Conscientious Objector Training

Military Draft (Selective Service) Registration becomes automatic on December 18, 2026 for everyone assigned male at birth ages 18-25. Since 1980, young men have been supposed to register for Selective Service – the draft – but that has not been enforced since 1985. To make registration automatic now, at a time of rising tensions globally and increased US military actions abroad, is a cause for deep concern for young people and those who care about them. The change to draft registration has not been widely publicized. It’s important for young men in the specified age range, as well as those close to it, to be informed about this so they can document their moral or religious beliefs about participating in war, if they are opposed to it.

To prepare young men for a possible draft, Salmon Bay Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers, are offering an informational session on September 12 on how to make a conscientious objector claim. Quakers have long been known for their peace testimony, and many of them have chosen to serve their country in other ways rather than in the military, although one does not have to be a Quaker to attain conscientious objector status.

The purpose of our training is not to convince anyone to be a conscientious objector. Our goal is to explain what conscientious objection is; what is required to make a conscientious objector claim; and provide tips and tools on how to successfully make a claim.

The training is open to all members of the public, ages 14-25, and is not a religious event. Individuals older than 25 are welcome but we want to elevate the voices of those affected by automatic registration and their peers of all genders.

The info session is free and open to all members of the public and not a religious event; registration is required. Location: Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N, Room 7, from 1:30-4PM.