Administrative/Biographical History
The Grand Forks Area Draft Counseling Service was organized after a draft counseling workshop was held on the University of North Dakota campus in November 1970. By January 1971, the organization was meeting in the Memorial Union with regular hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday. The organization realized that the draft was a "very real and urgent problem for young people," and was formed to counsel individuals on their rights in relation to military service. The group felt that all individuals, regardless of their political view should be aware of their rights, alternatives and obligations regarding military service. The purpose of the counseling service was to provide potential draftees with accurate information, help them with procedures, and leave them to make their own decisions about military service.
The organization was composed of ministers, community workers, university staff and students. During office hours, individuals could access information, talk with a counselor or make an appointment to meet with one at a later date. The services were geared primarily toward high school students because there were already services available to college students.
