BRITAIN
CHALLENGE + INFLUENCE + INFORM
VETERANS FOR PEACE
BRITAIN
HANDBOOK
2024/25
date of update: 08.02.24
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
3. STATEMENT OF CONDUCT
4. CONTEXT
5. MEMBERSHIP
6. STRUCTURE
7. INDEPENDENCE
8. LEGAL STATUS
9. FINANCES
10. CAMPAIGNS AND PROJECTS
11. DIGITAL HANDBOOK
12. APPAREL & LOGO
13. SOCIAL MEDIA
14. WEBSITE
15. ZOOM MEETINGS
Page 1
1. INTRODUCTION
Veterans for Peace (VFP) was founded in the United States in 1985 and
has now over 100 chapters. It has since grown and expanded into many
nations including the UK.
Veterans for Peace UK (VFP UK) was founded in London in 2011.
Veterans for Peace Britain (VfP Britain), was re-formed in 2023 from
original members of VFP UK.
Veterans for Peace Britain is a voluntary and politically independent
organisation of veterans, friends and associates, some who have served in
every conflict since the second world war with many friends and associates
who have worked for the cause of world peace.
As a result of our collective experiences we firmly believe that “War is not
the solution to the problems we face in the 21st Century”.
We are not a pacifist organisation; we accept the inherent right of self
defence in response to an armed attack.
We work to challenge, influence and inform our nations response to war
and its foreign and defence policy. We seek To highlight the effects of war
on individuals, our nation and the international community. We aim to
create and bring an informed dialogue by encouraging national and
international discussion forums and actions. We seek to cooperate with like
minded organisations and individuals who share our vision to seek and
promote the larger purpose of the cause of world peace.
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2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We, veterans, associates and friends, do hereby affirm our greater
responsibility to serve the cause of world peace.
To this end:
a. We will work toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war.
b. We will work to restrain our government from intervening, overtly
and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations.
c. We will work to end the arms race and to reduce and eliminate all
weapons of mass destruction.
To achieve these goals:
members, associate members and friends pledge to use non-violent
means, to maintain an organisation that is both democratic and
open with the understanding that all members, associate members
and friends are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for
the larger purpose of world peace.
We urge all those who share our vision to join us.
Page 3
3. STATEMENT OF CONDUCT
1. We will use our anger at injustice as a positive, non-violent force for
change.
2. We will not assault, verbally or physically, in person or online, those who
oppose or disagree with us even if they assault us.
3. Our attitude, as conveyed through our words, symbols and actions, will
be one of openness, friendliness and respect toward all people we
encounter.
4. We will follow the directions of the elected leaders and any designated
coordinators during public actions.
5. We use consensus-based decision making within our groups.
6. We reject military clothing and symbols.
7. We speak as members of VfP Britain, but not for VfP Britain, unless
designated as a spokesperson.
8. Rank, unit, combat experience, age, gender, race, wealth, education,
class, religion and nationality carry no status within VfP Britain.
9. Sexist, homophobic, racist and any other inflammatory, discriminatory or
derogatory language or actions are not acceptable within VfP Britain.
Our words and actions will maintain the political and financial
independence of VfP Britain. Page 4
4. CONTEXT
The UK is one of nine nuclear-armed states
The UK is one of the worlds largest arms exporters.
The UK has military personnel deployed in over 80 countries.
The UK has permanent military bases in 14 countries and overseas
territories.
The military is a powerful institution which is often insulated from criticism
and public scrutiny.
The UK is one of only a handful of countries that still recruit children directly
into its military.
The military is regularly accused of abuse of its personnel.
British military personnel are excluded from human rights legislation.
Military personnel are not allowed to form a union and the UK has unclear
laws regarding conscientious objection.
Welfare concerns are prolific among the veterans community, particularly
regarding mental health support and provision.
Page 5
Arms manufacturers have excessive influence in education and youth
activities. Government policies and initiatives which promote the military in
every day life without proper oversight or critical appraisal to foster public
support for war and overseas intervention
The US has over 10,000 service personnel on UK soil.
Page 6
5. MEMBERSHIP
1. Applications for membership:
Applications for membership must be made through the website:
veteransforpeacebritain.com
All Applicants will register and provide; name, address, email address,
contact telephone number prior to membership being confirmed and
participation in group online meetings being approved.
2. Eligibility and conditions for full membership:
Applications for full (voting) Membership is open to all military veterans or
serving personnel of the UK and other nations. Applicants will provide proof
of military service within three months of registering as a member or they
will not be considered as full members and will be unable to vote.
Definition of a veteran/serving personnel:
Any ex or serving military personnel who have completed their basic
training and have been posted to a regular service posting and/or
three months minimum service.
3. Eligibility and conditions for Associate (non-voting) membership:
Associate Membership is open to all friends, relatives, advisors, supporters
and all those who wish to join VfP Britain in the struggle for world peace.
All Associate members and friends will register and provide; name, address,
email address, contact telephone number prior to membership being
confirmed and particiipation in group online meetings being approved.
Page 7
4. Record of Membership:
The Steering Group will ensure the maintenance of an accurate record of
the membership of VfP Britain.
5. Application for membership: The Steering Group has the authority to
admit, restrict or expel individuals from VfP Britain.
7. The Steering Group shall state their reasons in writing for any action
taken under this section.
Any action taken under this section may be appealed in writing to The
Steering Group.
Page 8
6. STRUCTURE
1. VfP Britain is governed according to the Digital Handbook, duly agreed
by the full membership and under the management of the nominated and
democratically elected Steering Group.
2. Proposed changes to the Digital Handbook will be presented in writing to
the Steering Group, scheduled for discussion and if appropriate inclusion
during any upcoming (quorate) scheduled online meeting. Changes will be
incorporated into the Digital Handbook within 14 days of agreement.
3. The Steering Group is elected at least annually. Nominations for
members to The steering Group will be from full members with at least 24
months of membership. A list of candidates will be published prior to the
election.
4. In the event of disputes between members, members may request an online
meeting chaired by at least two members of The Steering Group to
discuss any issues.
5. The authority of the membership is delegated to The Steering Group.
6. The Steering group will comprise of at least three full members and is
responsible for decision making on behalf of the membership. It is also
responsible for directing policy and strategy.
7. The Steering Group will elect a chair for each formal session that they
meet and will ensure VfP Britain policy and strategy comply with the Digital
Handbook.
8. Chair: All formal member meetings will be overseen by a chair who will
ensure the meeting follows a published agenda and any outcomes and
action points for the meeting are completed and followed up.
9. Treasurer: The role of treasurer within VfP Britain requires further
discussion and agreement.
10. Membership secretary: Will be a full member although does not need
to be a member of the steering group. The role with be agreed and Page 9
overseen by The Steering Group.
11. Projects: outreach and actions will be overseen by The Steering Group.
Tasks, management and coordination of projects may be delegated to
members as required.
12. Trustees: There is not currently a requirement for nominated trustees
within VfP Britain. As the need arises, trustees will be elected and agreed
by the membership during an online meeting.
13. Meetings: VfP Britain formal business will be conducted through online
meetings utilising the ZOOM application. An agenda will be published of all
issues that require discussion, posted prior to the meeting to allow all
members to contribute. Date and time of the meeting(s) will be published
on the VfP Britain Signal messaging application, on the website and on the
Facebook page. As other social media platforms become available,
notification will also be posted on these as well.
14. Frequency of meetings: It is important that membership meetings are
held at least monthly, but also as required. It is intended that all VfP Britain
business will be conducted through online resources to allow for the
maximum participation and ensure that as was previously an issue,
geographic location will not hinder involvement or participation.
Page 10
7. INDEPENDENCE
VfP Britain does not apply for or accept financial donations from individuals
or organisations deemed to speak or act in any way contrary to our
Statement of Purpose.
VfP Britain seeks to maintain financial and political independence.
VfP Britain does not:
Subscribe to any specific ideology or religion
Endorse any political party or politician
Endorse other groups
Work for governments
Page 11
8. LEGAL STATUS
As of 13.12.23, VfP Britain' status has yet to be discussed, agreed and
confirmed by members.
VfP Britain have no legal obligation to any regulatory body.
VfP Britain have no legal obligation to submit financial accounts or reports
to anyone outside of VfP Britain.
VfP Britain cannot enter into contracts, own property, rent premises or
employ people.
Liability: As of 13.12.23 and until status is confirmed and in any event, VfP
Britain cannot sue, or be sued.
Page 12
9. FINANCES
As of 08.02.24 there are no financial interests, accounts or monies held by
VfP Britain.
If in future, the membership decide that there is a requirement to include
financing and a need to account for funds, then agreement will be reached
by a quorate formal meeting of members. As previously, standard practices
for accounting, bank accounts and a fully transparent financial control
system will be incorporated.
In any event as required:
The Steering Group shall ensure that financial accounts are kept in
accordance with standard accounting practices.
Bank accounts will be maintained and held by any nominated treasurer with
any co-signatories. Overseen by Trustees as required.
Copies of the accounts shall be available on request.
The fiscal year for Veterans for Peace Britain shall be from 1st April through
31st March of the year following.
Dues, grants and expenses shall be included for discussion in any meeting
following the requirement for the same as required.
Page 13
10. CAMPAIGNS AND PROJECTS
A common problem that we face as an organisation, is the geographic
spread of members and potential members. To try to assist in promoting
and developing our campaigns and outreach and to foster camaraderie and
unity, It is intended to utilise online resources including social media as far
as possible to promote, organise and execute future projects.
This is not exclusive and in no way will replace outreach and direct actions
when called upon and duly organised. In fact, each method utilised should
compliment our work and make best use of our resources and members
expertise and knowledge.
With this in mind, it is proposed to launch two projects in 2024/25 which
will be focused around utilising on-line resources in the first instance,
before taking the campaigns to our communities.
Please look out for notifications and announcements on social media.
Page 14
11. DIGITAL HANDBOOK
The Digital Handbook is the governing document for VfP Britain.
Going forward, The Digital Handbook will now only be published in digital
format.
It will effectively become a 'Live' document that will be easily accessible to
all members. If a hard copy is required, individual members will need to
print it themselves.
This will help to ensure that The Digital Handbook can be kept up to date
and relevant with any amendments and changes being made quickly and
effectively. It also means that the costly production of a paper version of the
handbook is not required.
The Digital Handbook will be available for all registered members, associate
members and friends once personal details have been logged with the
membership secretary.
A non-editable copy of The Digital Handbook will be forwarded to
individual members utilising the email addresses supplied to the VfP Britain
Membership Secretary as part of a membership confirmation welcome
package.
The Steering Group will be responsible for any updates/amendments and
changes to The Digital Handbook.
Changes identified during regular meetings will be implemented/included
into The Digital Handbook within 14 days of the meeting . Page 15
12 APPAREL AND LOGO
As of 13.12.23. no final agreement has been reached regarding apparel for
VfP Britain.
However, for those members, associate members and friends wishing to
obtain their own items of clothing: Hoodies, jumpers, t-shirts, hats, beanie
hats, coats. Etc. it is suggested that the new VfP Britain logo be available to
download for members to use to take to a supplier/printer to produce their
own apparel. A list of suggested vendors is available from the steering
group on request.
The wearing of VfP Britain apparel on outreach events, actions and protests
is not obligatory. However, as in the past it makes us stand out and helps us
to foster camaraderie and unity within our organisation.
Please note: The colour normally used by VfP Britain for clothing is
'Indigo Blue'. Other background colours such as white printing on black
garments and black on white are also used by members.
Page 16
13. SOCIAL MEDIA
As you will have already have read, VfP Britain going forward is seeking to
become as digitally friendly as is feasible and utilise online resources
wherever possible.
This means that we will increasingly be posting items and information to
various social media platforms and will be asking members to help promote
and publish projects, campaigns and outreach on their own social media
pages as widely as possible to ensure we can reach the biggest possible
audience.
VfP Britain day to day business will be conducted on the Signal messaging
app groups, details of which will provided to all members on confirmation
of personal details. It is hoped that several working groups will be set up on
Signal to allow for a wide base of involvement and discussion and to
incorporate any projects, actions, etc.
Please ensure that as part of your membership you are included in the
social media list and groups and that as necessary you can access whichever
social media platforms you are registered with.
These will include:
Signal, Whatsapp, YouTube, TikTok, X (Twitter), and others.
As discussed previously, this will help overcome the perennial problem of
members being scattered around the UK and the world and bring us closer
together to achieve our goals. All members are welcome to participate
freely. Page 17
14. WEBSITE
As of 08.02.24, VfP Britain website is under construction.
The domain name is: veteransforpeacebritain.org
A draft version of the website will be available soon for perusal by
members.
Page 17
15. ZOOM MEETINGS
VfP Britain general meetings will be held using the ZOOM application.
All members, associate members and friends are invited to participate.
Meetings will be held regularly, but not less than monthly.
Date and times of meetings will be published through Signal Messenger,
and the website.
An agenda for each meeting will be prepared by The Steering Group. All
items for inclusion should be submitted at least no later than 48 hours prior
to the meeting so the agenda can be published for perusal by members.
Minutes of the meeting will be published as soon as possible after the
meeting including action points.
A secretary and chair for each meeting will be nominated and agreed at the
start of each meeting.
Page 18
War is not the solution
to the problems we face
in the 21st Century