Introduction

The threat of a nuclear holocaust is one of the most urgent challenges facing our generation. In recent years, the crises in Iran, Iraq, and North Korea have underscored the ongoing centrality of nuclear weapons in the global political order. Yet, the primary ideological and material source of global nuclear proliferation is right here, at home, where the nuclear weapons complex of the United States spends more money to develop new nukes, maintain existing ones, and clean up some of its mess than any other country. If nuclear disarmament is to be achieved, it must begin here -- and now.

Stopping the construction of new nuclear power plants, ending the exploitation inherently wrought by the nuclear fuel cycle, and achieving the demilitarization of our schools and communities are all intimately connected with the cause of nuclear disarmament. Nuclear weapons are not created in a vacuum. Nor will they be abolished in one.

In August 2005, nearly 60 young people from across the United States came together at a conference at the University of California, Santa Barbara, to form the "Think Outside the Bomb" national network. Now, we are prepared to broaden and deepen our efforts by holding three larger regional conferences in different parts of the US. We invite you to join us!

Goals

It is our goal for participants to leave the gathering with the following:

• A deepened understanding of nuclear issues;
• Expanded connections to other young people working for social change;
• A new set of practical hands-on skills to assist them in organizing for peace;
• A well-stocked supply of organizing materials;
• A sense of connection and investment as part of the Think Outside the Bomb national network .