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This multi-page newsletter from the New Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (often called the “New Mobe”) outlines a bold plan for mass antiwar actions in the latter half of 1969. Emerging from a major strategy conference held in Cleveland over the July 4th weekend, the document details newly coordinated demonstrations in multiple locations—beginning with a Southern California campaign in August, followed by an expansive “Reading of the War Dead” in Washington, D.C., an October 15 “Moratorium on Business as Usual,” and culminating in two large-scale national actions: an October 11 march in Chicago and a November 15 rally in Washington.

Cleveland Conference and “Fall Offensive”

At the Cleveland conference, representatives from broad-ranging antiwar and peace groups, including Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and regional peace councils, agreed on the need for a massive “Fall Offensive.” The sentiment was that growing public disapproval of U.S. policy in Vietnam created the perfect storm for large-scale, sustained protest. The flyer celebrates this new unity by highlighting the shift from “separatist and factional” approaches to a single, nationwide thrust, hoping to bring together students, faith communities, civil rights activists, and other concerned citizens.

Key Actions Outlined

1. Southern California Campaign (August): Centered around President Nixon’s “Summer White House” in San Clemente, activists planned a march to protest the administration’s continued military involvement.
2. Reading of the War Dead (September): An “enlarged” ceremony in the nation’s capital, designed to personalize the toll of the conflict by reading aloud names of those who perished.
3. October 15 Moratorium: A one-day strike from schools, workplaces, and daily routines, as a unifying statement of dissent. This moratorium echoed other national efforts to interrupt “business as usual.”
4. September 27 to October 11—Chicago Action: Originally set for late September, the date was shifted to October 11 to accommodate campus schedules. This demonstration aimed to showcase a broad coalition—spanning students, community organizations, and religious groups—in direct opposition to the war.
5. November 15 Demonstration in Washington: Touted as the climax of the “Fall Offensive,” this event would demand immediate and total U.S. troop withdrawal from Vietnam, an end to military aggression, and a pivot toward tackling domestic social and racial injustices.

Steering Committee and Coordination

A newly expanded steering committee featured noted activists including Doug Dowd, Sidney Lens, Stewart Meacham, Sidney Peck, and Dave Dellinger, among others. The document encourages readers to form local committees, mobilize on high school and university campuses, and contribute financially through a tear-off pledge form. The emphasis on raising “tens of thousands of dollars” acknowledges the ambitious scope: printing leaflets, coordinating transportation, legal defense, and publicity on a national scale.

Language, Imagery, and Purpose

Though text-heavy, the bold headings—“All Out for the Fall Offensive!”—and frequent references to urgent action convey the seriousness of the campaign. The “Help!” box at the bottom underscores both the volunteer-based nature of the movement and the belief that a groundswell of popular commitment could end the war. The text consistently stresses unity among diverse factions, reflecting the antiwar movement’s evolving strategy of large-coalition organizing.

Historical Relevance and Legacy

The outlines proposed in this flyer foreshadowed some of the largest antiwar demonstrations of the Vietnam era, notably the massive gathering in Washington on November 15, 1969, which attracted hundreds of thousands of participants. By weaving together local, regional, and national efforts, the New Mobilization Committee refined protest tactics—emphasizing sustained pressure over short-lived protests. These efforts elevated public debate, influenced media coverage, and, over time, contributed to shifting public opinion and policy discussions about ending U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

This document stands as a compelling example of how grassroots movements coordinate multiple waves of protest. It highlights the importance of strategic planning, coalition-building, and relentless calls for participation to galvanize people who may otherwise feel disconnected from a distant war.

Special thanks to the USC Digital Imaging Lab for their support in digitizing this item.