What do I need to do
to become a conscientious objector?
You must object to participation in
all forms of war, and your belief must be based on a religious, moral or
ethical belief system.
Put
together a portfolio including
·
Copy
of Selective Service registration
·
Copy
of registered mail receipts and
communications with the draft board
·
Letters
of support stating your opposition to war
·
Letters
from you to your church stating your convictions
·
Evidence
of participation in peace activities
o
Papers
written for school advocating non-violence
o
Proof
of participation in marches
·
Responses
to 3 questions from the Center on Conscience and War that are signed and dated
1. Describe your beliefs that are the reasons for claiming conscientious
objection to
combatant military training and service or all military training and service.
2. Describe how and when you acquired these beliefs. Include influences of family and
friends, training, experience, memberships, books and reading.
3. Explain what most clearly shows that your beliefs are deeply held. You can give a description of how
your beliefs affect the way you live.
You will
need to select from two classes for the local board –
Class 1-A-O
I claim exemption only from training and service as a
combatant member of the Armed Forces.
Class 1-O
I claim exemption from all training and service as a member
of the Armed Forces.
(You may potentially do two years of
alternative service such as work in a prison or mental health facility.)
‘Preparing
for the Draft’ from Quaker House –
www.QuakerHouse.org/Draft-FAQ.htm.
From the
Selective Service System of the
The letter
to your church can be sent to
- Your local church
- Central Committee for Conscientious
Objectors
- Center on Conscience & War
that says
something like the following
On <birthdate> I will turn 18 years old, and I am
required to register for the draft under the U.S. Selective Service code. Due
to my beliefs, I wish to indicate a conscientious objector status. I have
announced my decision to the <your church> where my statement is on
record.
Enclosed are copies of my
- letter to my
church that outline my beliefs, and
- Selective Service
registration form
where I have
requested to be considered a
conscientious
objector
Any support you can offer would be appreciated.
Go to Other Links in this sequence:
Go back to FMSA CO-AMS Information home page
Go back to the Friends Meeting of San Antonio (FMSA) home page