New Draft Law Passed: People of Conscience Get Ready
In this workshop (sponsored by New York Yearly Meeting), Quaker author Curt Torell will explain recent legal changes in draft registration and outline steps for conscientious objectors to war to respond. Then the group will self-organize next steps for mutual support and counsel. Everyone is welcome.
Join in-person or on Zoom at the following Meetinghouses:
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Montclair Meeting (289 Park St, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043): April 26, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
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Old Chatham Meeting (539 Co Rd 13, Old Chatham, NY 12136): May 3, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
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Brooklyn Meeting (110 Schermerhorn Street Brooklyn, NY 11201): May 11, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Register here: https://nyym.org/CO-workshop-
In the sessions, we’ll consider together questions such as: What is conscience? Is your conscience troubled? How do you act on conscience? Who is a conscientious objector?
For context, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed at the end of last year will make federal Selective Service draft registration automatic for all men aged 18-25 starting in December 2026. The US Government wouldn’t bother doing this if they didn’t plan to use it. Unfortunately, a person cannot file a conscientious objection claim until getting an induction notice once a draft is instated, sometimes giving less than 10 days to respond. Are you, your family, and your faith community prepared?
Curt Torell is a board member at Quaker House in NC and author of Conscientious Objection: Is This for You? Resource Guide (2nd Edition). Curt regularly speaks with young adults about conscientious objection to war.
