1. I place these
before my own as is their due. These are pacifist organizations with
which my family has had nearly life-long personal relationships and they
are invaluable resources, especially, for those exploring pacifism and
conscientious objection. They include:
The
American
Friends Service Committe is, to quote its Website, a Quaker organization
that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice,
peace, and humanitarian service. This is not just a pacifist organization,
but, are are all of these here, an active force in creating a world beyond
war.
The
Central
Committee for Conscientious Objectors is a venerable institution and
the single most important resource for those seeking a non-violent alternative
to the draft, should and/or when it is reinstated. If you are
of draft age, it is never too early to state your conscientious
objection to war. One way is to become an active member of a pacifist
organization such as the FOR, the WRL, WILPF or the AFSC. To learn
more, visit the CCCO Website.
Fellowship
of Reconciliation is one of my family's
oldest pacifist affiliations and one of the major international pacifist
groups, a venerable interfaith organization committed to active nonviolence
as a transforming way of life and as a means of radical change.
Foreign
Policy In Focus is a new one and I add it for this reason: We can't
deal with problems if we don't fully understand them. FPIF is a “think
tank without walls”,s”, w working to make the U.S. a more responsible global
leader and partner.” If there are issues you want to understand more
deeply or speak of more succinctly, pay this site a visit. If your
issue isn't there, ask them why not.
Friends
of Peace Pilgrim, Website for one of the true modern saints.
My folks knew her before she became Peace and maintained a close relationship
up to her death in 1997. More than anyone I can think of, Peace lived
a life that epitomized the bedrock principals of pacifism and showed us
how to truly be "all that we can be!"
Global
Nonviolent Peace Force is something I have dreamed of most of my life
and now my good friend, David Hartsough is making it a reality. It
is Pacifist Nataion's greatest hope. For a great overview, check
out this excellent article from the Bangkok Post: Marching
in Gandhi's Footsteps.
War
Resisters League, the vererable WRL was one of the two international
pacifist organizatons (along with the FOR) to sponsor an international
delegation to study the effects of militarization on Puerto Rico and Vieques
in 1999. I believe it to be a milestone event in the modern Puerto
Rican independence movement and my mother made it happen!
Women's
International League for Peace and Freedom works throughout the world
to make Pacifist Nation a reality. It sponsored my mother when she
went before the United Nations' Decolonization Committee on behalf of Puerto
Rican independence.
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