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

Online Courses

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online courses taught through November 2022.
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students taught in online courses.
Upcoming Courses:

War and the Environment: April 10 - May 22, 2023

War and the Environment: April 10 - May 22, 2023 — Online Course Registration

Grounded in research on peace and ecological security, this course focusses on the relationship between two existential threats: war and environmental catastrophe.

Leaving World War II Behind: July 3 - August 13, 2023

Leaving World War II Behind: July 3 – August 13, 2023 — Online Course Registration

The purpose of the course is to inform the participant and enable them to inform others of why World War II is not a good justification for military spending and war planning.

Peace Education and Action for Impact

An Education and Activism Course for Youth, Debuted in 2021, Planned Anew for 2023

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

Alumni Photos

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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