HISTORY & STATEMENT of PURPOSE The St. Louis AMS Network is a collection of various faith groups, community and labor organizations and individuals.  We began meeting in January 2004 around our shared concerns about: the increase in military recruitment at high schools and colleges and the false promises made by recruiters; the lack of community awareness about other constructive alternative choices for young people; the likely activation of the draft in the near future; and the lack of knowledge in our community regarding the option of conscientious objection. In response to those concerns, we have created a network of individuals and organizations who believe community education on these issues to be of high importance. The AMS Network has speakers available and willing to address parents, students, instructors, and the community at large. These speakers are equipped with accurate information about military recruitment and training; current draft/selective service law and the option of conscientious objector status.   AMS Network is an open and inclusive organization which desired the involvement of additional groups and individuals. We meet periodically as a whole. We have working groups that meet more often to work on specific tasks. We communicate primarily via email. AMS Network offers periodic information sessions for anyone seeking to learn about the draft, military recruitment, conscientious objection, and about AMS.   There are trained draft counselors in the metro area. These individuals are knowledgeable about current draft law, which has changed substantially since the 1970’s when the US last had an active draft. Although the draft has been inactive for thirty years the Selective Service has remained active and funded with draft boards in place. Congress has enacted many new Selective Service laws over the years. These legal changes have removed many of the military service exemptions which previously existed.   Training of AMS counselors was conducted by the Center on Conscience and War (CCW). Originally the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO), CCW was formed in 1940 by an association of religious bodies and works to defend and extend the rights of conscientious objectors. The Center is committed to supporting all those who question participation in war.   www.nisbco.org/