Dear Friend,
In July, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of this nation’s founding. Over the weekend of July 4, hundreds of events will take place around the country in commemoration. But currently, we are witnessing rising authoritarianism and growing state violence. For many Friends, these patriotic celebrations do not feel appropriate in a time of rising oppression. That’s why AFSC is organizing Love as Action: A Declaration of Resistance as a National Day of Action on July 4.
In addition to being a day of action, the Declaration of Resistance is also an individual pledge. It is a shared moral commitment to take action for peace and justice. By signing the pledge, we commit to protect our communities, resist authoritarianism, and build a better future.
The National Day of Action will be anchored by an event in Philadelphia on July 4. Friends and other people of conscience will march in the People’s Parade alongside local community groups. This parade will lift up a message of justice, dignity, and people-powered democracy. After the parade, we will sign a physical Declaration of Resistance. This art piece will serve as a visible, collective expression of our witness.
We are encouraging Friends across the country to host a Love as Action vigil on July 4. These actions will serve as local, public expressions of our shared commitments to peace. To learn more about how your community can take action, visit afsc.org/commit-resist.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
What’s really happening at Delaney Hall? Delaney Hall, located in Newark, New Jersey, is the largest immigrant detention center in the Northeast. On May 22, hundreds of people detained inside announced a joint hunger and labor strike. The action was deliberate and began in solidarity with a rally and press conference led by families outside. In response to sustained pressure, the governor of New Jersey has proposed expanding legal representation for detained immigrants. Learn more.
July Quaker liaison call (Wednesday, July 22 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 July call, liaisons are invited to hear from AFSC’s Quaker Engagement team about our new Migration Justice Action Network. We will also make space for liaisons to share updates and resources from their communities. Register today!
Friends in Action: In this interview, Brian Blackmore, AFSC’s Director of Quaker Engagement, shares about how AFSC works alongside Quaker communities to take action for peace and justice. From supporting immigrant communities to responding to the genocide in Gaza, Friends have been finding meaningful ways to speak truth to power and act on their values. Read more.
Take action for peace in Korea this summer: Every year, Korea Peace Advocacy Summer brings activists together to meet with their members of Congress and advocate for legislation supporting peace in Korea. This year’s advocacy days will include online phone-banking sessions, in-person and virtual district meetings, and meetings on the Hill for local constituents. Learn more and register to participate.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: In March, AFSC’s Burundi program partnered with the Quaker organization Friends Women’s Association (FWA) to offer a trauma healing workshop. The workshop served Congolese refugee women and girls who are survivors of gender-based violence. Through this initiative, AFSC and FWA are promoting trauma healing, dignity for survivors, and peacebuilding within refugee and host communities.
Meeting for Worship with attention to peace: Please join us every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT as we worship with Friends from across the U.S. Please note that our weekly worship will be on hiatus in August 2026, and we will resume in September.
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.