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DC Peace and Economic Justice Program

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Community Training at the AFSC-DC Office

The mission of the AFSC-MAR/DC Peace and Economic Justice Program is to bring together people to build a community where peace and social and economic justice prevail. We use the strengths of our Quaker base to listen to all voices, to diminish violence and to help create a community where each person’s potential can be fully realized.

Since its creation in 1996, the AFSC-MAR/DC Peace and Economic Justice Program has collaborated with a wide range of community organizations and institutions to establish “Help Increase the Peace Program” training workshops; to address questions of military recruitment in high schools; to help youths explore local environmental problems; to conduct reciprocal listening projects on violence; to oppose the death penalty; and to initiate, energize, guide, and teach in peace-making forums and related actions, specially since the 9/11 catastrophes.

DC youth in front of a " community at peace mural" designed and completed by them. The mural is on the rear wall of the AFSC-DC office.

The work of the AFSC MAR/DC Peace and Economic Justice Program is strategically aimed at educating, training and advocating on behalf of the DC area community in issues around peace building, and human migration and mobility. A recurring theme of our work has been supporting efforts to distinguish the District from a colony, such as voting representation in Congress, freedom from federal intervention in local budget priorities and policies, and control over local criminal prosecution.

• Youth in the Know: This program gives young people between the ages of 13 and 25 the practical tools to make changes in their own lives and in their communities. They learn about their legal rights and how to exercise them, about the root causes of conflict and violence and possible ways to deal with them building on the HIPP model, about the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Africa and here at home. They receive hands-on training in communication using the written word, and video and audio production techniques. The youths also are introduced to some of the basic skills needed to land a job, such as resume writing, networking, interviewing, and searching the Internet.
• Global Peace Action: In collaboration with other area or national peace groups, we co-organize public events to mobilize the community on global peace issues, such as hosting anti-war actions and sponsoring national and local Eyes Wide Open exhibits.
• Immigrants Know Your Rights:  This program provides space and opportunity for the DC area immigrant community to learn and know about their rights and obligations. Workshops on current issues are periodically organized and open to community members.
• Immigration Advocacy Project: As agency member of the National Capital Immigration Coalition ( NCIC), we co-sponsor public events and community education workshops
  in support of immigrants rights.

Some of our  Intended Outcomes:

• At least 25% of immigrants who receive our services will show increased knowledge of their rights.
• At least 25% of youth and adults who participate in our peace building trainings will report increased skills in conflict resolution, prejudice and community violence reduction.

AFSC DC counts on its volunteers to implement its program activities and achieve its programmatic goals. Please call or email us if you want to volunteer!             

These are the current or periodic activities you can help with:

• Eyes Wide Open
• Rally or other events planning
• Volunteer recruitment
• General daytime office tasks
• Speaking to community groups
• Tabling at festivals, conferences
• Bi-annual newsletter
• Fundraising, grant writing
• Computer/webpage upkeep
• Leafleting

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