What is NNOMY?
9/12/2024 / Perplexity Ai - NNOMY, or the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth, is a coalition of organizations in the United States that actively opposes the militarization of schools and the recruitment of young people into the military. Founded in 2004 following a national counter-recruitment conference in Philadelphia, NNOMY aims to connect local, regional, and national activists and organizations to promote awareness and education regarding militarism in educational settings.
Objectives and Activities
NNOMY's mission includes advocating for peaceful alternatives to military service and challenging the increasing presence of military recruitment in schools, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The network emphasizes the importance of providing youth with viable paths to success that do not involve military enlistment. Key activities and campaigns organized by NNOMY include:
- A National Call: Save Our Civilian Public Education: This campaign addresses the influence of conservative forces and corporate interests in educational environments, advocating for the removal of military programs from schools.
- Divest “Your Body” from the War MachineDivest “Your Body” from the War Machine: In collaboration with CODEPINK, this initiative aims to encourage communities to divest from companies that profit from militarization and to promote alternative community service opportunities for youth.
- Campaigns Against JROTC and Marksmanship Training: NNOMY works to end involuntary placements in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs and to remove marksmanship training from schools, highlighting the negative impacts of such programs on youth.
NNOMY also engages in public education efforts to inform young people about the realities of military enlistment and the potential consequences of joining the military.
How counter-recruiters take on the US military
Getting involved with the National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth (NNOMY) can be accomplished through various actions and initiatives aimed at countering military recruitment in schools and advocating for youth rights. Here are some ways to participate:
1. Join the NNOMY Network
You can become a part of NNOMY by joining their network, which connects individuals and organizations committed to opposing the militarization of youth. This membership provides access to resources, updates, and opportunities for collaboration with like-minded activists.
2. Participate in Campaigns
NNOMY organizes various campaigns focused on demilitarizing schools and raising awareness about military recruitment practices. You can participate in these campaigns by sharing information, organizing local events, or collaborating with other activists in your area.
3. Establish a Recruitment Observatory
Consider setting up a "Recruitment Observatory" at your local school to monitor military recruiter activities. This initiative can help inform school officials and the community about recruitment practices and advocate for policies that protect student privacy.
4. Advocate for Policy Changes
Engage with your school district to advocate for policies that limit military recruiter access. This can include writing letters to school administrators and boards expressing concerns about excessive military presence in schools.
5. Distribute Informational Materials
Help educate peers and parents about military recruitment by distributing materials that provide alternatives to military service. NNOMY offers resources such as palm cards and pamphlets that can be shared in schools.
6. Organize Educational Events
You can initiate or participate in events that promote peace and justice, such as workshops, speaker sessions, or peace clubs in schools. These activities can create a platform for discussing the implications of military recruitment and the importance of informed choices for youth.
7. Contact NNOMY for Support
If you are interested in taking action but need guidance, you can reach out to NNOMY directly via email or phone. They can provide assistance and resources tailored to your specific interests and community needs. By engaging in these activities, you can contribute to NNOMY's mission of opposing the militarization of youth and promoting peaceful alternatives.
What specific actions can I take to help NNOMY's campaigns
Based on the information provided, here are some specific actions you can take to support NNOMY's campaigns:
- Join the NNOMY Network. This will connect you with other activists and organizations, and provide access to resources, handouts, videos, and update
- Distribute opt-out forms at local high schools. At the beginning of each school year, parents can opt out of allowing their children to be contacted by military recruiters. You can download and distribute these forms
- Campaign for an equal access ordinance in your school district. This would mandate that peace groups get equal time and access to students to offer alternatives to military enlistment
- Help students start peace and justice clubs on campus. Assist students in organizing events, inviting speakers, writing articles, or distributing informational literature about alternatives to military service
- Create localized counter-recruitment resources. Adapt NNOMY's materials to include information on local job training programs, mentorships, and other opportunities for youth in your area
- Participate in NNOMY's campaigns, such as:
- Organize educational events to raise awareness about military recruitment practices and alternatives to enlistment
- Monitor and challenge excessive military recruiter access in your local schools
- Share NNOMY's resources and information through your social networks to expand their reach
- Consider volunteering your time or skills to support NNOMY's communications, outreach, or campaign efforts
Remember to tailor your approach based on your local context and the specific needs of your community.
How can I collaborate with local peace groups to strengthen NNOMY's campaigns
Based on the information provided, here are some ways you can collaborate with local peace groups to strengthen NNOMY's campaigns:
- Connect with existing peace organizations in your area. The search results mention groups like Veterans for Peace, Fellowship of Reconciliation, and local peace coalitions. Reach out to chapters near you to explore partnership opportunities.
- Help establish a "Recruitment Observatory" at your local schools to monitor military recruiter activities. This initiative can provide valuable data to inform NNOMY's campaigns.
- Organize educational events and workshops in collaboration with local peace groups to raise awareness about military recruitment in schools and NNOMY's work. You could invite speakers from NNOMY or other experienced activists.
- Work with peace organizations to distribute NNOMY's informational materials and resources to students, parents, and community members. This could include leafleting campaigns or tabling at local events.
- Collaborate on letter-writing campaigns or petitions to school boards and local officials, advocating for policies that limit military recruiter access in schools.
- Partner with groups to start or support peace clubs in local high schools. The search results provide guidance on how to establish these clubs.
- Join forces to organize protests, rallies, or other direct actions aligned with NNOMY's campaigns, like opposing JROTC programs or marksmanship training in schools.
- Coordinate with peace groups to lobby local representatives and push for legislation supporting NNOMY's goals, such as the Department of Peacebuilding bill.
- Utilize the expertise and resources of established organizations to enhance NNOMY's outreach and effectiveness. Many groups have experience in areas like counter-recruitment and can provide valuable insights.
- Create a local coalition of peace groups focused specifically on youth demilitarization efforts, with NNOMY's campaigns as a central focus. This can help pool resources and amplify your impact.
- https://nnomy.org/index.php/en/content_page/item/359-about-nnomy.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Network_Opposing_the_Militarization_of_Youth
- https://www.commondreams.org/organization/national-network-opposing-militarization-youth-nnomy
- https://nnomypeace.net/counter-recruitment/for-activists/what-can-you-do.html
- https://afsc.org/news/five-ways-counter-military-recruitment-your-school-district
- https://myeducationforpeace.org/
- https://nnomypeace.net/
Please consider supporting The National Network Opposing the Militarization of Youth
and our work to demilitarize our schools and youth by sending a check to our fiscal sponsor "in our name" at the
Alliance for Global Justice.
Donate Here
Revised: 09/12/2024 GDG