Tapestry of Faith: Resistance and Transformation: An Adult Program on Unitarian Universalist Social Justice History

Alternate Activity 2: Conscientious Objection

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Write on newsprint, and post:
    • If you are or were a young person subject to Selective Service laws, have you considered or would you consider filing as a conscientious objector? Why, or why not?
    • What aspects of or understandings from our Unitarian Universalism tradition and values might influence your decision?

Description of Activity

Distribute Handout 5, Conscientious Objection and the Draft. Explain this was a packet the Unitarian Universalist organization Liberal Religious Youth (LRY) assembled for young men considering seeking conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War. Invite participants to turn to a partner and discuss the packet and the posted questions.

Allow ten minutes for paired discussions. Then, re-gather the group and invite volunteers to share some of what they discussed. Ask: Are there comparable movements today? What do you think about the UUA or its affiliated organizations supporting conscientious objectors in this way?