NEW PLEDGE WORDING

Hello:


We are  writing to those groups which have or may have helped publicize the
Graduation Pledge to students in the past. We would most appreciate if you
might convey the following or some aspects of it if you are able to get out
word to your constituencies again about the campaign. Thanks.


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"I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental
consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of
any organizations for which I work." (old wording: "I pledge to explore and
take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I
consider or any organization for which I work."


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A special message to announce a new wording for the Graduation Pledge--now
rather than later while there are still a relatively small number of
schools involved (likely 50-80 this year), and while it is still relatively
early for graduation 2000 (see message at bottom if you are not familiar
with the project). From communication with many involved in the Pledge
effort, it became obvious that too many people were interpreting the Pledge
only in terms of when one is applying for a job, rather than when one is
also on the job. Though the Pledge materials make it obvious, many
graduating students never see or thoroughly read those materials and we
wanted it to be more obvious to all.


Trying to make changes while at one's job greatly enhances the influence of
the Pledge; we have seen inspiring examples of that. While the extra
commitment might make some more hesitant to sign on, it should increase the
efforts of Pledge signers. We note, of course, that some schools have
already modified the wording on their own, as we encourage to fit one's
school, so it is up schools to decide for themselves. However, this will be
the new standard for future advertising of the Pledge nationally and thus
most in the future will adopt the new wording. As always, please do keep us
informed of Pledge efforts you know of. Thanks,
Neil Wollman, for the Graduation Pledge Alliance Advisory Board
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                                GRADUATION PLEDGE ALLIANCE


    In 1987, Humboldt State University (California) initiated the
Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility. It states,
"I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental
consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of
any organizations for which I work." (students define what being
"responsible" means to
themselves). Dozens of colleges and universities have enacted
the pledge, at schools which range in size from Earlham, to Harvard, to
University of Kansas.


Graduates who voluntarily signed the pledge have turned down jobs
they did not feel morally comfortable with and have worked to make changes
once on the job. For example, some have promoted recycling at their
organization and in one case, a graduate helped to convince her employer to
refuse a chemical weapons contract.
  In 1996, Manchester College began coordination of the campaign
effort, which has taken different forms at different institutions. At
Manchester, it is a community-wide event coordinated by a diverse
committee. Fifty to sixty percent of students sign and keep a
wallet-size card stating the pledge, while students and supportive
faculty wear green ribbons at commencement and the pledge is printed in
the formal commencement program. Depending upon the school, it might
take several years to reach this level of institutionalization.  If one
can just get a few groups/departments involved, and get some media
attention on (and off) campus, it will get others interested and build
for the future. The project has been covered in newspapers around the
country
(e.g., Chicago Tribune, Detroit News, and Cleveland Plain Dealer), as well
as being covered on national radio networks and local T.V. stations.
 The pledge helps educate and motivate students to contribute to a
better world, and can be a focal point for other types of consciousness
raising both on and off campus. Contact  NJWollman@Manchester.edu for
information/questions/comments; or write GPA, MC Box 135, Manchester
College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN  46962. The Campaign
also has a web site, at
http://ARES.manchester.edu/department/peaceStudies/gpa.html. PLEASE KEEP US
INFORMED OF ANY PLEDGE EFFORTS YOU UNDERTAKE, AS WE TRY TO MONITOR WHAT IS
HAPPENING,AND PROVIDE PERIODIC UPDATES ON THE NATIONAL EFFORT.

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Neil Wollman, Psychology Department, MC Box 135
Manchester College, North Manchester, IN  46962
219-982-5346; fax 219-982-5043
njwollman@manchester.edu