Author Archives: Conscience Canada

Brian Willson-resistance to Addiction to War

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Frank Dorrell, who maintains the AddictedToWar.com site and sells copies of Joel Andreas’ book by that title, has compiled a well-documented series of films about how our addiction to war plays out: It’s called “What I’ve Learned About US Foreign Policy” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMGhrkoncA. The last 10 min. shares some of S. Brian Willson’s story. I [Jan] find it particularly inspiring because of how Brian learns through his life and shares that learning so powerfully. Knowing that “We are not worth more. They are not worth less.” has led him to exceptional commitment, joy & pain. More about Brian here: https://www.brianwillson.com/autobiography/ and here is the link for just that last section of Frank’s film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6ljl3q9nT0 .

1.5 Degrees of Peace Film Project

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Having been involved in Conscience Canada for over 40 years now, I [Jan Slakov] have seen our thinking evolve. The threat of nuclear war is still present, but is now in some ways eclipsed by other threats, notably ecological collapse.

We see the roots of these threats as inextricably related; we know that, in our efforts to defend the earth, there is a real need to defund war.

So it’s truly heartening to see that some young people share this view and are working for change. Let’s do our best to support Kasha Sequoia Slavner and her team with their film, “1.5 Degrees of Peace”.

Learn more here: https://www.1point5degreesofpeace.com/

What does it mean to say “no” to the war in Ukraine, or war in general?

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What does it mean to say “no” to the war in Ukraine, or war in general?

The dominant narrative we’re generally exposed to assumes that stopping the war in Ukraine requires sending more guns, also mercenaries, to Ukraine, and the place for “nonviolence” is in humanitarian aid. To better understand how we could be using the tools of nonviolence to stop this war, and war in general, I highly recommend the Waging Nonviolence website.

A talk worth listening to is this one, featuring peace researcher, award-winning author, founder of the Program on Nonviolent Action at the US Institute of Peace, Maria Stephan, followed by a more philosophical perspective from Michael Nagler, but there are so many interesting pieces that need wider audiences on the Waging Nonviolence website!

Amplifying stories of nonviolent struggle from Ukraine, Russia and the world at large

#NoWarWithRussia #NoWarWithUkraine

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Also take a few moments to read the Canadian Friends Service Committee’s heartfelt and thoughtful open letter.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Joly: Now is the time for Canada to use all tools available to push for de-escalation, negotiation, and diplomacy. NOT shipping arms, sending troops, or fanning the flames of war. There is no military solution here.

Why I’m Active

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Why I’m active with Conscience Canada

Protesting what the government is doing in our name has its place, but I want to take more direct action in recognition of my responsibility, as a citizen and taxpayer.

I hope that if I had been a citizen living under the Nazi regime, that I would have done my best to resist participating in their terrible programmes. I learned, as a child, about the holocaust, and I wondered how the Germans could have supported such a government. With time, I came to see that we all go along with things, at least up to a certain point, that we know to be damaging.

But when people make space to listen to their conscience, change becomes possible. Conscience Canada (CC) offers a kind of meeting place for people to come together to support each other in understanding and following that still small voice.

In our society, violence is often accepted as if other possibilities weren’t feasible. As a member of CC, and especially since becoming a board member, I’ve been learning a lot about the power of nonviolence.

If you’d be interested to know more, feel free to contact me at janslakov@shaw.ca or (250) 537-5251