CO Lesson 1

Panel Presentations: Experiences of Previous COs


Note: Find two or three people in your meeting or community who were COs, who opposed participation in the military or who were in the military and later turned against it. Ask if they would be willing to share their experiences with the high school class. This lesson introduces the concept of a CO and raises issues about COs in a very real and personal way.

Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Begin with a brief period of worship.
  • Welcome and introduce everyone.
  • Overview and purpose:
    1. Begin with an overview of conscientious objection.
    2. Hear panel presenters share their experiences as COs or in the services.
    3. Allow time for questions and answers with the panel and for discussion among the class.

Opening Exercise: A Simulation of a Draft Lottery (5 minutes)

  • Explain that for this class, everyone (young men and women) will consider him or herself as a man about to turn 18-years-old.
  • Pass out a number of 3 by 5 index cards, each with a random number between 1 and 366. Have class members write their first names (nice and big so everyone can read them) on their cards.
  • Explain that the number on the card corresponds to the number they might receive if a draft lottery were held today. Explain that probably the first third (numbers 1–120) would be sent an induction notice. Ask:
    1. What number did you draw?
    2. Was it high or low?
    3. How do you feel about the number you drew? Did it make a difference?

Overview of Conscientious Objection (10 minutes)