wfn.org | Quaker Organization Stands Up Against Military Recruiter Abuses

["Jenny Shields" <JShields@afsc.org>]

Stand Up for Truth in Recruiting: One Day is Not Enough!
American Friends Service Committee Launches National Call to Action, May
20

Contact: Janis D. Shields, Director Media and Public Relations
(215) 241-7060 After Hours: (302) 545-6596

Philadelphia, PA May 17 -- The American Friends Service Committee
(AFSC), an international social justice organization, launches a
National Call to Action -- a series of rallies, workshops and
demonstrations across the country, Friday, May 20 to highlight what it
calls the growing trend of recruiter misconduct.

We are calling on activists, allies and those concerned with the
militarization of youth to use May 20 to:
conduct teach-ins and workshops plan peaceful demonstrations at heavily
recruited schools
host press conferences with youth and family members who have been
negatively affected by military recruiters
peacefully picket recruitment stations.

Themes for these events will include:
* exposure of the unethical and illegal tactics used by recruiters,
particularly in poor communities and communities of color
* lack of parent & student awareness about the No Child Left Behind Act
(Military Recruiter Provision - Sec. 9528) that gives recruiters
unfettered access to private, confidential information in violation of
privacy clauses
*the de-militarization of schools and the need for viable alternatives
ñ college, training, and living wage jobs

Here's why: The Army plans to suspend all recruiting on May 20 because
of reports of widespread abuses in enlistment tactics. Reports of
serious recruiter improprieties ó including fraud and coercion ó
have surfaced, prompting the need, recruiters say, for retraining.
Recruiters give the impression that a few ìbad applesî are violating
standards, due to the increased difficulty of meeting recruitment quotas
during the extended war and occupation in Iraq.  We know different.

For the past 20 years, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has
worked to expose what we believe to be the systemic and widespread
problem of abusive and unethical recruitment practices.   Itís an
issue that touches not only the Army, but also every branch of the Armed
Services.

Things that can be done to make an impact and let the military know that
we oppose insidious practices and recruitment policies are:

* Visit  "http://www.afsc.org/youthmil" ; to learn more about the
issues and find out how you or your organization can host group
trainings.

* Visit "http://www.leavemychildalone.org/"; and join the campaign
created by Working Assets and ACORN, to get 1,000,000 students ìopted
out.

*Join or start a local movement to provide information on comprehensive
job & career training, financial aid and travel alternatives for youth
graduating from high school.

*Learn how you can join the growing National Network Opposing the
Militarization of Youth by visiting 
"http://www.youthandthemilitary.org/";

Contact the National Youth & Militarism Program of the American Friends
Service Committee at 215-241-7176, or  youthmil@afsc.org.

# # #

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice,
peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the
worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome
violence and injustice.