Dear Friend,
Early this month, the Trump administration bombed the capital city of Venezuela and forcibly captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This is an illegal and unprovoked act of war against a sovereign nation, and it marks a dangerous escalation of U.S. policy toward Latin America.
On Jan. 17, Friends gathered in 15 cities across the U.S. to stand in public witness against this violence. This was the second in a series of “Love as Action” vigils intended to bear witness to horrific injustices we see around the world, and to build hope and resistance within our communities. Our next actions will take place over the weekend of Feb. 21 – 22.
I hope you will be able to join one of our vigils in February. In the meantime, I ask that you contact your members of Congress and urge them to block further military actions in Venezuela. We know that war is never the path to peace. It is time to break these cycles of violent imperialism and work towards a world where everyone can live and thrive in safety.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
AFSC’s work in Gaza will continue despite Israel’s new registration restrictions: The Israeli government has imposed new registration requirements on international organizations. These requirements are part of a systematic effort to criminalize humanitarian organizations and block lifesaving aid from reaching Palestinians in Gaza. Complying with these requirements would compromise humanitarian principles and endanger the lives of our staff and partners. For these reasons, AFSC did not apply for registration under these conditions. We join our partner organizations and the U.N. in demanding that these restrictions be removed, and we remain committed to continuing our work in Gaza and across the occupied Palestinian territory. Listen to this interview with AFSC's Kerri Kennedy to learn more.
Quarterly Quaker Liaison Call (Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): AFSC liaisons regularly share updates about AFSC’s work in their communities and mobilize Friends to take action. On our January call, liaisons are invited to hear from Laura Boyce, AFSC’s associate general secretary for U.S. programs, about the Love as Action vigil series. There will also be time for liaisons to share updates about peace and justice work happening in their communities and share resources. Register today!
Apply now: Quaker United Nations Office Summer School (QUNSS): QUNSS is a two-week program that introduces young changemakers to the vibrant international community of the United Nations in Geneva. Participants will deepen their understanding of multilateralism; strengthen their policy, negotiation, and advocacy skills; and connect with a supportive international youth network. Young adults ages 20–26 from all regions and backgrounds are encouraged to apply by Jan. 25. Learn more.
Immigrant leader Jeanette Vizguerra-Ramirez wins release from detention: After nine months in detention, longtime Colorado resident and immigrant leader Jeanette Vizguerra-Ramirez is home with her family, where she belongs. Her case has highlighted how the Trump administration targets advocates to silence dissent. In December, a federal judge ruled her detention unconstitutional and ordered a bond hearing, which led to her freedom. Jeanette’s release comes after months of advocacy by her family and community. “We will continue to stand with Jeanette and against any administration that tries to jail and deport our communities and families,” said AFSC’s Jordan Garcia. Learn more.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: In December, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds agreed to fully participate in the Sun Bucks Summer EBT program. The adoption of this program will help approximately 244,000 children in Iowa gain access to additional grocery benefits during the summer months. This win comes after over a year of pressure from Quaker communities, AFSC, and the Iowa Hunger Coalition. Learn more.
Meeting for Worship with attention to peace: Please join us every Thursday as we worship with Friends from across the U.S. Starting in Jan. 2026, worship will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
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.