This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
From June 27-29, Philadelphia will be host to a national conference on militarism in schools organized by the American Friends Service Committee and several other organizations.
Called "Stopping War Where It Begins: Organizing Against Militarism in Our Schools," the conference will offer participants concrete skills and strategies for organizing against the increasing presence of military activities in schools, including JROTC programs and recruiting efforts.
"People will come to this conference and learn that there are moral, ethical, and even financial reasons to oppose militarism in our public schools," says conference organizer Oskar Castro. "And then they will learn how to take that knowledge and really apply it to their communities."
Organizers strongly encourage youth to attend.
For more information or registration materials, call Oskar Castro at 215-241-7176 or email ocastro@afsc.org.