Howard W. Hallman

Howard W. Hallman was born in Pittsburg, Kansas. He attended the University of Kansas where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science. His master’s thesis was about Mahatma Gandhi’s use of nonviolence as an instrument for political change. As a conscientious objector, he performed alternative civilian service during the Korean War.

Hallman has had a career in public service. In the 1950s and early ‘60s he worked in Philadelphia and New Haven for housing and neighborhood improvement. For the remainder of the ‘60s he was involved with the War on Poverty. He moved to Washington, D.C. in 1965. In the 1970s into the ‘80s Hallman ran an institute that provided training to local government officials on how to achieve citizen participation in community development programs. His institute also worked with neighborhood organizations on self-help activities. In 1976 he organized a conference that led to the formation of Neighborhoods, USA, a national association committed to strengthening neighborhood organizations.

As a long time peace advocate Hallman in the 1980s turned his attention to the need for nuclear disarmament. He was one of the founders of Methodists United for Peace with Justice, which he has served as executive director and chair.

Hallman is an amateur musician who plays viola and violin. He has played various sports most of his life, but gave up senior softball when he turned 86.

His wife, Carlee Hallman, in her mid-career became a United Methodist minister. They have two daughters and a grandson.