Dear Friend,
May marks six months of Love as Action, AFSC’s nationwide public witness vigil series. Every month, Love as Action brings Friends and other people of conscience together to bear witness against rising authoritarianism in the United States. These actions gather Friends for public worship as a visible commitment to justice and compassion. It is an opportunity for us to not only protest, but to affirm the dignity of every person.
The moment we are in now demands public witness rooted in our faith and our values. In response to growing oppression across the country, we are called as Friends to model a different future. We know it is possible to build systems grounded in love, dignity, and liberation.
To date, over 40 communities have hosted Love as Action vigils. This past weekend, we had Friends join us in over 20 cities across the country.
Our next vigils will take place from June 13-14. I hope your community will join us to make visible the transformative power of love.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Tell Congress to fund human needs, not war: Our communities need healthcare, housing, and resources—not weapons, war, and ICE raids. But the Trump administration’s proposed federal budget would gut programs that millions of people depend on. It would also pour an unprecedented $1.5 trillion into the military. This includes billions more for immigrant detention and deportation. Tell Congress to reject funding for war and militarism and instead invest in the communities they were elected to serve. Send a message today!
Apartheid-Free anniversary webinar (Sat., June 6 at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT): The Apartheid-Free Communities initiative is turning three! Join us for a webinar highlighting how communities are living out their pledge. The event will feature student groups, businesses, faith groups, and congregations that are leading campaigns to end Israeli apartheid. Come to learn, share, and grow the movement for an apartheid-free world. Register today.
Join us for Continuing Revolution (June 26-28 in Philadelphia): This annual program brings together young adults ages 18-35 to engage with spiritually grounded resistance and resilience work. Participants will connect with others and learn skills to meet this moment. The 2026 program will consider the 250th anniversary of the United States and explore visions for a different future. Learn more and register to attend.
What you need to know about the U.S. war on Iran: On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a war of aggression on Iran, dropping bombs on cities across the country and calling for regime change. Since then, thousands of people have been killed across the region, and hundreds of thousands more have been displaced. This is another costly, deadly war that most people in the U.S. do not support. Learn more and take action.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Ukrainian Quaker Project, organized by Seaville Quaker Meeting in New Jersey, has partnered with the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee to deliver donations to children displaced by the war in Ukraine. Over the past few months, the project has collected donations of clothing, toys, and educational supplies from Friends. Their first shipment of donations is expected to reach Ukraine in June. Learn more on Facebook
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 by contacting our elected officials.
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.