251) 578-2350 [home] June Forsythe Website: grandmothersagainstthewar.org (251) 578-2670 [work] 316 Park Blvd. N Oklahoma: Tulsa Area Contact Person Fax: (251) 578-2316 [work] Venice, FL 34285 Janet L. Hutto E-Mail: [email protected] Indiana: Tri-State Chapter Area Contact Phone: (918) 744-6019 Arizona: West Valley Chapter Person (Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois) E-Mail: [email protected] Maureen Cotner Patricia Galbraith Oregon: Eugene Area Contact Person Suprise, AZ Evansville, IN Elisabeth Robinson E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: (812)867-3914 P.O. Box 71875 California: Grass Valley/Nevada City Chapter E-Mail: [email protected] Eugene, OR 97401 Shirley McDonald Indiana: Indiana Chapter Phone: (541) 747-5814 P.O. Box 2134 Christine Smith Stephens E-Mail: [email protected] Nevada City, CA 95959 1821 West Tenth Street South Carolina: Charleston Phone: (503) 265-5545 Anderson, IN 46016 Susan Livingston E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: (765) 644-0069 151A St. Philip St. California: Hayward Chapter E-Mail: [email protected] Charleston, SC 29403 Corine Thornton Maryland: Maryland Chapter Phone: (843)-577-7388 24417 Margaret Drive Deborah Matherly E-Mail: [email protected] Hayward, CA 94542 Phone: (410) 730-6049 Texas: Amarillo Area Contact Person Phone: (51 0) 582-7699 E-Mail: [email protected] Pam Allison California: Rossmoor/Walnut Creek Affiliate Massachusetts: Cape Cod Area P.O. Box 30939 Organization - Grandparents for Peace Contact Person Amarillo, TX 79120 Nancy Landfield Peggy Prichett E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Virginia: Northern Virginia Chapter California: San Luis Obispo Area Chapter Massachusetts: Boston Contact Person Suzanne C. Doherty Molly Johnson Susan Lees 9873 Lakepointe Dr. 6290 Hawk Ridge Place Phone: 97810 316-1618 Burke, VA 22015 San Miguel, CA 93451 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: (703) 978-5178 Phone/Fax: (805) 467-2431 Minnesota: Minnesota Chapter E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Marilyn Jones Washington: South Puget Sound Area California: Sacramento Area Chapter P.O. Box 24251 Contact Person Lorraine Krofchok Minneapolis, MN 55424 Monet Lion th # Please see International Office E-Mail: [email protected] 10031 SE 258 Pl D-101 California: San Carlos Area Contact Person Website: minnesota.grandmothersforpeace.org Kent, WA 98030 Joanne Thompson Minnesota: St. Paul Chapter Phone/Fax: (253) 639-1731 223 Oakview Drive Constance Fleisher E-Mail: [email protected] San Carlos, CA 94070 Towers of Galtier Wisconsin: Kickapoo Valley Chapter Phone: (650) 592-3656 172 E. 6th Street #1206 Rita G. Conway E-Mail: [email protected] St. Paul, MN 55101 21715 Nordale Ave. California: San Diego Area Contact Person Phone: (651) 227-4619 Ontario, WI 54651 Kathleen Schroeder E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: E-Mail: [email protected] Nevada: Las Vegas Chapter [email protected] Florida: Young Women’s Auxiliary Ginny Beamer Wisconsin: Milwaukee Area Contact Person Mary Provost Sellers Phone: (702) 631-3560 Verdell De Yarman 3500 Gulf Blvd., Unit 411 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: (414) 562-8014 Bellaire Beach, FL 33786 Phone: (727) 596-2701
◆ PLEASE SEE GFP DIRECTORY,PAGE 9 page 8 Grandmothers for Peace International GFP Directory: U.S. & Internat’l Contacts B a r b a r a W i e d n e r a n d D o r o t h y V a n d e r c o o k ◆ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Memorial Scholarship Foundation Wisconsin: Northland Chapter Janet Provost 2614 N. 22nd Street 2005 Scholarship Foundation Winners Superior, WI 54880 Jason D. Crowe: Newburgh, Indiana - $500 Phone/Fax: (715) 394-7929 Niko Milonopoulos: Studio City, California - $500 E-Mail: [email protected] Louis De Sitter: Hood River, Oregon- $250 International Given Kachepa: Colleyville, Texas, (citizen of Zambia, Africa) - $250 Local Chapters/Contact People Sydney McGrane: Reading, Massachusetts - $250 Romania: Romanian Chapter Brett Schilke: Neenah, Wisconsin - $250 Ms. Victoria Dirvaru Amanda Gelender: Castro Valley, California - $250 Str. Mitropoliei Nr. 26 Amelia Pelly: Asheville, North Carolina - $250 2400 RO Phone: 0040 269 218178 Max McDaniel: Grass Valley, California - $250 Fax: 0040 269 232650 Bethany Woolman: Albany, California - $250 South Africa: South Africa Chapter Anne Johnson: Mindcqua, Wisconsin - $250 Mufumbe Mateso, PWC General Secretary Hillary Livingston: Enon, Ohio - $250 Grandmothers for Peace Power of Women and Children, South Africa for information, and/or donation, P.O. Box 17066, Hillbrow 2038 Leal Portis, 16335 Patricia Way ● Grass Valley, CA 95949 ● USA, Johannesburg, South Africa phone/fax (530) 273-6018; ● e-mail: [email protected] Switzerland: Geneva Area Contact Person Susan Tiberghien [email protected] GFPI Membership United Kingdom: Area Contact Person Renewal/Application Jean Stead E-Mail: [email protected] ❒ Renew ❒ Keep me on the mailing list
❒ New ❒ Remove me from the mailing list
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“Boots” On The Move City State Zip Sept. 9-11: Baltimore, MD Sept. 23-25: Lancaster, PA Sept 29-Oct. 1: The College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis/ Phone: day evening St. Paul, MN Oct. 6-9: Ithaca, NY Oct. 10-18: Newark, NJ ❒ Email: Put me on the GFP email alert list. For future dates and more information please go to the EWO Exhibit: Please make membership check payable to Grandmothers for Peace Int’l. http://www.eyes.afsc.org. ❒ $25 Regular\yearly ❒ $25 Mens Auxiliary\yearly The American Friends Service ❒ $15 Senior Citizen\yearly ❒ $50 Patron\yearly Committee exhibit, “Eyes Wide Open,” ❒ $30 Family\yearly ❒ $100 Sponsor\yearly speaks directly to our hearts — reminding us of the human cost of war and honoring $ Donation to Peace Education. If your donation is $25.00 or more, the sacrifice of all who have died in the it is tax-deductible, and please make your check payable to the Iraq war. The exhibit has visited over 40 AGAPE Foundation. cities with extensive local, national and international media coverage. Mail to: Grandmothers for Peace International Ed: See page 1 for the entire article. P.O. Box 580788 Elk Grove, CA 95758 USA 7/2004 Grandmothers for Peace International page 9 Washington, D.C. NO GFP POLITICAL STOP THE NEXT WAR NOW! September 10-12 ENDORSEMENTS PERMITTED Effective Responses to Violence Department of Peace Conference & Terrorism,by peace activists Grandmothers for Peace, as an Join the Medea Benjamin and Jodie organization or chapter, can not endorse peacemak- any political candidate or group Evans, educates and reflects on Camgaigning for a U.S. Department of Peace ers in our due to our non-profit status. the effectiveness of peace-movement nation’s activities. capitol to lobby for a Cabinet-level Fort Benning, Georgia Over 70 experts, scholars, artists, Department of Peace. Legislation will be November 18-20 activists, and journalists offer hope— re-introduced in the House of Close the SOA! through shared ideas, action steps, and Representatives as a tribute to victims of Plan now to gather with stu- practical checklists—to transition from a September 11th. dent, religious, labor, veterans, culture of violence to a culture of peace.
2005 A Dept. of Peace would establish human rights, and social and Contact:Your local bookstore; order online nonviolence as an organizing princi- global justice groups at the at www.codepink4peace.org ple of American society, providing gates of Ft. Benning N “These stories of Kathy the U.S. with an array of peace- to demand justice for the martyrs and
I Kelly’s life and work, touch building policy options for domestic for the thousands that continue our soul and renew our hope and international use. to suffer the brutal consequences of and belief in humanity. They A few of the guest speakers are Walter the combat training taught at the inspire and challenge us to Cronkite, Dennis Kucinich, Marianne SOA/WHISC. work for justice,” states Williamson, and Azim Khamisa. Graduates of the School of the Mairead Corrigan Maguire, NOW Contact: www.ThePeaceAlliance.org; Americas/Western Hemisphere Institute for Nobel Peace Laureate, 1976. Security Cooperation are linked to almost k Phone: (586) 754-8195. Other Lands Have Dreams: From every major human rights violation in Latin Washington, DC; San Francisco, Calif.; Baghdad to Pekin Prison, by Kathy America since the school’s inception over Los Angeles, Calif. Kelly, founder of Voices in the O 50 years ago. Your TAX $$$$$ support this. September 24, 2005 Wilderness, is a collection of her jour- t Notify your Congressperson to support Bill The A.N.S.W.E.R.Coalition urges the nals, letters, and reports from Iraq, Haiti, HR 1217 to close the SOA. and two US prisons. antiwar movement to come together for a Contact: SOA Watch: PO Box 4566, united demonstration demanding the It covers her time in Iraq from the first Washington, DC, 20017; Phone: (202) 234 Gulf War through 12 years of harsh sanc- immediate and unconditional withdrawal 3440; e-Mail: [email protected]; of the U.S. from Iraq. The military spend- tions to the 2003 US Invasion and contin- www.soaw.org to order your November ued Occupation. ing level for the next year will be over 2005 Organizing Packet. $600 billion. The lives of our sons and Kelly spent four months at Pekin Federal
HINGS The Shanti Foundation for daughters, and our tax dollars are being Prison Camp (Illinois) for protesting the Peace is a non-profit organi- spent to wage a global war for domina- US Army’s military combat training facili- zation, est.1993, that fosters tion that will benefit U.S. banks, oil ty, the School of the Americas in Ft. the practice of non-violence monopolies, and transnational corpora- Benning, Georgia. These graduates are & t in everyday life. Through tions. Many Americans are seeing their linked to massacre, torture, assassination, arts and education, they create and imple- jobs, wages, health care coverage, and and the disappearance of thousands of peo-
O ment programs that help children develop pensions cut. Instead of paying for end- ple in Latin America since the school’s lifelong non-violent decision making skills. inception over 50 years ago. g less war, demand that resources be used A variety of Peacemaker gift cards, and a to meet human needs here and abroad. This three-time Nobel Peace Prize handbook for educators are available. Contact: www.answercoalition.org; Nominee has been arrested over 40 times in O Contact: Shanti Foundation for Peace, 917 e-Mail: [email protected] the U. S. and has been arrested or detained Fowler Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, 60202; t numerous times in other countries. Vancouver, BC Phone: (847) 492-0955; Her love of others and her commit- June 23-28, 2006 www. shantifoundationforpeace.com ment to nonviolence enables her to tell The World Peace Forum Video the truth ... “through the eyes of Iraqi The city of Vancouver, a Nuclear Arlington West mothers, children, students, doctors and Weapons Free Zone, unanimously passed Arlington West, produced by musicians, whose lives have been over- a motion to support, to help fund, and to Peter Dudar and Sally turned by more than a decade of war and actively participate in the World Peace LACES Marr, is a 56-minute tribute deprivation, inflicted in the name of Forum. The theme of the Forum is not only to fallen U.S. sol- humanitarianism.” P “Cities and Communities: Working diers, but also to countless Contact: Your local bookstore; order together to End War and Build a innocent Iraqi citizens. online at www.vitw.org Peaceful, Just and Sustainable World.” A variety of opinions are presented: active “There are not enough jails, Contact: World Peace Forum, 10-111 duty military, military families, veterans, Victoria Drive, Vancouver BC, Canada not enough policemen, children, and the general public. See pg. 1 not enough courts, V5L 4C4; www.worldpeaceforum.ca; article for more information. to enforce a law not supported Phone: (604) 687-3223; Contact: Phone: (323) 650-8166; by the people.” eMail: [email protected] www.arlingtonwestfilm.org — Hubert H. Humphrey, 1965 page 10 Grandmothers for Peace International Grandmothers for Peace P.O. Box 580788 ● Elk Grove, California ● 95758 ● USA ● phone: (916) 685-1130 e-mail: [email protected] ● web: http://www.grandmothersforpeace.org
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Navy Zipper-Top Navy Hats on to GFP NEW Open-Top For peaceful protesting — an Tote adjustable Baseball Cap with the GFP Tote NEW Logo — $11.00 each. & Bumper Stickers $2.00 each, postage included. Sew-on Logo Patch Volume discounts available.
Grandmothers for Peace International page 11 Grandmothers for Peace International NONPROFIT ORGN P.O. Box 580788 U.S. POSTAGE Elk Grove, California 95758 USA PAID phone: (916) 685-1130 Sacramento, CA e-mail: [email protected] Permit No. 1041 web: http://www.grandmothersforpeace.org
Newsletter Editor/Publisher: Patricia Altenburg
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
The Starfish Flinger Numbers You Need Thousands of starfish washed ashore. A little girl began It is important that President Bush, key peo- throwing them in the water so they wouldn’t die. ple in his Administration, and members of “Don’t bother, dear,” her mother said, “it won’t make Congress hear from you. a difference.” The girl stopped for a moment and looked at the starfish President George W. Bush in her hand. Phone: (202) 456-1111 [comment line] “It will make a difference to this one.” Fax: (202) 456-2461 e-mail: [email protected]
I Will Not Raise My Child First Lady Laura Bush To Kill Your Child e-mail: [email protected] I will not raise my child to shoot your child Vice-President Dick Cheney I will not raise my child to shoot guns e-mail: [email protected] I will not raise my child to kill your child Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice In a war with your daughters and your sons. Fax: (202) 261-8577 I'm told that freedom is something to die for e-mail: [email protected] Of all nations we are the most free But where is the freedom if the children go to war Secretary of Defense If we're all afraid to walk down the street Donald H. Rumsfeld We were raised to accept all this bloodshed Phone: (703) 697-5737 [Dept. of Defense] It's the last one surviving that wins Members Of Congress We've allowed it too long, we must make it all stop (Capitol Switchboard) It's the child who will suffer for the sins. Senate & House: (202) 224-3121 — Barbara Choo OPT-OUT FORM PROHIBITING SCHOOL OFFICIALS FROM RELEASING YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER TO MILITARY RECRUITERS School ______WHAT FAMILIES NEED TO Date ______KNOW ABOUT MILITARY Student Name______Date of Birth ______RECRUITING IN HIGH SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES Dear ______(Name of School)
I understand that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 allows a student or a student’s parent the right to prohibit a school from ● Recruiter Access to Schools and Students providing the military with a student’s personal information. ● Recruiter Promises _____ I request that this student’s name, address, and telephone number not be released to Armed Forces, Military Recruiters, or ● Making Enlistment Decisions Military Schools. Signature of parent or guardian ______● Ten Points to Consider Before Signing a Military Enlistment Agreement – or – _____ I am 18 years old and request my own name, address, ● OPT-OUT FORM telephone number and school records not be released to the Armed Forces, Military Recruiters, or Military Schools. Signature of student ______
Federal public law 107–110, section 9528 of the ESEA, “No Child Left Behind Act” requires school districts to release stu- Pamphlet prepared by: dent names, addresses, and phone numbers to military Grandmothers for Peace International recruiters upon their request. The military uses this informa- PO Box 580788 tion to recruit students. The law also requires the school dis- Elk Grove, CA 95758 trict to notify you of your right to Opt-Out from this by request- http://www.grandmothersforpeace.org ing that the district not release your information to military E-mail: [email protected] recruiters. The completion and return of this form serves as your request to withhold your private information. Permission to Copy/Reprint - Please Spread the Word. RECRUITER ACCESS TO SCHOOLS MAKING ENLISTMENT DECISIONS AND STUDENTS ● There is no cooling-off period for enlistment. It is not possible
● Students have a choice on recruitment interviews. They do not to legally change one's mind after signing. have to submit to an interview. (See back page for opt-out form.) ● Be aware that the basic military commitment is subject to
● Ask your school about their procedure once the opt-out form change and can be extended at the discretion of the government. is turned in. Specifically, ask what is done with the form, where The enlistee has no rights in the matter, regardless of what the information goes, and who is notified. recruiters claim.
● ● Schools receiving federal funds must, by law, allow military Students and families should take as much time as they need recruiters on campus. Schools have the right to set reasonable to make a decision. All school and career options should be rules for recruiters to follow. Ask what the rules are at your considered. Enlistment is a long-term obligation and the student school. should enter his/her contract with a clear understanding of the commitment and responsibility. ● Insist that the school set rules and monitor overly aggressive recruiters contacting students on campus or at home. TEN POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SIGNING A MILITARY ENLISTMENT AGREEMENT RECRUITER PROMISES 1. Do not make a quick decision by enlisting the first time you see a recruiter or when you are upset. ● Ask if your school has a monitoring system for recruitment 2. Take a witness with you when you speak with a recruiter. promises. Reports have surfaced that indicate recruiters have 3. Talk to veterans. misrepresented requirements and benefits of military service, 4. Consider your moral feelings about going to war. such as length of enlistment, health and education benefits, and 5. Get a copy of the enlistment agreement. training possibilities. 6. There is no "period of adjustment" during which you may ● Parents should talk to recruiters themselves to make sure request and receive an immediate honorable discharge. the student has not been bullied or pressured, and that all 7. Get all your recruiter's promises in writing. information is truthful and understood by the student. 8. There are no job guarantees in the military. 9. Military personnel may not exercise all the civil liberties enjoyed by civilians. 10. Many other opportunities exist for you to serve your community and enhance your skills.
Courtesy of American Friends Service Committee, National Youth and Militarism Program