ABSTRACT
Commitment to a movement is affected by a larger set of social supports and cross pressures which may originate in the family, among friends, and from educational and career obligations. The commitment of the activists was reinforced by the support of others, both from within and outside their peace communities. Persisters, shifters, and dropouts all reported generally strong social support for their peace and social justice commitments. It came from other activists and from people outside the peace movement. The depth of conviction that arises from strongly held peace-oriented beliefs can keep an activist involved even when minimal support is being received from others in the peace community. There are also sources of support from outside the peace movement which can make a difference. The stories revealed that involvement in peace action produces its own base of support within the peace community. A peace worker can expect strong backing from fellow activists over time.
