The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Our work is based on the principles of the Religious Society of Friends, the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
Read our complete Mission and Values statement
Frequently Asked Questions
General Secretary Shan Cretin
Board of Directors
AFSC was founded in 1917 during World War I. In accordance with their Quaker faith, the new organization gave young conscientious objectors ways to serve without enlisting in the military or taking lives. They drove ambulances, ministered to the wounded, and stayed on in Europe after the armistice to rebuild war-ravaged communities.
In 1947, AFSC was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, on behalf of all Quakers for our work “…from the nameless to the nameless….”
In collaboration with local communities and neighborhoods, AFSC’s programs foster understanding and reconciliation, promote economic development and food security, educate the public on issues such as nuclear disarmament and the realities of military service, and people take charge of their own destinies.
See a breakdown of our programs on the Our Work page
Read more about our strategies and organizational structure
Learn about internships at AFSC
Read our magazine Quaker Action
In 1947, AFSC was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, for our work “…from the nameless to the nameless….” on behalf of all Quakers.
