People gather in St. Louis for a community consultation in connection with the development of AFSC's new Strategic Plan. AFSC
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AFSC enters next phase of Strategic Planning
“What’s the role of a 102-year old Quaker organization in advancing radical, sustainable and equitable change in a world that’s rapidly shifting? To answer that question, AFSC began a strategic planning process a few months ago with the charge of re-envisioning the organization’s goals utilizing the motto ‘moving forward with unity for maximum impact.’” So writes Sharon Goens-Bradley, Midwest Associate Regional Director, about AFSC’s move into the second phase of Strategic Planning in which a working group will make sense of all the valuable input we’ve received. Stay tuned!
“Stop playing games with our youth’s lives and future”
In this compelling opinion piece, Jonathan Pulphus, St. Louis Program Associate, writes about the well-received public testimony of Dominic, a young person involved with AFSC’s peer mediation and conflict resolution work. “Dominic called for the institutionalization of more programs like peer mediation while condemning the mistreatment of black youth in schools,” Jonathan writes, adding that our youth “need increased levels of resources, support, care, alternatives to suspensions and a restorative, culturally sensitive learning environment.” Jonathan also wrote this letter-to-the-editor about rejecting racism in schools.
Indy call for real inclusion
AFSC Indiana joined with eight other groups in issuing this call for organizers and white attendees of the Women’s March to be truly inclusive: “When women of color, including our Indigenous community, our trans sisters, non-binary folks, and community affected by disabilities, are constantly left out of the conversation, our intentions do just as much harm as our oppressors.” Indiana will host an evening of “Revolutionary Visions & Radical Imaginations: Celebrating Solidarity & Courage” on March 1 and AFSC General Secretary Joyce Ajlouny on March 20.
Good Neighbor Project announces additional trainings
AFSC Michigan’s Criminal Justice Program will hold its next Good Neighbor Project training on February 7. Check out our Good Neighbor Project here for a brief overview. The GNP is a “co-mentorship program designed to match up free-world individuals with Michigan prisoners who are serving Life or Long Indeterminate sentences. Many of these prisoners have been incarcerated for so long that they have lost their network of social support from family, friends, and the community.” Contact Demetrius Titus of AFSC to learn more.
From Nigeria to Dayton, AFSC intern shares her story
Somtochukwu Okafor has survived a number of challenges in her life. She writes here about her adjustment to life in the US and her excitement about her work. “AFSC’s current program in Ohio is growing, and, with each passing day, we are getting closer to our goal of creating a Pan-African youth caucus,” says Somto. “I see a lot of learning and growing potential for me and AFSC in the future, and I cannot wait to share all the progress with you.”
Iowa on the airwaves
Iowa Immigrant Rights Program Director Erica Johnson talks in this radio interview about the arrival of people from Central America seeking asylum in the US and the work that AFSC does to support them in Iowa and beyond. She also provides suggestions for how local people can get involved. In early February, Jody Mashek, who directs the Legal Services Program, will give an “Immigration 101” presentation for school counselors and talk with church members about the situation at the US/Mexico border. On February 4, AFSC Iowa will host its annual Immigrant Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.
Marking the tenth anniversary of “Operation Cast Lead”
January marks 10 years since Israel’s attack on Gaza, a brutal assault that killed more than 1400 people – more than 300 of them children – and injured another 5500. AFSC staffer Jennifer Bing recommends this article, and Jehad Abusalim suggests this trailer on “Gaza,” a new documentary. AFSC is currently organizing a national speaking tour for poet and journalist Ahmed Abu Artema, a key organizer of the Great March of Return in Gaza. Stay tuned for more details.
Bits and Peaces
Jesus Palafox of AFSC Chicago is quoted in this article about military recruitment….Check out this #NoCopAcademy interview with coalition member Grassroots Collaborative….AFSC today denounced a new policy of forcing asylum seekers to remain in Mexico, and we encourage you to take action here to oppose more funding for the Wall, ICE and Border Patrol…..Matt Leber writes about what one night in Border Patrol custody taught him about how migrants are treated….AFSC has issued this call to action on felony voting rights.
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