I've decided that "Kosmonkeys" is going to be my new term of affection for you fellow dKos addicts.
But that's not why we're here.
I'm passing on a form used by a Mennonite colleague of mine with her youth groups. Mennonites, as you will remember, are pacifists and this church makes the kids think through these issues before they have to make them in a hurry. This form is modelled on the one used by the government for conscientious objectors.
Record of Conscientious Objection to War
[From SSS Form 22, July, 1985 DRAFT]
Prepare and attach written responses to the information requested below. If you need more space for your answers, attach additional sheets. If you wish, you may attach letters from persons who know you. You may also attach any other information you would like the local board to consider.
- Describe your beliefs which are the reasons for you claiming conscientious objection
to combatant military training and service or to all military training and service.
- Describe how and when you acquired these beliefs. Your answer may include such information as the influence of family members or other persons; trainings, if applicable; your personal experiences; membership in organizations; books and reading which influenced you.
- Explain what most clearly shows that your beliefs are deeply held. You may wish to include a description of how your beliefs affect the way you live.
Signature:
Name:
Address:
Date:
Congregation:
Date of birth:
Signature of witness:
My colleague also uses a form for kids who don't wish to become CO's (she doesn't force them to go one way or another):
Record of Convictions Regarding Participation in War
Prepare and attach written responses to the information requested below. If you need more space for your answers, attach additional sheets. If you wish, you may attach letters from persons who know you.
- Describe your beliefs which are the reasons for your claims to support participation in war.
- Describe how and when you acquired these beliefs. Your answer may include such information as the influence of family members or other persons; trainings, if applicable; your personal experiences; membership in organizations; books and reading which influenced you.
- Explain what most clearly shows that your beliefs are deeply held. You may wish to include a description of how your beliefs affect the way you live.
IIRC, if you claim CO status on the basis of religious belief, they'll ask you to demonstrate participation in a specific religious organization. That may have changed.
In any case, if you think you want CO status, it's best to have this stuff prepared ahead of time. That allows you to build the best possible case before Uncle W. comes knocking at your door.
I am happy to sign a letter attesting to your pacifist beliefs, provided we have a conversation beforehand. e-mail me at: danschultz at verizon dot net.