I’m the chapter vice president and just wanted to post a quick update for those who find us via Great Nonprofits.
We’re still very much active in the Corvallis, Oregon community but not as much a visible presence, especially in the high schools, due to COVID restrictions.
Recently we’ve supported local action on the climate crisis vs. militarism; limiting our local police department’s ability to obtain military-style weapons and “warrior” training; divesting our city’s investment funds from military weapons makers; and commemorating and supporting nuclear attack and nuclear “downwinder” victims.
For more, please see our website: https://vfpcorvallis.wordpress.com/.
Thanks for your interest in Veterans For Peace, Mid-Valley, Oregon.
VFP's work in educating high school students about the realities of war and, indeed, of military service are of immense value in counteracting the propaganda and persuasion of the military recruiters. The local chapter's work with homeless men, a shockingly large proportion of whom are veterans, is also invaluable.
The variety of people deeply involved with this group is impressive, and their continued efforts to unite and educate the community - veterans and non-veterans - about the true costs of war, and the paltry benefits - make this the most professional nonprofit I know. Maybe that military training at least has benefits! They do caring, compassionate work in the schools and among our small city's community intersections.
Veterans For Peace is a leading organization in reconciliation between the United States and its former enemies. VFP's support of the Vietnam Friendship Village Project is a model initiative.
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The Corvallis VFP chapter is very active in the local community--making connections with the local sustainability coalition, the men's homeless shelter, and working in tandem with other local peace and justice organizations and Oregon State University. They have an active truth-in-recruitment effort within the local high schools, and also participate in "Career Day" providing information to high schoolers who are simultaneously being recruited heavily by the military. They often work with the local branch of the Women's League for International Peace and Freedom (WILPF) to bring in guest speakers/presentations, and they are a co-sponsor of the "Second Saturdays Concert Series for a Better World" which has raised nearly $40,000 in 9 years for local charities.
The Corvallis VFP chapter has been a peace and justice leader in our community for 10 years. They are a highly visible group, participating in parades and tabling at events and fairs. They work to educate the public about the real costs of war in money, people and opportunity costs--the money we can't spend on roads, education, sustainable energy projects, etc. because of the tax dollars spent by the Pentagon.
They are also a valuable resource for high school students contemplating a career in the military. VFP's "truth in recruiting" program helps students make that life-changing decision based on facts, not hype from military recruiters.
I am a veteran who was disheartened by the needless loss of life and ability among my fellow soldiers, I looked for a group that would support the idea of peace from a veterans perspective. I found the Linus Pauling Chapter of VFP. Although my disabilities have limited my participation, their efforts represent my passion for an end of war and safety for all military women and men,
I have been an active member of anti war organizations since 1964 when I was cofounder of the Student-Faculty Committee to End the War in Vietnam. Currently I am active in Veterans for Peace because it is the most active,energentic peace organization in my home town. Bob Stebbins
Veterans For Peace has been around since 1985 and has a well-established history as an effective, grassroots, membership-driven organization. VFP is the ONLY veterans' organization whose primary mission is to abolish war, and they do that by educating the public about the truth of war and militarism through the expression of their own stories and experiences. VFP members are dedicated to peace and justice, who "walk the talk."
VFP is an excellent organization. Since joining almost two years ago I have been in several parades, helped counter-recruiting at one high school and at a career fair for area high schools, participated in a panel discussion about the Vietnam period in two high school history classes, and been present as VFP at Memorial Day events.
The members of our chapter are dedicated activists for VFP, knowledgeable and articulate, and a pleasure to know and work with. And the Bolgers are tremendously effective and inspiring leaders, Leah nationally and Bart our chapter president.
Due to numerous health issues and the distance from Corvallis, I am unable to participate in many of VFP chapter 132 activities but I know that they have and are making a serious impact on residents in that area. Their motivation to bring Peace and Justice into the community, through the daily Peace Vigil in front of the court house has attracted many community members to participate and join as well as their yearly efforts to provide homeless men and women winter shelter, access to counseling and providing other amenities that are necessary for their daily needs. I'm hoping that my health conditions will improve shortly after surgery and that I can once again be a working member of the Linus Pauling Chapter of VFP. The chapter and members individually have been a real asset to me personally through installing handicapped access in my home and providing transportation to the VA Hospital 70 miles north. I'm personally indebted to them and appreciate the assistance provided for several years now.
I am not a veteran, so I am an associate member of the Corvallis chapter of Veterans for Peace. The members of VFP are involved in several different peacebuilding projects in the area. Particularly impressive to me are the outreach to youth and the presence in each year's Armistice Day memorial.
I have been a member of this group since the formation, 6 years ago. The community involvement and actions of this group are truly promoting peace and just by exposing the true costs of war, high school appearances, and select peaceful participation in public parades, fairs, information booths, etc. I cannot say enough good things about the spirit and passion our leaders have and continually share, Leah and Bart Bolger. They walk the talk.
I've been active in veterans issues since just after I got out of the USAF. There used to be federal block-grant money for groups like this but Pres. Reagan got rid of that. No cause if more important to veterans than working to make sure that children and grandchildren don't have to go in the military, don't have to fight, kill, and die. This national organization and its regional chapters gets noticed. The struggle is almost impossible, is impossible without money.
They constantly surprise me with their energy and commitment. Whether it's hearing about Leah being arrested for taking part in a peaceful demonstration, helping keep the Bradley Manning situation in the public eye and other visible actions to remind the mainstream media that we're still warring and occupying illegally - etc. I believe they have a greater impact per person as the public understands that Veterans know what they're talking about when it comes to military issues. The Remembrance Rug takes up all my spare time - or I would be out there with them.
Who has more authority to address the problems of our militarized society than the veterans who have been at the center of the problem? Veterans for Peace are able to speak undeniable truth to power. They will help us to move beyond war, to stop destroying lives by teaching youth to solve problems with violence.
Veterans for Peace in Corvallis Oregon is very active and doing a great job in promoting Peace, and Justice. They are really out there and doing a great job. Eugene Russell Vietnam Vet.
I have worked with this chapter of Veterans For Peace for the past 6 years and I believe we are making a big difference in our community. We have active programs involving Truth in Military Recruitment at local high schools and providing the public with information about the true cost of war and militarism.