This network is an outgrowth of the national counter-recruitment organizing conference held June 25-27, 2004 named Stopping War Where It Begins: Strengthening the Movement Opposing the Militarization of Youth in Philadelphia. Below is a description of the proposed network; proposal details can also be viewed or downloaded at: http://www.youthandthemilitary.org.
As soon as 12 organizations join the network as sponsors it will become a working body. If your group would like to become a member, please send a notice as soon as possible to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In order to plan the first convening of the network, a group of organizations have initially volunteered to form an ad-hoc steering committee (a regular steering committee will be formed when the network first meets). Ad-hoc SC volunteers so far are:
More slots are open for the interim SC. Any group wishing to volunteer should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible, including the name, email and phone contact info. for the group's representative. Groups are urged to consider representation that would strengthen the voices of youth, people of color, women and LGBT community members in the network.
Finally, these are trying and yet exciting times for the counter military recruitment movement. Now, more than ever, the network needs to help shape the tone of anti-war & peace conversations to be more inclusive of our pro-active analysis opposing war. The network will also be integral in helping the nation understand that providing its youth with peaceful and viable alternatives to achieve success in life is an important sign of a civilized society.
I hope that you will consider your organizations role in the network as instrumental to achieving these goals.
PROPOSAL:
NATIONAL NETWORK OPPOSING THE MILITARIZATION OF YOUTH (NNOMY)
(Final name to be determined by the sponsoring organizations)
Originally submitted by the planning committee for the June 27-29 Stopping War Where It Begins conference. Revisions made following discussion at the conference and further discussions by the post-conference committee.
In order to build upon the collaborative efforts that produced the counter-recruitment organizing conference in Philadelphia, we propose the following:
NNOMY (hereafter referred to as "the Network") is a network of local, regional and national organizations. It is not intended to function as an independent national organization, but rather as a coalition effort that can strengthen the work of participating groups.
There are two ways groups can participate in the Network:
If two-thirds of the sponsoring organizations approve the proposal, the proposal will move to an email listserv consensus process. If there are no blocks (an absolute refusal to allow the proposal to pass) to the proposal within 48 hours, the proposal is passed. If there IS a block, the decision will revert to 2/3 majority vote.
If at least two-thirds of the sponsoring organizations do NOT agree to the proposal, the proposal is considered "failed".
There is also the opportunity for individuals to participate in and contribute to the Network:
While sponsoring organizations, through their designated representatives, make the decisions guiding the Network, individuals are encouraged to use the Network as a forum for discussion. An individual who wishes to propose an action or other item that requires a decision by the Network must request the support of an existing sponsorship organization, who may then officially submit the proposal to the Network.
For the full text: http://www.youthandthemilitary.org/bylaws.htm
Oskar Castro
National Youth & Militarism Program
American Friends Service Committee
215-241-7046
www.youth4peace.org
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Revised: 02/05/2024 GDG