Center for Defense Information (CDI) - One of the finest organizations that exists today to monitor the activities of our Department of Defense is the CDI, or Center for Defense Information. It was founded by retired members of the military service, many of whom were generals or admirals, who today constitute the majority of its staff. These men, by virtue of their military experience, are in a position to serve as "watch dogs" and to carefully observe and monitor the activities of the various branches of the DOD. President Eisenhower had warned us of the "military industrial complex" and urged us to be on guard against it.
Now, and for many years, the deliberations and conclusions reached by this group are provided in a monthly publicaion called "The Defense Monitor." Their research is thorough and their conclusions carry great weight in Congress or, as they say, "on the hill."
As a member of the Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA) I am supportive of the DOD, but I am also aware that in any organization of the size of our military complex there may be duplication of systems and programs that may not be in the best interest of our country either strategically or economically. The CDI also evaluates operations of the military services in various parts of the world and constructively comments on them, offering suggestions that may be most helpful. No organization is so perfect that it does not need or cannot be helped by some impartial oversight.

The Lifebridge Foundation - The Lifebridge Foundation, Inc. was established in 1992 for the purpose of supporting organizations and individuals who, through cultural, educational, and/or scientific means, are dedicated to creating bridges of understanding among all people by bringing to realization the concepts of one humanity and the interconnectedness of all life. We seek to find those groups and individuals whose innovative projects reflect these concepts; whose work exemplifies a global vision, demonstrates a spirit of inclusiveness, and fosters transformative action in a changing world.
A publication entitled "The Bridging Tree" is published by the Foundation and usually contains a message from the president as well as other pertinent activities of the corporation. Anyone interested in the Peace Movement will find this organization most helpful in creating grassroots activities.

The Stanley Foundation - "The Stanley Foundation seeks a secure peace with freedom and justice, build on world citizenship and effective global governance." It is tax exempt, non-profit educational institution that published "The Courier," a publication that serves to provoke thought and dialogue around the world. It also organized convocations or seminars in which experts in various fields are brought together to present their views on subjects of national and international interest. It also sponsors a half hour radio program on world affairs entitled "Common Ground," and a catalog listing available programs and a list of broadcasting stations is available at: http://www.commongroundradio.org. This is one of the finest organizations of its kind and I heartily recommend that anyone interested in the problems of world peace get on their mailing list.

United States Institute of Peace - For many years I have believed, along with many others, that we should have an Academy of Peace, much like our service academies. It makes sense to train our young men and women to fight in institutions like West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy and it also makes sense to teach them conflict resolution and Peace Diplomacy in an equivalent institution. Finally after much discussion congress granted us The United States Institute of Peace. Unfortunately it is not an academy but merely a grant of money to be expended in special projects most of which relate to conflict resolution.