Elizabeth Rivera Goldstein
TeenPeace.org
Previously Aired On: October 2, 2007 - Listen to the Show!
Elizabeth Rivera Goldstein, a resident of the state of Washington is a mother of 2 teens and an activist. It was the concern over her children and other children that propelled Liz into activism. Concern over the possibility of a draft and military recruiters on campus talking students into joining the military was the reason Liz founded TeenPeace.org.
Founded in 2002, the Teen Peace Project provides education on nonviolence and encourages young adults to consider becoming conscientious objectors. After studying and discussing war, peace , nonviolence and military service, Teen Peace members are invited to share their knowledge with their peers and community through public presentations and workshops presented throughout Washington State. Teen Peace provides materials and a place to discuss challenging and important issues. Young adults are encouraged to form their own thoughts, so they can be prepared if a military draft ever returns and to deal with military recruiters as well as helping other students deal with recruiters.
Liz Rivera Goldstein recently served on the national steering committee for United for Peace & Justice and was also the Campaign Coordinator for Lieutenant Ehren Watada - the first officer to refuse service in Iraq. She has marched and been arrested a number of times in protests against the Iraq War. Most recently Liz protested last year at the Indian Island Naval Weapons Depot, which is the main West Coast port used to ship munitions to Iraq.
In Liz’s own words:
“My concern has led me to begin a discussion group for peace, with 14-18 year olds gathering to read essays and books, and watch videos of Martin Luther King, Gandhi, conscientious objectors from current and previous wars, and other materials that discuss non-violence. I strongly feel that ideas and values must be from kids, and not from me. I am willing to provide materials and a place to discuss them.
With support from the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers),the Central Committee of Conscientious Objectors, and NNOMY (NationalNetwork Opposed to Militarism of Youth), I continue to learn the legalities and find materials and support for this project. I began one session with 7 home schooled kids, reached out to invite teens in local church youth programs, and local high school students. I have some young people work with me for over a year. College students tend to meet once or twice with me and then study on their own.
The military recruiters have been at the Port Townsend High School as many as three times a week during the school year. Recruiters from all branches of the military were hanging out at lunch time to talk to kids in the cafeteria, but the school moved them to another room, thanks to the efforts of students at the school. I travel across the state, making presentations to local peace groups, high schools and colleges, and church groups. The Teen Peace kids have kept awareness of the No Child Left Behind Act and student’s right to “opt out” on the minds of students, their parents, and school adminstrators.
My generation, and those a bit older than me, lost friends and family during the Vietnam War. We were all changed by that experience, and I want to do something to make a difference to the children who share this time in the world with my children.”
