Many of the founding members were conscientious objectors who had served time in prison or in Civilian Public Service camps for their refusal to fight in World War II.
They announced that "the time has come for radical elements from the groups devoted to war resistance, socialism, militant labor unionism, consumer cooperation, and racial equality to attempt to come together in a common program of revolutionary action.
"[3] The CNVR promoted civil disobedience,[4] and it opposed the formation of the United Nations, picketing outside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1946.
[2] However, the wide variety of views held by the members, ranging from pacifism to anarcho-syndicalism, made effective organization difficult.
[1] Former members of the CNVR also went on to found listener supported public radio stations in the Bay Area,[4] including KPFA.