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| Allow Your Voice To Be Heard | 
With the possibility of war looming larger by the day, debate over the right course of action toward Iraq is growing.
Below are a number of organizations and government agencies that will allow your voice to be heard -- regardless of whether you are for or against war with Iraq. Some can also serve as excellent resources for learning more about the current standoff.
The list is by no means comprehensive. If there is an organization that you think should be on the list, let us know.
FOR WAR
There are few formal grassroots organizations that have taken the lead in advocating war with Iraq. There are, however, multiple ways to demonstrate support for the troops overseas or for the Bush Administration's policies.
You can enlist in one of the branches of the military:
Or learn about civilian jobs with the Department of Defense.
To write a member of the armed services serving overseas, check out the Defense Department's Operation Dear Abbey.
Read up on where The White House and the U.S. State Department stand.
AGAINST WAR
Many groups from different areas of American life have come together to oppose a potential war with Iraq. They represent a broad array of perspectives and agendas.
Major Coalitions
- International ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) organized two major marches on Washington, including one in January that attracted tens of thousands of demonstrators. Get their take on the issues, sign a petition, connect with a local organizer, donate money, or learn about other anti-war groups at their site.
- United for Peace, a coalition of about 120 groups that supported International ANSWER's march on Washington and many other activities.
- MoveOn.org, an Internet-based group that boasts over 600,000 online activists. Provides information, inspections petition, message board, volunteer opportunities, and ability to give money online to MoveOn.org's PAC.
Student/Youth Organizations
National Youth and Student Peace Coalition has called for a national one-day student strike on March 5 and a march on Washington on April 20.
The Student Peace Action Network has chapters at high schools, colleges and universities across the U.S. and is holding a national "Peace Conference" at the University of North Carolina from February 28 to March 2.
Race & Civil Rights
Black Voices for Peace organized a national rally on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and took part in the national march on Washington January 19.
Religious Groups
The National Council of Churches represents 36 Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox denominations. The group held a Prayer Service for Peace and Justice held on MLK Jr. Day at National Cathedral. A candlelight prayer march to the White House followed.
The Muslim American Society also took part in the Washington protests and provides various ways to get involved on its website.
NON-PARTISAN INFO SOURCES
Project Vote Smart provides research on the voting records of all 535 members of the U.S. Congress. The group's web site allows users to search specific references a congressman may have made on any subject, including Ira. The site also allows visitors to find out who their representative in Congress is and write them directly.
The Council on Foreign Relations is a New York-based think tank that seeks to provide impartial information about all corners of the globe, including the Persian Gulf. Its Iraq page contains extensive background on the Gulf region.
Long-time MTV partner Rock the Vote provides easy directions on how to register to vote.
Do you think the U.S. should attack Iraq without the backing of the Security Council? Vote in the MTV News poll. Share your thoughts in You Tell Us.
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