Y&M - Organizations and Coalitions

Organizations and Coalitions

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Note: While divided into several categories, the work of these organizations overlaps in many ways. (Organizations are listed alphabetically within categories.) We specifically focus on groups run by or for young people.

Peace and Counter-Recruitment

Other organizations:
Economic & Social Justice | Environment | Education Advocacy | Child Soldiers

The Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors (CCCO) supports and promotes individual and collective resistance to war and preparations for war and examines militarism in our society. CCCO publishes The Objector, a magazine of conscience and resistance, AWOL! Youth for Peace and Revolution (‘zine and new CD), and Helping Out: A Guide to Military Discharges. CCCO’s other work includes staffing the GI Rights hotline, the Military Out of Our Schools Campaign, and the Third World Outreach Program.
West Coast:
CCCO
630 20th Street #302; Oakland, CA 94612
phone: 510-465-1617; fax 510 465-2459
East Coast:
CCCO
1515 Cherry Street; Philadelphia, PA 19102
phone: 215-563-8787; fax 215-567-2096
e-mail: info@objector.org
web: http://www.objector.org

The Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft (COMD) is an anti-militarism organization that challenges the institution of the military, its effect on society, its budget, its role abroad and at home, and the racism, sexism, and homophobia that are inherent in the armed forces and Selective Service System. COMD activities include community education, direct action, and youth outreach. Their website has articles, resources, and more.
COMD
PO Box 15195; San Diego, CA 92175
phone: 760-753-7518 or 619-265-1369
e-mail: COMD@comdsd.org
web: http://www.comdsd.org

The Network of Communities for Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution (NCPCR) is an organization that promotes the use and acceptance of non-violent approaches to the resolution of conflict and the improvement of conflict resolution theory and practice. NCPCR provides an international forum for continuing dialogue about the uses of conflict resolution as a tool for social justice and a force for peace. NCPCR organizes a biennial conference for peacemakers.
NCPCR
3070 Bristol Pike Suite 116; Bensalem, PA 19020
phone: 215-245-6993
fax: 215-245-6994
e-mail: ncpcr@apeacemaker.net
web: www.apeacemaker.net

Pax Christi USA’s Youth and Young Adult Forum is for young people, approximately ages 18-30, who are interested in nonviolence. Through retreats, actions, and other contacts, it seeks to pursue the gospel of peace and justice through prayer, study, and action. Pax Christi works for peace and social and economic justice, with four priority areas: the spirituality of nonviolence and peacemaking; disarmament, demilitarization, and reconciliation with justice; economic and interracial justice in the United States; and human rights and global restoration. Pax Christi USA is the national Catholic peace movement in the US, part of Pax Christi International.
Pax Christi USA
532 W. 8th Street; Erie, PA 16502
phone: 814-453-4955; fax: 814-452-4784
e-mail: info@paxchristiusa.org
web: http://www.geocities.com/paxchristiusa/paxchristi.html

Student Peace Action Network (SPAN) was started to bring the voices of young activists into leadership in the peace movement and to facilitate communication for student peace and justice organizing. Through SPAN, student groups can obtain current resources and tools, engage in actions, and share strategies with others.
SPAN
1819 H Street NW, Suite 420; Washington, DC 20006
phone: 202-862-9740; fax: 202-862-9762
web: http://www.peace-action.org

The War Resisters League’s ROOTS (Revolution Out of Truth and Struggle) program promotes nonviolence, justice, and an end to the militarization of youth. Some of the issues that ROOTS (formerly YouthPeace) is currently working on include criminal justice, militarism and military recruiting, and war toys. ROOTS has co-produced the latest issue of AWOL! with CCCO. There are local chapters around the country.
ROOTS – WRL
339 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012
phone: 212-228-0450 or 800-975-9688
e-mail: youthpeace@igc.org
web: http://www.warresisters.org

Economic and Social Justice

Other organizations:
Peace and Counter-Recruitment | Environment | Education Advocacy | Child Soldiers

The Black Radical Congress promotes dialogue among African-American activists and scholars on the left, discusses critical issues on the national and international scene that pertain to the Black community, explores new strategies and directions for progressive political, social, and cultural movements, and attempts to renew the Black radical movement through increased unified action.
Black Radical Congress
National Office, Columbia University Station; P.O. Box 250791, New York, NY 10025-1509
phone: 212-969-0348
e-mail: blackradicalcongress@email.com
http://www.blackradicalcongress.org

The Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO, pronounced "C-2") is a racial justice organization dedicated to building a social justice movement led by people of color. CTWO is a 20-year-old training and resource center that promotes and sustains direct action organizing in communities of color in the United States. CTWO's programs include training of new and experienced organizers, including the Minority Activist Apprenticeship Program (MAAP); establishing model multi-racial community organizations; and building an active network of organizations and activists of color to achieve racial justice in its fullest dimensions. In conjunction with the Applied Research Center, they produce the magazine ColorLines.
CTWO
1218 East 21st Street; Oakland, CA 94606
phone: 510-533-7583; fax: 510-533-0923
e-mail: ctwo@ctwo.org
web: http://www.ctwo.org

The Midwest Academy offers five day training sessions for leaders and staff of citizen and community groups. The Academy is one of the nation's oldest and best known schools for community organizations, citizen organizations, and individuals committed to progressive social change.
Midwest Academy
28 East Jackson Blvd., #605; Chicago, IL 60604
phone: 312-427-2304; fax: 312-427-2307
e-mail: mwacademy1@aol.com
web: http://www.midwestacademy.com

The National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness works with a coalition of students and community members across the country to end hunger and homelessness through education, service, and action. It is the largest student network fighting hunger and homelessness in the US, with more than 600 participating campuses in 45 states. Some activities include helping students organize Hunger and Homelessness Awareness weeks, holding conferences and trainings, and establishing Food Salvage programs.
National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness
Julie Miles, Director
11965 Venice Blvd., Suite 408; Los Angeles, CA 90066
phone: 800-NO-HUNGR, ext. 324
e-mail: nscah@aol.com
web: http://www.pirg.org/nscahh

Students United for a Responsible Global Environment (SURGE) is a national student organization working to build a coalition among groups working for social and economic justice. Since late 1998, SURGE has grown to include contacts from over 180 high school, universities, and NGOs primarily in the United States but reaching into over 30 countries. The SURGE partnership helps facilitate the sharing of resources and ideas.
Dennis Markatos, coordinator
phone: 919-843-6548
e-mail: surgenc@yahoo.com
web: http://www.unc.edu/surge/mail.html

United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) is an international coalition devoted to stopping sweatshop labor. USAS provides suggestions for campus organizing and activities and helps to facilitate national intercampus coordination. The group also has a newsletter and mailing list.
Dan Hennefeld or Laura McSpedon 1-800-23UNITE, ext 204 or 545
Jeff Shaw e-mail: jshaw@futurenet.org
web: http://home.sprintmail.com/~jeffnkari/USAS/index.html

The Ya-Ya (Youth Activists––Youth Allies) Network is a citywide network of young activists, their adult allies, and established youth programs in New York. It connects groups and individuals, shares information and resources, and helps youth programs collaborate on projects and issues. The network was started to counter the isolation that young activists often feel and to build a community. The Network trains a core group of young people as staff, organizes a citywide information network (of resources, events, and projects), and supports collaborative work among youth programs and social change organizations. The Ya-Ya Network distributes a free weekly bulletin of youth events; e-mail them to subscribe.
Ya-Ya Network
250 West 57th Street, Suite 820; New York, NY 10107
phone: 212-581-6922; fax: 212-245-1889
e-mail: YaYaNetNYC@aol.com

Environment

Other organizations:
Peace & Counter-Recruitment | Economic & Social Justice | Education Advocacy | Child Soldiers

The Center for Environmental Citizenship is a national non-partisan organization founded by young activists in 1992 to encourage college students to be environmental citizens. CEC is dedicated to educating, training, and organizing a diverse, national network of young leaders to protect the environment. Their website allows young people to take action on environmental issues, find environmental jobs and internships, locate environmental conferences and events, and keep up-to-date on environmental news and opinion.
Center for Environmental Citizenship
National Office
200 G Street, NE #300, Washington, DC 20002
phone: 202-234-5990; fax: 202-234-5997
e-mail: cec@envirocitizen.org
web: http://www.envirocitizen.org

Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) is a student-run, student-led national network of progressive organizations and individuals whose aim is to uproot environmental injustices through action and education. Their definition of the environment includes the physical, economic, political, and cultural conditions in which we live. It was founded in 1988 and has grown to include over 1000 high school and college organizations in all 50 states and Canada.
Student Environmental Action Coalition
PO Box 31909; Philadelphia, PA 19104
phone: 215-222-4711
e-mail: seac@seac.org
web: http://www.seac.org

YES! (Youth for Environmental Sanity) is designed to educate, inspire, and empower young people to take positive action for the environment. They sponsor national speaking and workshop tours and summer camps and distribute information to thousands of young people. YES! Action Camps help youth ages 15-25+ to gain the skills, information, and support to take action.
YES!
420 Bronco Road; Soquel, CA 95073-9510
phone: 831-465-1081 or 888-YES-6946; fax: 831-462-6970
e-mail: camps@yesworld.org
web: http://www.yesworld.org

Education Advocacy

Other organizations:
Peace & Counter-Recruitment | Economic & Social Justice | Environment | Child Soldiers

The Center for Commercial-Free Public Education is a national non-profit organization that addresses the issue of commercialism in our public schools. The Center provides support to students, parents, teachers, and other concerned citizens organizing across the US to keep their schools commercial-free and community-controlled. By providing constituents with the information and the skills that they need to have a voice in the running of their schools, the Center facilitates leadership development and democratic participation at the local level.
Center for Commercial-Free Public Education
1714 Franklin Street, #100-306; Oakland, CA 94612
phone: 510-268-110 or 800-867-5481; fax: 510-268-1277
e-mail: unplug@igc.org
web: http://www.commercialfree.org

The Erase Initiative is a national program which challenges racism in public schools and promotes racial justice and academic excellence for all students. The Program is coordinated by the Applied Research Center, a public policy, education, and research institute which emphasizes issues of race and social change.
Erase Initiative
Applied Research Center
3781 Broadway; Oakland, CA 94611
e-mail: arc@arc.org
web: http://www.arc.org

The Low Income Networking and Communications Project (LINC) is the electronic crossroads where the members, leaders, and organizers of low income organizations confronting the shredding of our social safety net can connect, gather, and exchange information and have their organizing efforts represented. The College and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) section of the LINC Project website is devoted to publicizing the activities of post-secondary students fighting for the right to complete their education and move on to better lives for themselves and their children.
Low Income Networking and Communications Project
Welfare Law Center
275 7th Avenue, Suite 1205; New York, NY 10001
phone: 212-633-6967
web: http://www.lincproject.org/college.html

The National Coalition of Education Activists (NCEA) is a multiracial, national network of families, school staff, union activists, community activists, and others who are organizing locally for equity and fundamental change for K-12 public schools. NCEA provides support to activists in their efforts to develop and implement progressive school reforms, to provide a counter to right-wing attacks on public schools, and to fight racism and other forms of institutional bias.
National Coalition of Education Activists
PO Box 679; Rhinebeck, NY 12572
phone: 845-876-4580; fax: 845-876-4461
e-mail: ncea@aol.com
web: http://members.aol.com/nceaweb

Rethinking Schools Online: An Urban Education Journal: is a monthly publication addressing educational equity and promoting the vision that public education is central to the creation of a humane, multiracial democracy. It emphasizes problems facing urban schools, particularly issues of race, and tries to balance classroom practice and educational theory. Articles are written by and for teachers, parents, and students. Founded by activist teachers, Rethinking Schools is a nonprofit, independent publisher of educational materials and advocates the reform of elementary and secondary education, with a strong emphasis on issues of equity and social justice.
Rethinking Schools Online
1001 E. Keefe Avenue; Milwaukee, WI 53212
phone: 414-964-9646 or 1-800-669-4192; fax: 414-964-7220
e-mail: webrs@execpc.com
web: http://www.rethinkingschools.org

Teaching for Change is an on-line catalog source for hundreds of multicultural, anti-racist books, videos, posters, and other classroom resources. Produced by the Network of Educators on the Americas (NECA), the resource is designed for school staff as well as parents. Other features include "Behind the Headlines" which has articles, links, and other resources with a critical analysis of current issues in the news and links to various organizations and publishers. NECA is a Washington, DC-based not-for-profit organization that promotes peace, justice, and human rights nationwide through critical, anti-racist, multicultural education.
Network of Educators on the Americas
PO Box 73038; Washington, DC 20056
phone: 1-800-763-9131 or 202-588-7204; fax: 202-238-0109
web: http://www.teachingforchange.org

The United States Students Association (USSA) is a national student organization that represents 3.5 million students in colleges and universities. USSA tracks and lobbies on federal legislation as well as organizes students around the country to participate in the official political process through testifying in Congressional hearings, letter-writing campaigns, and face-to-face lobby visits between students and their elected officials. USSA also represents students in various coalitions, including the Committee for Educational Funding, the Youth Vote Coalition, and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. In addition, USSA trains and organizes students to win concrete victories on their campuses.
United States Students Association
1413 K Street NW, 9th Floor; Washington, DC 20005
phone: 202-347-8772; fax: 202-393-5886
e-mail: ussa@usstudents.org
web: http://www.usstudents.org

Child Soldiers

Other organizations:
Peace & Counter-Recruitment | Economic & Social Justice | Environment | Education Advocacy

The US Campaign to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers is a national coalition of organizations that supports an international ban on the military recruitment and participation in armed conflict of children under the age of 18. The campaign works to create the political will necessary to stop the use of children as soldiers by conducting public education campaigns, utilizing the media, and educating Congress and the Administration.

The specific goals of the US campaign are to:

Obtain US ratification of the child soldiers protocol (Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict)
Eliminate US military aid that facilitates the use of child soldiers by other governments or armed political groups
Increase US governmental and non-governmental support for programs to prevent child recruitment and to provide for the demobilization, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of child soldiers.
Raise the US enlistment age to 18.

The campaign is coordinated by the Youth Advocates Program International, the Center for Defense Information, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International. The US Campaign is affiliated with the International Campaign to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers.

US Campaign Web Site: http://www.us-childsoldiers.org
International Coalition: http://www.child-soldiers.org

The Y&M Magazine article about the campaign is on-line.

The United Students Association for Action Against the Use of Child Soldiers (USA4Action) is a network of college and university students supporting the current US campaign to stop the use of child soldiers. They are focusing on lobbying, outreach and research.
e-mail: usa4action@hotmail.com

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