Let's strengthen the nonviolent educational dimension of the Civil Service
During the national assembly held in Rome on Friday 4 July, the representatives of the regional branches and national associations that are members of Arci Servizio civile – Asc aps, addressed the issues related to the current challenges and future prospects of the organization.
Faced with the increasing deterioration of international peace and security conditions, with conflicts that are intensifying, the situations in Ukraine and Palestine that are becoming more complex every day, the number of deaths that is growing by the hour, Asc has forcefully reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of peace, nonviolence and social justice.
" The dramatic situation in Gaza, the escalation of military rhetoric and the growth of spending on armaments require a clear position from our association, which knows which side to be on", this is the reflection of the national assembly. "For this reason we will strengthen the educational dimension and our advocacy commitment ".
Our history – those present underlined during the assembly –, being an active part of the Italian Peace and Disarmament Network and of the campaign “Sbilanciamoci!” require us to continue to promote the immediate cessation of armed conflicts and the repudiation of war as a tool for resolving international disputes, the reduction of military spending and industrial reconversion towards civilian and sustainable sectors and the promotion of universal civil service as a concrete alternative to this militaristic drift.
«Through our civil service projects throughout Italy, we carry out educational paths for peace, nonviolence and global citizenship» , says Rosario Lerro, president of Asc aps , «proposing experiences of peace to young people, against inequalities and the contraction of rights, an immediate consequence of the climate of war and the armed solution to controversies».
These issues will be addressed more incisively during the XVIII National Congress that will be held in Turin from 17 to 19 October at the Polo del 900: we will address central issues for the future of the association, with particular attention - in this constantly evolving social and political context - to the challenges related to peace, inequalities, participatory democracy, youth participation, the role of Asc aps as a National Association Network and its contribution in promoting active citizenship and solidarity without neglecting the organizational development of the network and the analysis of the impact of civil service projects in the communities.
«The National Congress will represent a fundamental moment to rethink our commitment in a new context, to reason with young people and re-train our way of telling peace and nonviolence» , declares Rosario Lerro, underlining that «the challenge that Asc has before it is to further strengthen its commitment, innovating practices and expanding alliances, to live up to the expectations of young people who through the Civil Service in Asc Aps choose to put themselves at the service of peace and solidarity».
Young people in civil service with Asc aps – from the press office
Vita.it
