AFSC Maine's Adopt-a-School Project
With a recruitment budget of 1.2 billion dollars a year, the U.S. military
is an increasing presence in our high schools. Whether through recruiters in
uniform or through glossy brochures glamorizing each of the armed services,
our young people are being sold an unrealistic view of what it means to sign
up to "serve" their country. Schools do not give equal time for non-military
recruiters , though there have been a few court cases decided in favor of
permitting alternative information. Mostly it's a stacked deck and our
children don't know how much of the recruiters' sales pitch is accurate,
inaccurate, misleading or simply untrue.
The American Friends Service Committee is working with its usual dedication
and imagination to counter military recruitment, with a very limited
budget. In Maine, a committee has been meeting monthly for over two years,
with the goal of educating ourselves and concerned families and thinking
through some of the ways we can offer students a more balanced view of their
choices. We are fortunate to be working closely with Veterans for Peace and
Maine Draft and Military Counselors.
Two "Adopt-A-School" workshops have been held to date and a third is planned
for the fall in Bangor. The idea is that Quaker Meetings, other local church
groups, or groups of concerned parents adopt a school in their home town
where they may know some of the students, teachers or administrators. There
is a growing number of volunteers making connections in mid-coast and Bangor
schools, but new participants are very much needed in Portland and many
other parts of the state.
Working with guidance counselors, social studies teachers, or concerned
students, we are finding our way one step at a time. We have wonderful print
materials that should be available to all students. Asking guidance offices
to display these next to the armed services materials is not met with the
easy agreement one might expect.
Our most extensive effort so far has been a forum for all juniors and
seniors held at Wiscasset High School last fall. Students asked questions of
a panel made up of a member of Veterans for Peace, a military recruiter, and
the principal of the school. This could be a wonderful forum to imitate in
other schools.
Ultimately, it's the development of student groups calling on us for
information and support that will be the most effective model. Building the
confidence needed to question the military option and to make informed
decisions for their futures is a tough path for young people in this highly
militarized culture.
We hope you will join us at the Quaker Meetinghouse in Damariscotta on the
third Thursday of the month from 6-8. Please call me at 371-2077 if you'd
like directions or additional information.
— RTP
Back to Peace Talk Index, Summer, 2004