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Archives & Manuscripts

Alliance for Conscientious Objectors Records

 Collection
Identifier: SCPC-DG-088
This collection includes extensive correspondence with COs, agencies working for CO rights; lawyers; reporters; branches and/or local groups; and others; outreach material that explained COSB/AFCO's position on issues and its sponsorship of events, etc.; and, legal case files that represented efforts to win benefits for COs. Also included are four sets of cards that partially index the correspondence. A serious gap in information occurs because there are no meeting minutes or significant financial records.

Dates

  • 1970-1974

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Limitations on Accessing the Collection

None

Copyright and Rights Information

The records of this collection are restricted until the year 2040. Researchers may not publically disclose information about individuals included in this collection. Researchers wishing to use the collection must sign a form agreeing to this stipulation. Please contact Peace Collection staff at peacecollection@swarthmore.edu, for further information.

Extent

4 Linear Feet (4 linear ft.)

Additional Description

Abstract

The Alliance for Conscientious Objectors (AFCO), based in Seattle (Washington), was founded in 1970 by John Long and Paul Anderson, who served as its national coordinator. It changed its name in 1972 to represent a wider scope of purpose. During this time, conscientious objectors who performed two years of alternate service, the same period as those drafted into the military served, were not entitled to Veterans Administration benefits under the GI Bill of Rights. By 1974 AFCO had reached a "plateau of achievement." It contributed its remaining funds to NISBCO and CCCO.

Historical note

The Alliance for Conscientious Objectors (AFCO), based in Seattle (Washington), was known initially as Conscientious Objectors for Service Benefits (COSB). It was founded in 1970 by John Long and Paul Anderson, who served as its national coordinator. It changed its name in 1972 to represent a wider scope of purpose. During this time, conscientious objectors who performed two years of alternate service, the same period as those drafted into the military served, were not entitled to Veterans Administration benefits under the GI Bill of Rights. The COSB/AFCO worked to raise public awareness of this injustice, and sought redress through legal cases in the federal court system. On December 11, 1973, the Justices of the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two suits challenging the constitutionality of discrimination against veterans of alternate service. In its February 1974 newsletter, the group announced its decision to disband and "pass its torch to the two professional organizations in the country, National Interreligious Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO) and the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors (CCCO)." It was felt that as a volunteer, nonprofit group, AFCO had reached a "plateau of achievement." It contributed its remaining funds to NISBCO and CCCO; its last corespondence is from March 1974.

Other Finding Aids

For the catalog record for this collection and to find materials on similar topics, search the library's online catalog.

Custodial History

The Swarthmore College Peace Collection is the official repository for these records.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Paul Anderson and Dan Rubin. Method of acquisition--Gift of; Date of acquisition--1974..

Separated Materials

Items removed: One photograph was removed to the Photograph Collection. The group's newsletter was removed to the Periodical Collection.

Bibliographic References

Guide to the Swarthmore College Peace Collection, 2nd ed., p. 6.

Legal Status

Copyright to the Alliance for Conscientious Objector Records created by the organization has been transferred to the Swarthmore College Peace Collection. Copyright to all other materials is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Processing Information

Processed by Anne Yoder (2002) and other Peace Collection staff.

Subjects

Related Name

Creator

Administrative Information

Description rules
dacs

Revision Statements

  • 2017: The file list was standardized in Summer 2017 by Mary Olesnavich in preparation for importing into ArchivesSpace. Tessa Chambers added the notes in Fall 2017.

Find It at the Library

Find It at the Library

Most of the materials in this catalog are not digitized and can only be accessed in person. Please see our website for more information about visiting Swarthmore College Peace Collection Library

http://www.swarthmore.edu/library/peace/
Contact:
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore 19081-1399 USA US
610-328-8557
610-328-8544 (Fax)

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