At the Peaceful Careers Youth Job Fair in Chicago Cidree Walker
Along with several partner orgs in April, Chi Peace successfully hosted an Anti-Military Recruitment Peace Career Fair in Chicago. This is a part of AFSC’s broader effort to counter predatory military recruitment and expand access to life-affirming opportunities for young people.
The Fair centered on connecting youth—particularly BIPOC youth—with meaningful career, education and training pathways that support long-term stability, creativity, and community wellbeing.
This work is especially urgent in light of the Trump Administration’s “Project 2025,” which outlines expanded efforts to funnel marginalized youth into military, ICE, and policing careers. Our Fair intervened directly in this pipeline by presenting viable, attractive alternatives aligned with young people’s interests and aspirations.
During the Fair, AFSC staff and partners facilitated a workshop in collaboration with Black Alliance for Peace on the U.S. military’s recruitment strategies, with a focus on JROTC programs in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). We provided step-by-step guidance on how students can opt out of JROTC participation in schools.
AFSC Regional Administrative Associate Daniel Lakemacher, right, staffs the About Face table with another veteran. Cidree Walker
Members from About Face: Vets Against Militarism gave their testimonials to youth about the dangers of military recruitment and their experience in the military.
Presenters shared mutual aid supplies with attending families and created a community space with food and refreshments to encourage participation and engagement.
Our learnings and future plans
As hosts, we learned a lot about what the community wants. There is a strong demand among youth for non-military career pathways, especially those that are creative, community-based, and financially sustainable.
Many young people and families were previously unaware of their rights regarding JROTC participation. Political education paired with tangible resources (jobs, training, supplies) significantly increase engagement.
AFSC Chi Peace will continue hosting Peace Career Fairs in targeted neighborhoods and will develop ongoing workshops in schools about JROTC and military recruitment. We want to expand partnerships with unions, trade programs, and cultural institutions and advocate for stronger protections and transparency around military recruitment in CPS.
Destiny Harris, AFSC Chi Peace Program Associate, listens to the concerns of a young person at the Peaceful Careers Fair. Cidree Walker
Thanks to our partners
We collaborated with a strong network of local and national partners, including:
- Black Alliance for Peace
- Illinois Workers in Action
- Kennedy-King College
- Chicago Youth Works
- Employment & Employer Services
- About Face Midwest
Final thoughts
The Anti-Military Recruitment Peace Career Fair demonstrated that when young people are offered real options, they are eager to pursue paths that affirm their lives and communities. This model is a powerful tool in resisting militarization and building a future rooted in opportunity, dignity, and self-determination. Chi Peace is grateful to all who made this long-term dream a reality, and we’re looking forward to continuing this work.
August Funk, AFSC Michael McConnell Peace Fellow, shares information with a young person at the Peaceful Careers Fair. Cidree Walker