This was originally posted to the Offbase Myspace Page, June 15, 2009.
The Virginia-based GI coffeehouse and activist center, Norfolk OffBase has become an affiliate of the War Resisters League, an 86 year-old pacifist organization advocating for the end to war and violence. In keeping with WRL’s mission, the Virginia group is dedicated to challenging militarism, advocating for GI rights, and educating for peace.
War Resisters League sees Norfolk OffBase’s efforts as an integral part of the GI resistance movement, the support of which is one of WRL’s program areas. “The opportunity for veterans to come together and acknowledge their experience is crucial to understanding war and is imperative in the struggle to end it,” War Resisters League Program Associate Jenessa Stark said. Their space, Norfolk OffBase, 2501 Fawn St in Norfolk “provides a safe environment for community activists to come together with active duty service members and newly discharged GIs to engage in dialogue and support,” Stark continued.
The alliance between the groups struck OffBase founder, Tom Palumbo as a natural compliment to the organizations respective missions. “Norfolk OffBase has developed an extensive network of local resources that can advocate for active duty servicemembers and veterans who face moral questions or other hardships related to their military service,” Palumbo said. According to Palumbo several local peace and justice activists have overwhelmingly endorsed the WRL mission of eliminating war, while working to address the root causes of conflict such as racism, oppression and occupation. He added “as an affiliate of the War Resisters League, we can now avail ourselves of the resources and networking support that the WRL has provided to GI's for many decades.”
In May, OffBase initiated a series of events and actions in response to a call for a “Summer of Solidarity.” The coffeehouse planned and offered educational forums, speakers, actions and advocacy focused on global peace, social justice, workers rights, environmental stewardship and affordable healthcare for all. Additionally, War Resisters League has endorsed OffBase’s June hallmark event, "The Road to No War!" a 5 day, 53 mile peace march to various military sites in Hampton Roads.
Dedicated on Veterans Day in 2008, Norfolk OffBase is a non-commercial, secular, non-profit convergence space which has freely hosted events for GI's, veterans and the greater community. The WRL affiliate will be holding public meetings at 7:00 pm each first and third Thursday of the month at 2501 Fawn St.
Active duty, veterans and supporters are encouraged to contact the War Resisters League via email at [email protected] or by calling 212-228-0450. Alternatively they can contact Norfolk OffBase directly by email at [email protected] or by calling director Tom Palumbo at 757-470-9797.
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