Goals and Guidelines
(Revised April 10, 2003)

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1. To ensure that women have access to all reproductive health care services that they desire.
2. To convey the message that women have the right to control their own bodies and lives.
3. To encourage personal empowerment through action.
4. To keep the clinics open and functioning at the request of the providers.
5. To maintain a commitment to non-violence at all times; see the WACDTF non-violence policy below.

1. In keeping with our non-violence policy we will seek to secure the positions required to keep clinic access open, hold our ground, and not be bullied out of position.
2. We will not engage anti-choice activists in debate.
3. We will always attempt to utilize designated spokespersons where the content of our message will reach third parties or the media.
4. Only designated persons should engage in conversations with police or other officials on site.
5. If asked by law enforcement to move from private property when we have permission of the clinic (or other owner) to remain present, we will ask if not moving will result in our arrest. If told yes, volunteers subject to arrest should be notified and given the opportunity to move and avoid arrest. With the concurrence of site leadership, volunteers willing to risk arrest to defend the clinic despite the police order may do so.
6. We will maintain respect in all interactions with police. This does not preclude negotiation when appropriate.
7. We will work in ways that put the goals of clinic defense above personal differences and respect the diversity of all participants.
8. The personal safety of patients, providers, and everyone else involved is paramount and should guide our actions. No one participating in WACDTF actions will be expected to tolerate risks that they find objectionable. All are encouraged to take reasonable actions to protect their own safety and that of others, and to support each other in doing so.
   WACDTF Nonviolence Policy

   The Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force (WACDTF) is committed to nonviolent direct action. While engaged in clinic defense, WACDTF members are acting as agents of the clinic. Therefore, WACDTF members and others who assist us have agreed not to act in a confrontational manner or to engage in physical or verbal attacks against anyone present. Any person(s) who, in the opinion of the WACDTF site coordinator, is acting in a manner that may endanger either clinic defenders or patients will be asked to leave the clinic property and have their WACDTF identifier(s) removed.

   We ask people to abide by our nonviolent philosophy at all times. Please do not create or contribute to a situation in which people on either side may be in physical danger. If such a situation develops, please find a site coordinator and/or a peacekeeper to assist in de-escalating the situation.