We explore, model and promote the means for humanity to live without war.

Study Series Seminars; Library Displays; Educational DVD; Educational Book; Support of other organizations working for positive change.

History

Beyond War is a renewal of an organization of the same name which, at its peak in the mid-1980s, had over 24,000 members active in twenty-three states and several countries. During the 80s, at the height of the Cold War, Beyond War hosted thousands of "Interest Evenings" and hundreds of "Orientation Meetings" in living rooms across the United States and in Canada and Germany.

Through the work of Beyond War, citizens learned about the possibility of "nuclear winter," which could have resulted if even a portion of American or Soviet missiles had been fired. This threat of nuclear annihilation formed the core of the idea, "war is obsolete." Beyond War's response to this threat was developed in reaction to Albert Einstein's statement: "Everything has changed, save our modes of thinking, and we thus drift toward unparalleled catastrophe." The most appropriate solution, Beyond War asserted, was to promote a new mode of thinking based on the principle "We are one."

In 1991, as the Cold War came to an end and the Berlin Wall fell, Beyond War shifted its focus toward cultural and environmental issues and formally became the Foundation for Global Community in 1991. In June of 2002, a group of citizens, some of whom had been active in Beyond War in the '80s, and who were concerned about the events of September 11, 2001 and the resulting "war on terrorism" that was the U.S.'s response, were inspired by Gayle Landt of Eugene, Oregon, to explore the possibility of restarting Beyond War. Foundation for Global Community trustees and others supported this effort with grants, advice, and access to contact information for formerly active Beyond War participants.

The heart of Beyond War remains the same as in the '80s: People of goodwill engaging with transformative ideas and responding with activities to move the world beyond war. The difference is the updated articulation of Beyond War's guiding principles and new study materials that reflect our current, unique moment in history.
 
Our Guiding Principles:

-- War is obsolete.

-- We are one on this planet.

-- The means are the ends in the making.

   ... and Core Practices:

-- I will resolve conflict. I will not use violence.

-- I will maintain an attitude of goodwill. I will not preoccupy myself with an enemy.

-- I will work together with others to build a world beyond war.

These simple statements -- when explored and embodied through dialogue with others -- lead to profound transformation of both individuals and institutions.

Envision a world ...  

where war is unthinkable --  

-- Where the Beyond War values are cultural norms in the US and throughout the world.

-- Where nonviolent conflict resolution is used for personal and group disputes.

-- Where nations and people throughout the world work together to meet the needs of all.

  ... a world beyond war.