Dear Friend,
Last month we began shipping out yard signs with the message “QUAKERS WELCOME MIGRANTS WITH DIGNITY” to Quaker communities across the country. So far, we have sent over 70 signs to more than 35 Friends and communities.
Now is a critical time for Friends to show support for immigrants in our communities. Last week we heard news that Mahmoud Khalil, a Ph.D. student at Columbia University, was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security. Mahmoud was arrested because of his activism on behalf of Palestinian human rights, and he is currently being held in detention despite being a permanent U.S. resident and green card holder.
Mahmoud’s detention without due process is part of the Trump administration’s larger attack on migrant communities. Right now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is dramatically expanding detention and deportation and tearing apart families and communities across the U.S. As Friends, we are led by Spirit to bear witness to this injustice and to take action for peace. We encourage you to order a sign for your home or place of worship to show support for migrant communities. When we work together, we can make a difference and build the world we want to see.
A sign next to a statue of Mary Dyer in front of Friends Center in Philadelphia. Ainsley Bruton / AFSC
A sign in front of Davis House, AFSC's office in D.C. Imani Cruz / AFSC
Here are more ways you can engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Quarterly Quaker Liaison Call (Wednesday, April 2 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): AFSC liaisons are invited to join our call to hear about AFSC's work and share updates from your meeting. We will hear from Imani Cruz, AFSC’s global policy coordinator for migration justice. Imani will share about immigration policy under the Trump administration and resources Quakers can use for advocacy. We will also share other AFSC resources that may be helpful to Friends and create opportunities for connection among liaisons across the U.S. Register today.
Join us for the annual AFSC Corporation Meeting (Thursday, April 24 – Saturday, April 26): The theme for this year’s annual meeting of the AFSC Corporation is Healing Through Justice: Our Collective Journey. This theme will highlight AFSC’s Healing Justice programs, which work to reduce our society’s reliance on incarceration and policing. The theme also responds to calls for justice and healing among immigrant communities and in regions of the world that have been devastated by recent and ongoing wars. Friends are invited to register to attend workshops either online or in- person in Philadelphia. Learn more and register.
Courage to Resist: Commemorating 50 Years Since Vietnam (Saturday, April 26, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. ET): At the close of the AFSC corporation meeting, this program will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War with an evening of stories, connection, resistance, and looking forward. With opportunities to engage both in person and online, we will highlight AFSC's steadfast work to combat the war and the stories of those who carried out the work on the ground. Register today.
Call for Nobel Peace Prize nominations: In 1947, AFSC and Friends Service Council in Britain (now Quaker Peace and Social Witness) accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of all Quakers for their peace work during World War II. Nobel laureates are allowed to nominate future Nobel Peace Prize winners each year. Offering a nomination is an opportunity to focus the world’s attention on the work of organizations and individuals that exemplify Quaker values and principles in living practice. We invite you to submit a candidate to the AFSC Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Task Group by May 31, 2025. Learn more about the nomination criteria and submit a suggestion with accompanying evidence to nobel@afsc.org.
World Quaker Day 2025: The Friends World Committee for Consultation has announced that the theme for World Quaker Day on Sunday, Oct. 5 2025 will be “Love your neighbor,” with the guiding Bible passage Galatians 5:14. Friends can take part through acts of solidarity with refugees or migrants, visiting other Quaker groups or places of worship, or planning an all-age or children's meeting on the theme. Read more.
Quaker Community Spotlight: Visalia Friends Meeting in Visalia, CA has created a comprehensive resource guide for immigrant communities. That includes know your rights information; what to know and do if you are arrested, detained, or facing deportation; how to respond to ICE raids; and resources for teachers and health care professionals. These resources can now be downloaded as posters, brochures, and wallet-sized cards. The meeting is also in the process of joining a rapid response network through Faith in the Valley.
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.
You can also stay up to date on upcoming events and ways to take action by joining us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.