Strategies for Action
Some of the actions below are already happening in your communities -- others are new ideas. Any one or two of these strategies is enough to keep most coalitions buzzing! At CCCO, we're here to help: in addition to information and materials to use, we'd be glad to travel to your community to speak, organize and train as needed.
The Adventure Van is Coming to a Town Near You!
Twenty-one vans staffed by Army recruiters are touring the United States, armed with video screens, slide projectors, weapon simulators -- all to impress young people with the military's "exciting career opportunities." Be there with flyers, videos, speakers.
Adopt-a-school
Can you, or people you know, agree to keep just one school supplied with counter-recruitment literature? Try the guidance counselor's office, where military brochures often have their own fancy display; or the bulletin boards. This simple but potent action can then become the basis for a district-wide campaign.
Challenge the military's own burgeoning adopt-a-school program, including tutors in elementary schools.
Leafleting before or after class.
Many organizers choose Friday morning, before the start of the school day. Bring one-page, 1/2 page, even 1/4 page leaflets that let kids know they can fight JROTC - and that the military isn't the fabulous opportunity recruiters make it out to. After school, go where young people hang out, such as concerts or shopping malls.
You have a legal right to talk to students about the drawbacks of the military if the school allows recruiters in the school. You can approach teachers and guidance counselors; the school administration; or your whole school district at one time.
Placing Ads
You can place ads in your local high school newspaper advertising alternatives to military enlistment and giving information to those who have already signed up on how to get out.
Career fairs
Right next to the law offices and computer companies, you'll usually find the military recruiter's table, full of glossy brochures and false promises. Activists from D.C. to San Diego have set counter-recruitment literature right next door, and spent the afternoon making the pitch for peace.
House Parties
Throw a party for your friends, your parents, your children and grandchildren and their friends - and spread the word at the same time! Show the video It's Not Just a Job, it's Eight Years of Your Life; give folks materials to take home and share.
Whatever you choose from the above "menu," remember the media: it's crucial to getting the word out, whether your aim is to stop a JROTC unit or to keep individual kids from signing their lives over to the military.
Challenge the use of the ASVAB military aptitude test in overall high school assessment.
Stay in Touch
Whatever you do, please stay in touch. CCCO's here to help coordinate and support activists across the country - but we count on you to let us know what's going on. What do you need? What's working? What's not? Email us or call 800-NO-JROTC. |