Reimagining National Security(RNS)- Initiative

Reimagining National Security Statement

Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism, and militarism. With this powerful commitment we shall boldly challenge the status quo . . .

–Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On April 4 1967, exactly one year before he was assassinated, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave the speech from which this quote is taken. He spoke out against the war in Vietnam, describing the “giant triplets” of racism, militarism and materialism. He gave that speech under the auspices of Clergy and Laymen Concerned About Vietnam (CALCAV), from which we as CALC are descended.

Calling on our strong CALC roots is more important than ever. We honor Dr. King’s legacy as we launch our new initiative, “Reimagining National Security.” With this initiative, we want to engage the community in making the connections between racism, militarism and the climate crisis – the inevitable result of an untenable and unjust economic system. We want to invite people to think about what true security would look like. With the support of community members like you, we will research local impacts of militarization, engage in community discussions, build an action team, and hire an organizer to lead the work.

The horrific war in Ukraine, as well as the aftermath of wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and the continuing conflict in Yemen, demonstrate that working for peace, justice and human rights is inseparable from working towards sustainability. Sustainability as freedom from reliance on fossil fuels. Sustainability as a reimagined vision of security that does not rely on resource extraction and militarism to maintain white supremacist notions of progress. Security, instead, as a protection of the well-being of communities and environment.

We are convinced that the climate crisis cannot be curtailed without addressing the fact that the U.S. military is the biggest institutional user of fossil fuels on the planet. The Department of Defense budget is half of all Federal discretionary spending. As King stated, “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” Military spending, wars around the world, and violent racism here in the U.S. – including the militarization of domestic law enforcement and of our Southern border – come at a terrible human and ecological cost.

CALC’s Reimagining National Security initiative insists on a shift away from spiritual death, and steps toward greater cultural and ecological justice. The first step is sharing information about the environmental toll of militarism by giving presentations to youth groups, faith communities and the environmental groups already working toward sustainability. The second step is creating space for discussion about true security. We need to hear from community members, especially youth – what is your vision of safety and security and how do we get there?

Together let us join Dr. King in declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism and militarism. With your support we can boldly challenge the status quo by insisting on a world where programs of social uplift are the priority!

For a more secure world.

***NOW HIRING! CALL FOR APPLICANTS!***

Reimagining National Security Coordinator/Researcher Position

Community Alliance of Lane County (CALC)

–Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In his 1967 speech, Dr. King spoke out against the war in Vietnam, describing the “giant triplets” of racism, militarism and materialism. He gave that speech under the auspices of Clergy and Laymen Concerned About Vietnam (CALCAV), from which we as CALC are descended. CALC’s “Reimagining National Security” initiative seeks to honor Dr. King’s legacy and calls on our strong roots as an antiwar organization. With this initiative, we want to engage the community in making the connections between racism, militarism and the climate crisis – the inevitable result of an untenable and unjust economic system. We will offer community education about local and global impacts of militarization, plan divestment campaigns and mobilize community members to act. And, importantly, we invite people to think about what true security would look like!

Organization overview: Grassroots social justice organization Community Alliance of Lane County educates and organizes for peace, human dignity, social, racial and economic justice. We seek to collaborate with organizations, institutions, and individuals to bring about lasting change. To learn more, please visit our website.

RNS Initiative overview: To learn more about CALC’s Reimaging National Security Initiative, please review these materials. Reimagining National Security Brochure. Reimagining National Security Initiative Slides. RNS Statement/Letter.

Position overview: CALC seeks an independent contractor to coordinate CALC’s Reimagining National Security research and programming. The initiative has a small budget to further this programming. While the position will be mostly remote, there are some in-person meetings. CALC space can be made available with advance planning.

Reports to: Reimagining National Security Working Group & CALC Board

Status: 25 hrs/month for 6 month period, with possibility of renewal

Wages: $21/hr

To Apply: Send email with resume, cover letter or statement speaking to your interest in the position and the experiences you bring to the work to jobs@calclane.org. If you are a finalist, 3 references will be requested. Position open until filled. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Please let us know if you have accommodations requests.

Responsibilities:

6 hrs/month attendance and participation at weekly meetings of Eugene Springfield Anti Imperialism Network (Thursdays @5pm at Growers Market)
~17 hours/month to:
- Utilize, possibly expand CALC research on local investments in military industrial complex to develop divestment campaign/s, engaging community around this effort.
- Plan and coordinate educational and cultural programming focused on antimilitarism, including critical media literacy workshops for youth and adults.
2 hrs/month coordination support for RNS focus group meetings (frequency of meetings to be determined, monthly or quarterly).
CALC is willing to split the hours, if there is one candidate with strong research experience and another with strong organizing experience.

Qualifications, experience and skills desired:

This position requires self-direction and motivation. Candidates with organizing and research experience preferred.

Passionate commitment to CALC’s mission of advocating for equity and justice
Understanding of forms of systemic and cultural racism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression
Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours
Must have access to reliable transportation and device (computer/laptop)
Well-organized and detail-oriented; self-motivated; problem solver completes tasks in an efficient and timely manner with little supervision
Excellent people skills and a demonstrated aptitude for organizing and networking
Strong written and oral communication skills (bilingual proficiency is a plus)
Research skills and experience
Commitment to responding to all communications in a timely manner
Computer and social media literacy

The Community Alliance of Lane County is an equal opportunity employer. We are striving to create a diverse workforce and prioritize making sure all employees feel safe and welcome. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Equivalency Statement: We encourage people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, and gender non-conforming individuals to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs if they do not meet every one of the qualifications listed. We care most about finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you meet key qualifications for the job, and believe you would be the best fit, we encourage you to apply. We invite you to use your cover letter to share how you will accomplish parts of the job for which you have less experience.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a background check before starting employment.

RNS Power Point Presentation can be found at the link below:

Reimagining-National-Security-Presentation.pptx