Dear Friend,
At the beginning of this year, we produced signs with the message “Quakers welcome migrants with dignity” for Friends to place in front of their homes and places of worship. To date, we have shipped over 230 signs to Quaker communities across the country.
We know that immigrants are vital members of our communities. They are neighbors, workers, students, business owners, and friends. Today, ICE raids across the U.S. are separating families, spreading fear, and violating basic rights. As Friends we are compelled by our testimonies to engage in public witness and take action for immigrants in our communities. To continue spreading the word that Quaker communities believe in a welcoming, dignified, and just immigration system, we have developed new signs that read “Quaker communities are stronger with immigrants.”
I encourage you to send a message to your governor to protect immigrants in your state. And I hope you will order a sign to share the message that Quaker communities are stronger with immigrants.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
The Testimony of Equality: A conversation with Serena, AFSC staff in Gaza: In late 2024, Lindsey Fielder Cook, interim deputy director and representative for climate change at the Quaker United Nations Office in Geneva, began exchanging text messages with Serena, one of AFSC’s staff members in Gaza. In this article, Lindsey shares recent messages from Serena and reflects on the Quaker testimony of equality. Read more.
Quarterly Quaker Liaison Call (Thursday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): AFSC liaisons regularly share updates about AFSC’s work in their meetings/churches and mobilize Friends to take action for peace and justice. On our October call, liaisons are invited to hear from Allison Tanner, national organizer for the Apartheid-Free Communities initiative, and Steve Chase, AFSC liaison to Friends Meeting of Washington. Allison and Steve will share about the Apartheid-Free pledge and the Apartheid-Free Quaker affinity group. 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.
5 ways to pressure Vanguard to stop funding fossil fuels: Despite rising global temperatures, banks and other financial institutions are providing hundreds of billions of dollars each year to fossil fuel companies. Chief among them is Vanguard, the world’s top fossil fuel investor. That’s why AFSC has joined other organizations in the Vanguard S.O.S. campaign. We’re asking people worldwide to boycott Vanguard until it stops funding fossil fuel projects and starts prioritizing climate justice in its investment decisions. Read about five ways you can help.
World Quaker Day 2025:On Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, we will celebrate World Quaker Day and reflect on the theme, “Love Your Neighbor.” Friends are encouraged to participate by organizing 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. Learn more and share how you plan to take part.
Quakers Today podcast:AFSC is sponsoring season five of the “Quakers Today” podcast, which features writers, musicians, and thinkers who speak from the heart, grapple with faith, and share the insights they have discovered along the way. The first episode of the season features Friends sharing about their favorite Quaker terms and phrases. Listen to the latest episode.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Quakers for Peace in Palestine and Israel (QPPI) is encouraging Friends Meetings to host a vigil with attention to Gaza between September 21 (the International Day of Peace) and October 2 (the International Day of Non-Violence). These vigils are intended to remember children who have been killed in Palestine and Israel. Suggested elements for these vigils include a simple meal, name reading, letter-writing, fundraising, and educational activities. Learn more from QPPI's Action Packet.
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.
And stay up to date on upcoming events and ways to take action by joining us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.