Dear Friend,
Last month, I joined AFSC colleagues at an action with Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) at Vanguard’s Headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Vanguard is the world’s largest investor in fossil fuel companies. It’s also the top investor in toxic petrochemical plants across the United States. These facilities release hazardous air and water pollution—elevating the risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and reproductive harm in surrounding communities.
Corporations like Vanguard have profited from these petrochemical industries that disproportionately harm low-income, working-class, Indigenous, Black and Brown people, and other marginalized communities worldwide. That has to change.
My colleague Brett Heinz—AFSC’s global policy coordinator for economic and climate justice—spoke at the action. He called on Vanguard to live up to its own promises to do what’s right for its clients, employees, and communities by investing in a livable future for all.
We attempted to deliver a letter signed by over 30,000 people urging Vanguard to stop financing petrochemical plants. Company representatives refused to accept it. But we will keep urging them to take responsibility.
As a Quaker Organization, AFSC is committed to climate justice. We must transition away from fossil fuels and create an economy that includes health and safety for all communities. This Earth month, I urge you to join me in signing the Never Vanguard pledge to take a stand against corporate greed and climate destruction.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Mobilizing Quakers for Immigration Justice: This episode of “Thee Quaker Podcast” explores AFSC’s work in Latin America and our commitment to migration justice. It features the story of German Smirnov, a Russian asylum seeker in the U.S. He was one of 200 migrants deported by the Trump administration to Costa Rica, where he was detained. German tells his story and shares how AFSC partnered with Friends in Costa Rica to secure their release and offer housing, food, and other aid. The episode also features AFSC staff members who share about our Spirit-led approach to social change. Listen to the episode.
Love as Action weekends: AFSC is hosting “Love as Action” vigils to support Quaker witness to rising authoritarianism cross the United States. Upcoming vigils are scheduled for the weekends of April 25 - 26, May 16 - 17, and June 13 - 14. Quaker communities are encouraged to join or host vigils on these weekends as a visible expression of Quaker commitments to justice and compassion. Learn more.
AFSC 2026 Epistle: This epistle briefly describes a few highlights from AFSC’s work over the past year. Far from comprehensive, we hope this epistle helps build awareness among Friends about AFSC’s presence in the world and provides helpful information about opportunities for Friends to partner with AFSC. Read the epistle.
Save the Date: World Quaker Day: Oct. 4, 2026: The theme for World Quaker Day in 2026 is “Let Peace Be Among Us,” with the supporting Bible passage Hebrews 12:14, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” FWCC is planning an online Meeting for Worship on Oct. 4, which will bring together Friends across borders, time zones, and Quaker traditions with a shared focus on peace. Learn more.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: In Jan. 2025, Quakers sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over potential immigration raids at houses of worship. In January of this year, several organizations, including Quaker Scholars, filed friend of the court briefs supporting the plaintiffs. These briefs are written by organizations that are not involved in the case but can provide expertise on the legal issues the court is considering. In February, a federal judge ruled that most portions of the lawsuit can proceed. Learn more from Friends Journal
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.
Protect, Resist, and Build with AFSC: This monthly webinar series brings together AFSC supporters to learn about how to protect our communities, resist authoritarianism, and build peace with justice. Join us on the third Tuesday of every month at 8 p.m. ET / 5 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.