Iraq Veterans Against the War is involved in a variety of activities from campaigns to rallies to artistic projects. Members, chapters and the organization as a whole take on many projects at different levels of participation. Please see Upcoming Events to find an event near you. We would love to fill this page up with even more projects, please donate to help us make that happen! Here are a few things we (and our partners) are working on.

Combat Paper
The story of the soldier the Marine, the men and the women and the journeys within the military service in a time a war is our basis for the project. This is a collaborative project initiated by Drew Matott and Drew Cameron along with members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War. Utilizing uniforms worn in combat in Iraq, veterans cut, cook, beat and form sheets of paper out of their uniforms. In this way, veterans are able to use the transformation processes of papermaking to reclaim their uniform as art and begin to reconcile their experiences as a soldier in Iraq. Click here for more info.

Warrior Writers Project
The Warrior Writers Project provides tools and space for community building, healing and redefinition to Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW). Through writing/artistic workshops that are based on experiences in the military and Iraq, the veterans unbury their experiences and connect with each other on a personal and artistic level. The writing from the workshops is compiled into books, performances and exhibits that provide a lens into the hearts of people who have a deep and intimate relationship with the Iraq war. Furthermore, it gives the veterans a sense of ownership over their stories and strength in their voice, perspective and power.

We have conducted three writing workshops for over twenty (IVAW) members. We compiled members writing into a book entitled: Warrior Writers: Move, Shoot and Communicate. In April we organized an exhibit, which showcased photographs of Iraq Veterans Against the War and artwork of two members. At the exhibit, veterans read from the book and performed pieces they had written in the workshop earlier that day. The event in Burlington, VT was also the public unveiling of Move, Shoot and Communicate. Our third workshop took place at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago on June 18th. That evening we shared our writings and photography at "Intrusive Thoughts" which was attended by over one hundred people. We will continue to facilitate workshops and organize exhibits and performances. We will also be putting together another book entitled: Re-making Sense based on the writing from the workshop in Vermont. If you would like to order a book please click here. Click here for more info.

Truth in Recruiting
Veteran's stories of conflict are a powerful tool that can be used to prevent others from entering into the military without a full understanding of their actions. Sharing our stories is not only eye opening for those who are listening, but healing for ourselves. Click here to learn more.

Veteran Gulf Reconstruction Project
As veterans, we saw first-hand how diverting billions for an endless occupation in Iraq is responsible for the shameful lack of aid for reconstruction in the communities that survived Hurricanes Katrina and Rita here at home. If we can build bases in the desert for war, we can rebuild cities in the U.S. for justice. Click here to learn more.

Coalitions and Movement Building
Iraq Veterans Against the War realizes the importance of working with other organizations in the fight to end this war. Our most important partner is Veterans for Peace. We also have very close relationships with Military Families Speak Out, Gold Star Families for Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War. With these partners, we support the Bring Them Home Now! Campaign.

We are a proud member organization of the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition and sit on its Coordinating Committee. Click here to get more info and get involved.

We are also a member organization of United for Peace and Justice and sit on its Steering Committee. Click here to get more info and get involved.