The Story
Horrified by the ongoing, open-air nuclear bomb tests and the threat of nuclear war, the four-man crew sailed the
Golden Rule from California toward the Marshall Islands. Their intention, publicized around the world, was to
nonviolently place their bodies in the way of planned nuclear bomb blasts. As they sailed from Honolulu harbor for the testing area, the voyagers were stopped and arrested by the U.S. Coast Guard. Guided by their conscience, the crew attempted to sail again, were arrested once more and detained in the Honolulu city jail until the conclusion of the test cycle.
“I sense that most of us feel overwhelmed by a disintegrating world, seemingly beyond our control....at the same time, we have the potential to preserve and enhance our delicate, beautiful planet and create on it a society of respect, sharing, and caring—where love will not be considered a sign of weakness.”
- Albert Bigelow
The Legacy
The publicity surrounding their trial and imprisonment helped ignite public outrage against nuclear weapons testing and alerted the world to the health hazards of nuclear fallout. Five years and many protests later, the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963 was enacted, banning above-ground nuclear testing by the two Superpowers.
The courageous voyage of the Golden Rule and her crew inspired a similar anti-nuclear voyage in 1971 by the group that would eventually become Greenpeace.
After the Golden Rule's crew was released from jail in 1958, the boat was sold. Many owners and half a century later, it ended up in northern California's Humboldt Bay, neglected and damaged, finally sinking in a storm.
The Golden Rule can continue to be an inspiration for the protection of the environment and active peacemaking. But first, we've got to get her back in the water.
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The Golden Rule Project
When Veterans for Peace learned that this irreplaceable icon of history had literally washed up on their doorstep, they formed the Golden Rule Project and set about the restoration of both the boat and her mission.
With the gracious help of many talented volunteers and generous donations from around the world, the restoration is 85% complete. But, to get the Golden Rule back on the water now requires some large capital expenses like sails, electronic navigation equipment and specialized labor.
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Who We Are
Although the Golden Rule Project receives support from a diverse collection of people and groups, Veterans For Peace is our sponsoring organization. We share common values and goals, and most Golden Rule Committee members belong to Veterans For Peace.
We are committed to ending arms races and abolishing nuclear weapons, illuminating the true costs of war, and finally abolishing war as an instrument of national policy.
The Golden Rule Project and Veterans For Peace are equally concerned about the state of the environment, and the impact of military activities upon it. In fact, we see peacemaking and the environment as being inextricably intertwined. After all, the U.S. Department of Defense is the world's number one polluter.
We are likewise fully committed to the use of nonviolent means. The Quaker-inspired original crew of the Golden Rule pioneered the use of nonviolent direct action, and the restored boat will proudly carry that message.
The Golden Rule Project is also supported by a number of Quakers, as was the original voyage, along with many other people of faith. A number of Humboldt County businesses have been most generous with their support. Lots of peace people and historic wooden boat lovers are behind us as well.
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Join The Crew
Our $10,000 goal will cover these costs, allowing us to “splash” in 2015.
The sooner the Golden Rule will be able to set sail, she'll continue on her mission, to serve as a living museum and floating classroom - educating future generations on the importance of the ocean environment, the risks of nuclear technology and the need for world peace.
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By donating to this project, you become a part of the Golden Rule's extended crew, helping to unfurl the sails of peace everywhere. Please step up, step aboard and help us launch the dream.
In the hoped-for event that we exceed our fund raising goal , all additional funds will go toward future peace making voyages.
The Perks
Besides knowing that you're an integral part of this important piece of peace history, your monetary contribution will get you all sorts of cool tokens of appreciation, and is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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Join us for sea trials aboard the reborn Golden Rule as we remake history. Become an official Plank Owner. Have your name engraved on a permanent brass plaque aboard the boat. Score some fantastic bling. And lots more. Check the giving levels and pick your favorite. Every bit helps and no contribution is too small.
Can't contribute cash? There are lots of other ways to participate!
- Share our campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and your blog or on email to your friends.
- Do you know someone who writes about peace, anti-nuclear protests, history, Quakers, the Pacific Ocean, wooden boats, sailboat restoration or sailing? Encourage them to contact us for a story.
- Hold a pledge party, where a computer is available for people to create accounts and pledge on the spot.
- Pledge in someone's honor as a gift to them.
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Do you know any celebrities who might support the Golden Rule's mission? Encourage them to lend their name and support to our fundraiser.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Even if you can't contribute now, the Golden Rule is always available for personal tours if you're in the Eureka, CA area.
Contact us through our website, http://vfpgoldenruleproject.org/ and we'll show you around. But, fair warning: once people see the boat, they become easily seduced by the beauty of the vessel and the dedication of the fun-loving characters who make up the project. Many soon find themselves sanding, painting, sweeping up or fundraising with us.
