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  Activist Guide
Back from the Brink

 
 
 

The Activist Guide informs activists of what they can do with this video, and what other steps they can take to spread the word in order mobilize support.

1. Hold meetings

You can hold a video briefing. Get a group of people together and watch the video.
 

2. Contact regional, national and international policymakers.

  • Visits

    Direct contact is good. Visiting policymakers with a group is even better. You should prepare well for a visit: Know whom you want to talk to and about what. Appointments are made by the Appointment Secretary/Scheduler. If possible, get information and materials to back your visit.

Address directory: Politicians of the world

Important Addresses in Washington, DC

United States House of Representatives

United States Senate

  • Telephone calls.

    See mentioned directories. Or call US Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 and the operator will connect you with your Representative's or Senator's office. The calls are often taken by staff members. Ask to speak with the aide who handdles the issue to which you wish to comment.

  • E-mails

    See mentioned directories.


3. Contact the media

a. What steps can be taken to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons?
 
b. What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of accidental nuclear war?
 
c. Would a unilateral cut of nuclear warheads by the United States enhance or weaken US military security?
 
d. Should the United States re-evaluate its policy of nuclear deterrence?
 
e. Do you think that a policy of nuclear deterrence is morally justifiable?
 

4. Classroom project

Divide your class into groups. Each group represents a part of a team of specialists preparing a report for the US President on de-alerting nuclear weapons. Prepare a memo summarizing your recommendations as to whether the United States should de-alert weapons currently on hair trigger alert and also separate weapons from their delivery systems. Give reasons in support of your opinion.
 

5. Other activities

Set up a peace action committee. See End the Nuclear Threat Now Activist Guide.
 

6. Further reading

"De-alerting", from Fast Track to Nuclear Zero Weapons, Robert D. Green, Middle Powers Initiative, 1998, Cambridge, MA, pp. 52-54.
 
Accidental Nuclear War - A Post-Cold War Assessment, New England Journal of Medicine, April 1998, pp. 1326-1331.
 

7. Other organizations

Nuclear Age Peace Foundation
 
Federation of American Scientists
 
The Heritage Foundation
 
The Stimson Center
 
Center for Non-Proliferation Studies
 
The Ploughshares Foundation
 

8. Related issues

If you have become interested in these issues, you might have a look at the following issues as well.