How to Declare Yourself as a Conscientious Objector.

Many people think that because there is currently no military draft,
that one cannot be a conscientious objector. This is false.
A conscientious objector is someone who lives and practices
non-violent philosophy be it moral or religious.

If, and when a draft should begin, the burden of proof lies on the individual. Therefore, you will need to start your own CO file,
and maintain it.

• If you believe you are a conscientious objector, or if you are not sure.
Start by examining your conscience, and take notes on why war or being
part of the military in any way violates your beliefs. How the cause and
effect of being involved in a war or the military would go against your
beliefs, be it moral, philosophical, or religious.

• Talk to other people, and let them know how you feel about your beliefs,
and war. Other people can be your parents, your siblings, friends, neighbors,
your teachers, school counselors, your priest, or minister, your boss, your
dentist, your doctor. It is important to talk about your beliefs, and conscience
even if it as simple as telling someone that you are a conscientious objector.
Most likely, sooner or later, you will get into a conversation with someone
about this topic. This will also help you to articulate your beliefs.

• Write a letter expressing that you object to all wars (not just this war or
that war) based on deeply held philosophical or religious principles. This
is your Affidavit of Fact.

• Remember to sign it, have it notarized, and get two other witnesses
who are not related to you, and are registered voters.

• Send copies to your friends, family, and professional acquaintances.
Be sure to send a copy via certified mail to your US Congressperson.

• Get five letters of substantiation confirming your decision from your parents,
relatives, religious leaders, teachers, or your doctor. Each letter should say
that they know that you are a conscientious objector. Each letter needs to be
postmarked.

• The Affidavit of Fact can be filed with any Federal District Court as a
document at any Selective Service proceeding.

• Once you turn 18, and have to register with the Selective Service, you
should write on the card, “I am a conscientious objector”. Before mailing the
card make a copy for your file. The Selective Service discards the card once
your name has been entered into the system. Send the card by certified mail.

• Keep your documents secure and ready. It is a good idea to resubmit these
documents to federal legislators and to the Selective Service every two years.

• In the event of a draft, don’t just wait to see what happens.
It is your responsibility to maintain your file.

• If you participate in any protest marches or rallies, have someone take
your picture and be sure to make copies for your file.

• If you are approached by a recruiter make sure that you get their business
card. Make sure that you inform him/her that you are a conscientious objector.
Write a letter to the recruiter stating when, where and approximate time of
where you told him/her that you are a conscientious objector. Mail the letter
with a copy of the business card.

• Make sure that all mail correspondence is certified.

• Keep all certified receipts with your copies of the mailed documents.

All information provided by Jackie Renn