Service Civil International Branche Suisse Monbijoustrasse 32 CP 7855 3001 Berne

Tel: 031 381 46 20   Fax: 031 381 46 25   e-mail: scich@access.ch   www.scich.org

There are always confusions about the logo of SCI. Often people recognise a cross and think of SCI as organisation with Christian background. Actually it has another symbolic : A broken sword behind a shovel with the letter word “PAX”, which means ‘peace’ in latin.

The logo was introduced as badge for the volunteers, who did finish a workcamp. The symbolic refers to another famous logo which became symbol of the peace movement after the first world war : a broken rifle

This logo is still used by the ‘ War Resisters International’, who promote non-violent action against the causes of war and support people who refuse to bear arms (http://www.wri-irg.org/). SCI and WRI were founded in the 20s of the last century as reaction to the cruelty and senselessness of war. Both organisation oppose to military service. While SCI promotes alternative service for conscientious objectors, WRI is against all form obligatory services.

Also the approach of SCI to peace is different to WRI. It's more practical and less political: Workcamps! The old SCI slogan which proclaimed by the founder generation SCI is typical for this non-political approach of SCI :

Deeds not words

However the aims and activities of SCI has often political implications (e.g. Alternative service, social justice, non violence, solidarity). SCI today promotes therefore, that volunteers learn and talk about politics in workcamps for their awareness rising. Each workcamp should have a study part about subjects which usually refer to the project partner of the workcamp.

Photos

13) Work : Feldis (Switzerland 1929)

Documents

F) Excerpt from International Constitution of SCI

G) War Resister’s International - a nonviolent movement to end war

Excercises

a) Show and explain the logo SCI and explain the different peace approach between SCI and War Resisters International (Photo No.22.
Ask the volunteers if they like the logo.
Ask the volunteers to draw a new logo for SCI. Propose to use symbols like peace, volunteering & internationalism

b)   Read document F and G in a small groups and compare the peace approach of SCI and WRI :
Make a simple list of the differences between SCI and WRI on Alternative Service and conscientious objection, on non-violence, on volunteering and methodical approach.
Ask the volunteers about the situation of conscientious objectors in their home counrty. Is refusing to bear arms a human right?
Discuss what is the political implication of your workcamp (study part)?