Five ways to counter military recruitment in your school district

How can you help stop the intrusion of the military into people’s lives?

Here are five ways to take action:

Campaign for an ordinance for equal access in your school district.

Equal access mandates that for each military recruitment session done in the district’s schools, peace groups are allowed equal time and access to the students to offer alternatives to enlistment. See examples of other successful campaigns and how-to organizing guides. 

Distribute opt-out forms at local high schools.

At the beginning of the school year, parents have the option to opt-out of allowing their children to be contacted by military recruiters. You can download opt-out forms to distribute.

Join the NNOMY Network.

The National Network of Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY) is a project cofounded by AFSC that links together hundreds of activist groups and congregations and gives you access to lots of great resources. 

Create a video for the “If I Had a Trillion Dollars Film Festival."

The U.S. allocates a trillion dollars annually to its military—money that could fund schools, health care, and countless other social programs that benefit young people’s futures. The annual “If I Had a Trillion Dollars Film Festival” from AFSC and the National Priorities Project, invites filmmakers aged 10-23 to create 3-minute videos on national spending priorities, answering the question “What you would do if you had a trillion dollars?” If you’re older than 23, help a local youth program create a video. 

Make a localized version of counter-recruitment resources.

AFSC published a booklet called “It’s My Life” that provides ideas and guidance for young people looking for career paths other than military service. Adapt this resource to a localized flier, booklet, or blog with job training programs, mentorships, and other opportunities in your area.

Source: http://afsc.org/story/five-ways-counter-military-recruitment-your-school-district