Hoosiers for Peace

Hoosiers for Peace was originally named Hoosiers for Peace in Vietnam when it was founded in 1967. Formed as a coalition of persons possessing the same general feelings on Vietnam, H.F.P. cooperated with national and local groups in advocating peace and a speedy end to the war. Their membership was a cross-section of the Indiana population including businessmen, religious leaders, students, housewives, workers, and professors. The organization originally worked with Negotiation Now, a conservative group which advocated cessation of the bombing of North Vietnam and a negotiated settlement. They later expanded their associations to include Another Mother for Peace, Clergy and Laymen Concerned about Vietnam, Hoosiers for Democratic Alternatives, the Indiana Council of Churches, the Indianapolis Council on World Affairs, and a draft-counseling service. The group was closely allied with individual churches and clergymen, especially in the Indianapolis area. In 1969 the organization reorganized as Hoosiers for Peace and continued to function into the mid-1970s. Their projects were aimed at making the public aware of the events transpiring in Vietnam and in making their views on the war heard in Washington. They arranged for peace rallies, organized petition drives, and sponsored a "Presidential Write-In for Peace." The organization's leadership included Barton Hunter, Aurelia Little, Dee Rossman, Robert Fangmeier, Grover Hartman, and Garnett Day.