Dear Friend,
Two weeks ago we learned that Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States for the second time. For many of us this news was met with despair, grief, anger, and a feeling of hopelessness. In the days after the election many of the messages I received contained the same sentiment: “you are not alone.” I will admit that in the past I have felt cynical about this phrase and interpreted it as a convenient platitude. Now as I write this newsletter and consider what to say about this challenging moment, I keep coming back to it. At times like these when our work and values are threatened, we cannot forget that our not-aloneness is our greatest source of power.
Many of the communities we partner with have shared deep concerns for their rights and futures. In this moment, as we reaffirm our commitment to building a future free from violence, inequality, and oppression, we must continue to center those among us who face these threats most acutely. As a Quaker organization, we hold as sacred the belief that there is divine light within each person. Right now, our solidarity with vulnerable communities is a critical part of our spirit-led action.
I encourage you to visit our 2024 election homepage to find resources and tools for action. No matter what happens in the coming months and years, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity. I know that we are not alone in this struggle.
Here are more ways you can engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
From Election to Action: How we can work together for lasting change: Watch the recording of our recent webinar to hear a conversation with Joyce Ajlouny, AFSC General Secretary, AFSC’s Global Policy and Strategy team, and program leaders on transforming this moment into sustainable progress. Learn about concrete ways to organize, advocate, and act for peace, justice, and equality for all people. Watch the webinar and read the recap here.
As winter begins in Gaza, will we survive in tents?: As temperatures drop and rains begin, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians confront life in failing tents with no protection from the elements. AFSC’s Serena Awad writes from Gaza about the worsening conditions in the region. Read more here.
Apartheid-Free Convening (Saturday, December 7, 2024): In December, the Apartheid-Free Communities Coalition will host an all-day in-person convening in Philadelphia, PA. This gathering is part of our weekend-long series of events dedicated to strengthening and expanding the Apartheid-Free Communities network. If your meeting has signed on to the Apartheid-Free Communities Pledge, you are encouraged to send representatives to this event. Learn more and register here.
Moving Closer to a Beloved Community: A Quaker Rethinks Israel-Palestine: In the most recent QuakerSpeak video, Steve Chase, AFSC liaison to Friends Meeting of Washington, describes his personal journey from instinctive support of Israel to a recognition of the Palestinian cause. Steve also shares how his meeting moved from a place of conflict to find clarity and unity in support of signing the Quaker organization statement on a vision for peace in Palestine and Israel and becoming an Apartheid-Free Community. Watch the video here.
Meeting for Worship with attention to peace in Palestine and Israel: Please join us every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT as we worship with Friends from across the U.S.
You are also invited to attend our weekly Action Hour for a Ceasefire Now, every Friday at 12 p.m. ET. Hear updates from AFSC staff and take collective action as we contact our elected officials. Please share this invitation with members of your Meeting and communities.
Thank you for your continued support of AFSC and all you do to create a more just and peaceful world!
With care,
Ainsley Bruton (they/them)
Quaker Engagement Coordinator
P.S. You're always welcome to contact the Quaker Engagement team at friends@afsc.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.