Dear Friend,
Two weeks ago many AFSC staff members attended the online gathering of Friends General Conference. I had the opportunity to attend two workshops. One was about AFSC’s migration justice work and what Friends can do to support immigrant communities. Another explored how meetings have and could create mutual aid networks to build solidarity and share resources with their neighbors.
These workshops took place in a week when the Trump administration called for the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, sending immigrants to detention camps at Guantanamo Bay, and shutting down USAID, among other harmful policies. I was grateful for the opportunity to strategize with Friends in our workshops about steps we can take together to counter these measures and move forward in working for peace and justice.
If your meeting is also wondering about next steps to take in this moment, I encourage you to consider hosting an AFSC staff member for a presentation at your meeting so that we may be in community with you to build strategies and solidarity. Together, we are stronger than we think.
Here are more ways you can engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
6 ways to support immigrants right now: Since taking office, the Trump administration has threatened immigrant safety by calling for mass deportations, the dismantling of longstanding rights, and policies that dehumanize immigrants. Here are six ways you can join us in resisting harms to our communities and building toward the more just, humane, and peaceful world we want to see. Read more.
Migration Justice Yard Signs: Everyone deserves a chance to build a good life, regardless of where they were born or when and how they migrate. Right now, migrants are too often subjected to harm and suffering. In the spirit of public witness, we have created yard signs with the message “QUAKERS WELCOME MIGRANTS WITH DIGNITY.” Please join AFSC in supporting migrant communities by having your meeting place a yard sign outside your place of worship. Order a sign today.
Third Tuesdays: Protect, Resist, and Build with AFSC (Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): AFSC has launched a webinar series on the third Tuesday of every month to discuss concrete ways to take action for peace and justice in these times. This month, our webinar will focus on the root causes of migration, the experiences of Black and African immigrants, and how you can show solidarity. Watch the January webinar and Register today.
Emerging Leaders for Liberation (ELL) program info session (Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT): Do you know a young adult who is interested in learning more about social change and strengthening their leadership skills? Ask them to consider applying for our ELL program. Applicants must be 18-22 years old as of April 1, 2025, and have a relationship to an AFSC program, a Quaker college/organization, or a Quaker meeting. Applications are due March 9, 2025. Register for the info session to learn more and share the application.
Apply now: Birches Peacebuilding Fellowship: AFSC is seeking recent college graduates to apply for the Birches Peacebuilding Fellowship. Participants in this fellowship will gain an understanding of peacebuilding practices through trainings and experiences with systems analysis, organizing, advocacy, resourcing, and Quaker principles. Fellows will be based in three regions: Mexico and Central America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Applications will be reviewed through March 2025. Learn more and share the application.
Quaker Community Spotlight
At the end of January, a collection of Quaker bodies including Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, New England Yearly Meeting, Baltimore Yearly Meeting, New York Yearly Meeting, Adelphi Monthly Meeting, and Richmond Monthly Meeting filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They are seeking to halt the executive order allowing immigration enforcement agents to enter sensitive spaces, including houses of worship. Last week, Friends General Conference joined a multifaith coalition and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection in a separate suit against DHS.
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 Palestine, every Friday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. 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.