Eau Claire Quakers will be offering 3 one-hour sessions about conscientious objection at the church where they rent, on Sunday, January 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2026, between 10-11 am. The sessions will focus on an overview about conscientious objection (definition, laws, guidelines), preparing a letter for a draft board substantiating one's CO status, and a mock draft board experience. We will be sharing activities and small groups to aid youth in discernment of their attitudes and beliefs about participation in war and conscientious objection.

The sessions will be targeted for youth who may eventually be drafted, if the draft would be activated, so up to age 25. Though current law only specifies males as draftable, we also welcome females up to age 25, given the possibility that they may also end up being drafted. Other adults may be present for the sessions, but we want to especially build connection, community, and discernment for the youth, so we ask that other adults stay to the background in the sessions, unless specifically invited into activities.

We welcome participants of any religious affiliation or none, and presentations will be open to the entire gamut of attitudes. We will be meeting in a room of Eau Claire's First Presbyterian Church, 2112 Rudolph Rd. Enter from the churches back door and look for signs.

The sessions will be led by Mark Helpsmeet (715-491-0783 / helpsmeet@usa.net) and Mark Schwinn (920-917-9358 / pastormarkschwinn@gmail.com), and both are members of Eau Claire Quakers. Feel free to contact either with any questions and also to register for the sessions. There is no fee, but we would like a headcount in order to prepare adequate materials.