|
Proving a claim as a conscientious objector (CO) can be difficult, but the more you plan ahead, the better the chances your claim will be accepted. This leaflet suggests some things you can do now so you will be ready if the draft is activated. Even if your position on war does not fit the legal definition of conscientious objection, developing a CO claim can still be helpful to you. What you have to prove... To prove you are a CO, you will have to convince your draft board of three things: Getting started... As a CO, you will have to answer three questions on Form 22. Start thinking about these questions now, and keep notes in a file folder with your ideas. For example:
Start a collection of things you've written or done that show the way you believe. It could include school papers, newspaper clippings, poems, or any other material. Not all of these ideas apply to everyone. You may think of other things in your own life that relate to your becoming a CO. It doesn't matter which of these you use. Writing your claim... Once you have a collection of ideas and materials, practice writing your answers to the three questions on Form 22. If you receive a draft notice, you will have very little time to answer them. If you have some ideas ready, you can use the time to polish up your answers instead of trying to think them up. After you have written your answers, discuss them with a draft counselor. A draft counselor can show you how a draft board will react to what you have written. Sometimes a draft board will accept a claim written one way, but reject a similar claim which is worded slightly differently. A draft counselor can help you to make sure your answers say what you meant to say. Finding support... You should have support letters from five to ten people to help convince the draft board of your sincerity. Clergy members, teachers, and others with community status are helpful supporters. Some support letters can be from members of your family, but not all of them. People who disagree with you about war and conscientious objection, but who recognize your sincerity ‹ perhaps someone you have argued with about the subject ‹ often make the most convincing supporters. Make a list of the people you would like to have support letters from. You might want to ask them for the letters now, especially if you are going to be away from home. If the draft were activated, you might need to have the letters quickly. Once you have the letters, you can review them or go over them with a draft counselor, to decide which would be the best to use. Religious support... You do not have to be religious to be a CO, but if your beliefs are religious you can often get support letters from a minister, or from members of the congregation. Find out what teachings and beliefs of your church support your position, and include them in your answers to the questions. If you are not religious, you still may find that the teachings of some churches agree with your position on war. You can use these examples in your answers. They will help to show that you have studied the questions, and arrived at the same positions the churches recognize. Personal appearance... The draft board will expect you to talk to them about your beliefs. Think about what you would say to convince them you have a sincere claim. You can repeat what you've written for the three questions, or you can expand on your answers. The draft board will also ask you questions about your beliefs. A draft counselor can give you some practice in answering these types of questions. You should also have two or three of your supporters as witnesses at your appearance. Think about who you would choose. The 20 minutes with your draft board can be the most important part of your entire proof. Meeting deadlines... If the draft is activated, you may have very little time to prepare the documents you need to support your claim. It makes sense to have this material ready ahead of time, especially if you are between the ages of 19 and 22. Registering as a CO... You can't register as a CO until you are drafted, but you can do something to record your claim. When you register, you can write on the registration card that you are a CO. When you receive your acknowledgement, you can ask the Selective Service to record you as a CO. They will not do so, but you can include the letters in your file as an example of your beliefs. You can also place a copy of your CO file with organizations such as Maine Draft and Military Counselors, or file a CO registration card with CCCO (Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors). If your case comes up before the draft board, any of these methods of registering your conscientious objection can help to prove your sincerity by showing you have held your beliefs for some time. Questions from Selective Service Form 22 for COs... 1. Describe your beliefs which are the reasons for your claiming conscientious objection to combatant military training and service or to all military training and service. If you need help... Deciding what you believe about war and peace is not easy. If you need someone to talk to about these issues, or if you need help in proving your claim, Maine Draft and Military Counselors can put you in touch with someone in your area. You are not alone. Conscientious objectors are a minority in today's world, but no longer a small minority. Counselors can help you to develop your thoughts on war and peace. For more information or free counseling, contact: Larry Dansinger/MDMC Rob Pfeiffer Maine Draft and Military Counselors provides draft and military counseling throughout Maine. It is a non-profit organization, and not a part of the Selective Service System or any other government agency.
|