This invitation is an opportunity to take part in meaningful and practical work toward decolonial repair. Right now in Iowa City, the Great Plains Action Society (GPAS) is beginning a project that’s more than just a vision—it’s a real, on-the-ground effort to shape what a more just future looks like for Indigenous communities. GPAS is building the actual infrastructure to make it happen and inviting partners to join in.
Category: Quaker
Implementation of the New Conscientious Objector (NewCO)
After all these posts, its time to present a concrete plan to implement the NewCO (New Conscientious Objector). What would that actually look like? Following is a proposed plan.
NewCO slides and storybook
I plan to discuss this more thoroughly soon, but if you are wondering how you can become a NewCO, you become a NewCO as soon as you begin to RESHAPE your thinking about the state of the world and what we can do. It is a positive concept and a way to have hope again.
The Unfolding Testimony
It is helpful to know the history of conscientious objection in this country, in order to understand the New Conscientious Objector (NewCO) concept. This storybook, The Unfolding Testimony, is about that history of conscientious objection by members of Iowa Yearly Meeting (Conservative).
The Unfinished Peace
I really like the children's books Storybook creates. They convey complicated subjects very well, I think. And, of course, they can bring children into these discussions.
Neighborhood Solidarity Corp
The idea of a Neighborhood Solidarity Corps as a model of a NewCO project reminded me of a similar project I was involved with in Indianapolis in the early 1970s named the Friends Volunteer Service Mission (VSM).
A fork in the road
I urge Quakers and others of conscience to object to Christian, colonial capitalism, and build Beloved communities based upon Mutual Aid, LANDBACK, and the replacement of police and prisons with ways to promote community safety instead.
We have met the enemy and he is us
I need to confront the concept of ‘Whiteness” from the beginning of this journey. From the time white settlers first arrived in this land, they brought with them their culture of supremacy and dominance over the original people. Supported by the Doctrine of Discovery, in which the Church blessed the theft of Indigenous lands. Colonialism is embedded in White society in this country. White people, including myself, must start our decolonial journey here. You cannot work for decolonization until you deal with your Whiteness.
Decolonial Path for Quakers 12 – Our other colonial projects
Does the world make sense to you? As economic and political systems collapse around us, isn’t this time for Quakers to speak out? Isn’t this the time to replace unjust systems with those that serve justice, i.e., LANDBACK, Mutual Aid, and the abolition of police and prisons?
A Discussion Guide: Will we change?
Discussion Guide based on Jeff Kisling’s blog post Decolonial Path for Quakers 11 – Will we change?. This guide is designed to help Quaker communities or other spiritually grounded groups reflect on the themes of decolonization, environmental witness, and systemic change.