Introduction

The Freechild Project believes that young people have long played a pivotal role in the movement for nonviolence and peace. From 18th century war resistors in the United States, to Gandhi and Dr. King's young activists employing nonviolence against oppression, to the current global movement against war, young people have been on the frontlines of social action.

Point to Ponder

"If we are to reach real peace in this world... we shall have to begin with children." – Mahatma Gandhi

Resources

The following organizations and publications have been identified by Freechild's youth researchers to provide information to young people and their adult allies.

Organizations

National Youth and Militarism Campaign
Promoting alternatives to the military. Too many young people are sucked into joining the military, and this website provides facts and information on why NOT to join.

Student Peace Action Network

A grassroots peace and justice organization working from campuses across the United States. We organize for an end to physical, social, and economic violence caused by militarism at home and abroad. We campaign for nuclear abolition, disarmament, and an end to weapons trafficking. We support a foreign policy based on human rights and international cooperation, and a domestic agenda that supports human and environmental concerns, not Pentagon excess. War is not inevitable. We push for practical alternatives.

The Military and Latinos

Learn about the military's increased recruiting attempts in the Latino community and facts about Latinos and the military.

What Students and Educators Should Know About Military Testing in Our High Schools

Questions and answers about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
Battery (ASVAB) and its role in recruitment efforts of the US military.

Power of Positive Youth
Working to change stereotypes about youth and show that we can accomplish great things in athletics.

Waging Peace

The Youth Outreach Initiative of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation initiates and supports opportunities for youth to contribute toward a world at peace, free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Institute for Community Leadership

Young Adult Friends

FCNL seeks the participation of young adults in our lobbying, policy development, and education work. FCNL offers support and skills to young people to work and lead effectively on concerns within the context of FCNL's mission. Come share your ideas, learn new skills, and fine-tune your political activism.

Publications

Cultivating Peace - Taking Action

A free educational resource that encourages students to examine their personal beliefs about the need for change in our world and their individual responsibility in taking action. The preconditions necessary for a culture of peace are explored through the examination of global issues in sustainable development, economic disparity, fair trade, human rights and consumerism. Students are given opportunities to explore the range of actions possible, ways in which change occurs, barriers to participation and the factors that support youth involvement. The resource includes a teacher's guide as well as a video, poster series and a student guide to taking action. It is designed for use in grades 10 - 12. You can download the 68 page teacher's guide along with copies of the first resource in the series, Cultivating Peace in the 21st Century. All materials are available in English and French. To order the complete modules (with videos) free of charge, email info@classroomconnections.ca or call 1-888-882-8865.

Helping Youth Become Change Agents in Their Schools and Communities