A National Teach-In on the
War on Iraq
Can Saddam Hussein be disarmed without war? What role can nonviolence play in bringing justice and democracy to the region? What are the real reasons for the rush to war? Will war lessen—or increase—the threat of terrorism in this country? What role should Christians and other people of faith play in efforts to stop the war? Are there alternatives to war?
Across the country, students will explore the complex issues surrounding the planned war on Iraq and engage in a dialogue about creative, nonviolent alternatives to war.
If you would like to organize a teach-in on your campus or in your community, please use the information listed on this page, including instructions, articles, flyers, and more.
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Note: The following articles come from a variety of sources and represent a range of perspectives. You may not agree
with everything written here - we don't - but we hope you find that this material stimulates deeper and more-critical
thinking as we seek alternatives to war with Iraq.
Download Teach-In Organizers' Packet (Word Document)
Download Understanding the U.S.-Iraq Crisis: A Primer (Word Document)
Download Additional Readings (Word Document)
Download Nonviolence and Iraq (Word Document)
Download Teach-In flyer (PDF Document)
Share your teach-in experiences in an online forum.
Excerpt from Sojourners Organizers' Packet:
What is a Teach-In?
A teach-in is an informational gathering designed to help individuals better understand particular issues of public interest. This teach-in is specifically designed to help Christian college students explore the complex issues surrounding the proposed war on Iraq and to encourage dialogue about creative, nonviolent alternatives to war.
Tips for Preparing for a Teach-In:
Step 1 - Coordinate leaders for the event. These leaders will be responsible for facilitating the nightly teach-in sessions. It may be a good idea to organize a team of 5-10 people who will take turns leading the sessions throughout the week. The literature is pretty straightforward, so the sessions can be led by anyone. It may be helpful to think of people with specific interest or expertise in the subject matter. Here are some suggestions of people to contact on your campus:
Professors of religion, political science, sociology, international affairs, Middle East studies, etc.
Student leaders of social justice groups, outreach teams, campus events, student government, etc.
Campus ministers
Student development office
International students on campus, or members of the community around your school, from the Middle East or Iraq
Step 2 - Plan when and where you will hold your teach-in sessions. Be sure to make arrangements with the appropriate people for reserving space, chairs, podiums, etc. The sessions are designed to be held over a weeklong, 5-night period but can be condensed to facilitate time constraints. Depending on your school, it may be appropriate to inquire with your campus ministry office about working the teach-in events into chapel or an alternate chapel format.
Step 3 - Get the word out. Create flyers and post them around campus. (See the template that we've supplied.) Send e-mail announcements. Ask professors to encourage students in their classes to attend. Announce in chapel, campus newspaper/newsletter, etc. Create a phone message announcement and ask RDs and RAs to circulate it to their residents. Be sure to invite professors, administrators, the president, and other faculty to attend.
Step 4 - Notify media. Newspapers, television stations, radio stations, etc. Tell them when and where the sessions are taking place. This gives you the potential to reach a broader audience.
Tips for Hosting the Teach-In:
Step 1 - Have leaders prepare presentations for the nightly sessions that will foster discussion. The literature packet may be helpful in providing basic information to work with. Sessions should last one to two hours.
Step 2 - Generate discussion and dialogue. Use the discussion questions in the literature packet to facilitate dialogue. Be prepared to answer questions as they come up.
Step 3 - Be creative about opening and ending the sessions. Possible ideas: open and close with prayer; light a candle for the people of Iraq and U.S. military personnel and their families; read an Iraqi poem or a poem about peace; show a relevant movie clip; share a story; pause for a few minutes of silence.
Step 4 - Have copies of the articles available for people to take with them. Contact student development office about covering copying expenses.
Step 5 - Culminate week with candlelight vigil. Take this time as a college community to pray for justice and peace in Iraq and in the United States. (See the section on "How to organize a prayer vigil.")
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