1) Contact and talk with a counselor at the Center on Conscience and War. I’ve worked with them and know some of them personally. It’s unlikely you’ll find any source as knowledgeable about the draft and the mechanics of applying for conscientious objection in case of draft. And it’s FREE.
2) If you find the help you receive from CCW relevant and helpful then send them a donation. Draft counseling organizations need all the help they can get. The amount you donate does not matter. Give what you can afford as often as you can afford it.
3) Maintain a portfolio of EVERYTHING you do/write/participate in which shows your belief in not wanting to participate in war, such as; receipts from donations to CCW, brochures from any meetings/rallies/protests you’ve attended, lists of books/articles you’ve read that validate your beliefs, copies of this discussion thread....anything that shows the progression of your beliefs.
4) There is no ONE thing that will sway your draft board should you find yourself in front of one. Odds are the 5 or so members will be filled with the same amount of skepticism and, even, contempt that you’re confronting in this thread of discussion. You’re asking the right questions. The draft board decision will be entirely subjective and will award CO status based on THEIR belief that you are sincere about YOUR belief and that you somehow show evidence that you’ve lived a life reflecting those beliefs.
Moral beliefs do not spring up fully formed out of nowhere. What you come to believe about YOUR participation in war is a journey that requires ongoing study and rigorous self examination. I was given an honorable discharge as a conscientious objector after 5 years of military service. I’ve assisted hundreds of military men and women through the CO process. You are on the right track.
Watch the documentary SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE. It may help in formulating your beliefs. It is available entirely on line or thru NetFlix.
1) Contact and talk with a counselor at the Center on Conscience and War. I’ve worked with them and know some of them personally. It’s unlikely you’ll find any source as knowledgeable about the draft and the mechanics of applying for conscientious objection in case of draft. And it’s FREE.
2) If you find the help you receive from CCW relevant and helpful then send them a donation. Draft counseling organizations need all the help they can get. The amount you donate does not matter. Give what you can afford as often as you can afford it.
3) Maintain a portfolio of EVERYTHING you do/write/participate in which shows your belief in not wanting to participate in war, such as; receipts from donations to CCW, brochures from any meetings/rallies/protests you’ve attended, lists of books/articles you’ve read that validate your beliefs, copies of this discussion thread....anything that shows the progression of your beliefs.
4) There is no ONE thing that will sway your draft board should you find yourself in front of one. Odds are the 5 or so members will be filled with the same amount of skepticism and, even, contempt that you’re confronting in this thread of discussion. You’re asking the right questions. The draft board decision will be entirely subjective and will award CO status based on THEIR belief that you are sincere about YOUR belief and that you somehow show evidence that you’ve lived a life reflecting those beliefs.
Moral beliefs do not spring up fully formed out of nowhere. What you come to believe about YOUR participation in war is a journey that requires ongoing study and rigorous self examination. I was given an honorable discharge as a conscientious objector after 5 years of military service. I’ve assisted hundreds of military men and women through the CO process. You are on the right track.
Watch the documentary SOLDIERS OF CONSCIENCE. It may help in formulating your beliefs. It is available entirely on line or thru NetFlix.