Veterans For Peace Code of Conduct

1. We will use our anger at injustice as a positive, nonviolent force for change.

2. We will approach every encounter, with fellow members and the public, with positivity and mindfulness, and with the assumption that concerns raised are coming from a positive place and present a learning opportunity.

3. Our attitude, as conveyed through our words, symbols and actions, will be one of openness, friendliness, and respect toward all people we encounter.

4. All members have an important role to play within Veterans For Peace, regardless of previous military rank, branch, or combat experience. We will respect one another as equal parts of a whole.

5. We will not assault, verbally, in person or online, anyone, to include fellow members and those who oppose or disagree with us, even if they assault us. This does not preclude a member’s right to defend him or herself against a physical attack.

6. In keeping with our commitment to achieving our goals through non-violent means, there is an expectation that members will not carry weapons with them to VFP events or while representing VFP, regardless of the laws in their location.

7. We will follow the directions of the designated coordinators during public actions organized on behalf of VFP.

8. We will use democratic principles within our organization to ensure an open, fair, inclusive, and transparent environment.

9. We will speak as members of VFP but not for VFP, unless designated as a spokesperson for VFP. All members are free to speak for themselves or on behalf of their chapter as appropriate.

10. Sexist, racist, homophobic, ageist, transphobic, gender discriminatory, and all other discriminatory language and actions are common within the military; they are not acceptable within VFP.

11. Our words and actions will maintain the political and financial independence of VFP.

12. To achieve the above goals, we will also engage in ‘active listening,’ that is fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively ‘hearing’ the message of the speaker.