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Pro-Peace and Anti-War Education

World BEYOND War believes that education is a critical component of a global security system and an essential tool for getting us there.

We educate both about and for the abolition of war. Our educational resources are based on knowledge and research that expose the myths of war and illuminate the proven nonviolent, peaceful alternatives that can bring us authentic security. Of course, knowledge is only useful when it’s applied. Thus we also encourage citizens to reflect upon critical questions and engage in dialogue with peers toward challenging assumptions of the war system. These forms of critical, reflective learning have been well documented to support increased political efficacy and action for system change.

Educational Resources

College Courses

World BEYOND War and Adelphi University Create Model for Peace Education.

Online Courses

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online courses taught through September 2022.
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unique students taught in online courses.
Upcoming Courses:
War Abolition 201: Oct 10 – Nov 20, 2022

With what do we replace the war system? What truly makes us secure? What are the moral, social, political, philosophical and pragmatic foundations of an alternative global security system – a system in which peace is pursued by peaceful means?

Ending War 101 – A course for Rotarians on how to create a peaceful world: August 1 – September 18, 2022 online course registration

How can we make the best argument for shifting from war to peace? What must we understand and know about the war system if we are to dismantle it? How can we become more effective advocates and activists for ending particular wars, ending all wars, pursuing disarmament, and creating systems that maintain peace? These questions and more will be explored in Ending War 101: How We Create a Peaceful World.

Peace Education and Action for Impact

An Education and Activism Course for Youth, Debuted in 2021, Planned Anew for 2022

Learn more about this collaboration between World BEYOND War, Rotary, and Rotary Action Group for Peace.

Organizing 101

A Course You Can Take Free at Any Time

World BEYOND War’s Organizing 101 course is designed to provide participants with a basic understanding of grassroots organizing. Whether you are a prospective World BEYOND War chapter coordinator or already have an established chapter, this course will help you hone your organizing skills.

Alumni Testimonies

"I was really impressed with the material provided. The content was well researched and referenced. But, what I liked the most about both courses was the collaborative learning. There were not only online assignments which everyone shared, and was able to comment on. Each week there was also a discussion thread, in which many students as well as course facilitators participated. I think those of us who participated in the discussions learned a lot beyond the content of the course. There were participants from all over the world with a wide variety of knowledge and experience, and the interaction between students and the feedback from the very knowledgeable course facilitators combined provided much additional learning. At the beginning of the course I felt ill prepared to articulate my objection to wars, and war preparation. But, now I feel confident that I can provide critics with well researched answers."
Marilyn Konstapel
"Knowledge is power. To change the minds of a doubting public about peace requires more than passion. The courses offered by World BEYOND War enabled me with the knowledge and tools to dialogue on a convincing level with doubters. The knowledge to change culture, to show the essentials of security, and to demonstrate conflict management in our society gave me the confidence to speak out publicly on the many issues of ending war and more - to create peace."
DG Jim Halderman
"I found this course relevant to my life and dreams of being a war abolisher. The course materials and resources responded to the questions I had about war and militarism, especially in relation to the myths around war being inevitable, just, necessary, and beneficial. This course also made me realise that war and militarism make us less safe and secure. I realise now that the most appropriate way to respond peacefully to any conflict is to not only oppose war but also to work towards peace and justice."
Ami raja Ndayambaje
"The teachings I received in this course completely changed my perspective on the relationship between war, militarism, and climate change. Overall, this course gave me a foundation for learning more about and organizing against militarism in my context!)"
Sayako Aizeki-Nevins
"The War and the Environment course completely changed the way I think about climate change and climate justice activism. This course opened my eyes to the role of militarism in the climate crisis while addressing why we often don't hear about the military from larger environmental nonprofit organizations. It also left me with clear steps forward. I highly recommend taking this course!"
Katelyn Entzeroth
"The World BEYOND War course on "War and the Environment" is enlightening, frightening, and just what I needed so that I can be better informed and able to carry to others the message that 'War is harmful for the world and other living things.' What are we doing as humankind when we destroy the environment by war and rape the environment for war, and leave the world a worse place for all generations to follow? Can we leave a better world for my ten grandchildren? Please?"
Al Mytty
"As a person who was born and grew up in a rural village in Ethiopia hearing the story of war, warriors, and all the past history of struggle among classes, ethnic groups, and religions etc., I used to think that war might be needed to survive. But looking at the destruction of cities, destruction of infrastructures, migration, hunger, etc. I began to think and ask myself questions like 'What would our future look like? Will war have an end? How will we solve our problems without war?' When I took the course 'Ending War 101' I gained a detailed understanding of the adverse impact of war, the way out of war, how war devastates our environment, how to end war, and why war is not a last resort... it was so great to know all of these things! For the past year, I have been living in Dessie, Ethiopia. I have seen the destructions of our cities. I know how it feels to be under the control of a bandit group who tries to destruct a nation. And, I believe that war should be ended. The course 'Ending War 101' actually helped me a lot. Additionally, I could join the Rotary club of Addis due to my engagement in thus course. Thank you for providing with us the opportunity."
Seid Hassen
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Changing Minds (and Measuring the Results)

World BEYOND War staff and other speakers have spoken to numerous offline and online groups. Often we have tried to measure the impact by polling those present at the beginning and end with the question “Can war ever be justified?”

In a general audience (not self-selected to already oppose war) or in a school classroom, typically at the beginning of an event almost everyone will say that war can sometimes be justified, while at the end almost everyone will say that war can never be justified. This is the power of providing basic information that is rarely provided.

When speaking to a peace group, typically a smaller percentage begins by believing that war can be justified, and a somewhat smaller percentage professes that belief at the end.

We also try to bring in and persuade new audiences through public debates on the same question, offline and on. And we ask the debate moderators to poll the audience at the beginning and end.

Debates:

  1. October 2016 Vermont: Video. No poll.
  2. September 2017 Philadelphia: No video. No poll.
  3. February 2018 Radford, Va: Video and poll. Before: 68% said war could be justified, 20% no, 12% not sure. After: 40% said war could be justfied, 45% no, 15% not sure.
  4. February 2018 Harrisonburg, Va: Video. No poll.
  5. February 2022 Online: Video and poll. Before: 22% said war could be justified, 47% no, 31% not sure. After: 20% said war could be justified, 62% no, 18% not sure.
  6. September 2022 Online: Video and poll. Before: 36% said war could be justified, 64% no. After: 29% said war could be justified, 71% no. Participants were not asked to indicate a choice of “not sure.”
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