Dear Friend,
In Philadelphia, where I am based, we are in the middle of autumn. This season for me is marked by beautiful changing leaves, the reemergence of my sweater collection, and seasonal comfort foods. I have the privilege of not having to worry about where my next meal will come from, or how I'm going to provide for my family. But this is not the case for millions of Americans. Hunger is far too prevalent across the country and the world, even though there is more than enough food available to completely eradicate it.
Here in the U.S., 42 million people rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on their tables. SNAP and other food aid programs feed millions, improve health, and reduce poverty and inequality. Yet recent government policies have enacted devastating cuts to these vital programs.
It is possible for us to live in a world where everyone can meet their basic needs. As we imagine the more just and peaceful world we seek to build, we must center solutions that prioritize food justice and the equitable distribution of resources.
I encourage you to learn more about food pantries and distribution centers in your area. If your meeting is looking to do something more, consider creating a mutual aid project for your community.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Stronger with Immigrants Week of Action (Dec. 10-18): From Dec. 10 through Dec. 18, people across the U.S. are coming together to demand dignity, safety, and freedom for all. We are organizing actions to denounce immigration raids, detention, and deportation—and to affirm everyone’s right to safety, belonging, and justice. We hope you will join us by organizing an event in your own community. Learn more about organizing or attending an event.
The Quaker Prison Experiment: This episode of “Thee Quaker Podcast” explores the complicated history of Quakers’ involvement with solitary confinement. It also highlights the work of AFSC’s Prison Watch program, which monitors federal and state prisons for human rights abuses. In this episode, Prison Watch volunteer Ojore Lutalo and AFSC staffer Bonnie Kerness share about conditions in modern prisons and AFSC’s work to hold these institutions accountable. Listen to the episode.
Interfaith Nonviolent Civil Resistance Training: In October, the Center on Faith and Justice, Horizons Project, Sojourners, and Interfaith Alliance offered a virtual training on nonviolent civil resistance. This training offered frameworks, shared language, and practical tools for building and sustaining interfaith networks committed to disciplined, strategic, and morally grounded nonviolent action. Watch the recorded training and access related resources.
Apply for a graduate fellowship with AFSC’s Quaker Engagement Team: The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program invites current PhD students to apply for a nine-week fellowship with AFSC. Applicants’ dissertation topic must relate to the study of religion. The AFSC fellow will help develop a Quaker Action for Migration Justice Network. The network will support congregations in activism to ensure the rights, safety, and dignity of immigrant communities in the U.S. Applications are due Jan. 14. Learn more and apply.
AFSC materials for Quaker communities: The AFSC Quaker Engagement team has developed new AFSC materials to offer to Quaker communities in the U.S. These materials include stickers, buttons, pens, and posters. If you would like to have a collection of these materials sent to your meeting or church, please fill out this form.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: New York Yearly Meeting’s working group on Peace with Justice in Palestine/Israel (PJPI) assembled an action for Quaker communities to use to organize actions focused on medical relief in Gaza. The packet includes resources for organizing educational activities, a film screening, or a fundraiser, and scripts for contacting Congress. Access the 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.