Learn about the "Poverty Draft" from Knoxville's Interfaith Committee on "Conscience & War"

The wars we fight often depend on the recruitment of young people who are seduced by enlistment benefits. TV ads and recruiters too often glamorize the glory and excitement of combat. Ask those who have served in the miltary; many will tell you they had no idea what they were getting into. This workshop explores military service and examines ways to help youth make informed decisions before they join up.

The Interfaith Committee on Conscience & War says:

"What options exist for young people who want to serve their country, make the world a better place, form lasting friendships, get a start on a good career, earn benefits for college, see the world and have fun, other than enlisting in the military?

More than you might think, say members of the Knoxville Interfaith Committee on Conscience & War, who are presenting the workshop "Alternatives to Military Enlistment" on Saturday, Feb. 23rd, 2:30 - 8:00 p.m., at Cherokee Health Systems on Western Ave. in Knoxville.

The workshop is geared towards youth and young adults, parents, teachers, clergy, and others who want to promote a nonviolent way of life, learn about GI Rights, and help young people make well-informed decisions about their future.

The main speaker for the workshop is Bill Galvin of the Washington, D.C., Center on Conscience & War, an organization that provides educational counseling and training on issues of truth in recruiting, GI rights, and conscientious objection to war.

Local workshop organizers say they are motivated by a commitment to nonviolence while recognizing the military offers young people, especially those from minority and low-income communities, a number of financial and social advantages.

"We are concerned, however, about the 'poverty draft' that seems to predestine many low-income young people to think their only way out is the military," says Larry Osborne, a spokesperson for KICCW, who himself is a veteran. "We also know they are frequently told only part of the story by recruiters. Promised benefits do not always materialize. Often young people do not understand they may have to serve much longer than expected. That plus the very real risk of being disabled or killed or having to kill or injure others. We want our young people to know what they are getting into and that positive alternatives exist, such as Americorps and other programs that involve service and sacrifice for the benefit of others."

The workshop is free and open to the public and includes a light dinner. To register call 865-573-4089.KICCW includes persons from a number of different religious traditions and peace groups. They meet every other Monday evening at a local Quaker church, West Knoxville Friends, and welcome new members. For more information call 865-414-5711.