Dear Friend,
Thank you to everyone who joined our inaugural liaison call last month. It was wonderful to see so many of you and come together. We were joined by Lewis Webb Jr., who presented on AFSC’s “North Star,” a vision for community safety beyond prisons and policing. If you missed the call, you can view the recording here.
Here are more ways you can engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Emerging Leaders for Liberation (ELL) application open: AFSC’s second annual ELL program is open for young adults looking to deepen their social justice and leadership skills. Emerging Leaders aims to support the development of young people and is especially beneficial to those that are newer to organizing spaces. Through this program, participants will gain an understanding of systemic oppression through trainings and experiences on accompaniment, anti-racism, organizing, advocacy, resourcing, and Quaker principles. Please share this invitation broadly with young adults who have a relationship to an AFSC program, a Quaker college/organization, or a Quaker meeting.
Pendle Hill Quaker Institute (Apr. 28 – May 1, 2023): Join us at Pendle Hill for a weekend of experiential workshops that will explore different ways that the Religious Society of Friends is creating cultures of beloved community. Themes will include the ministry of space, intergenerational programming, and art as a container for building community. AFSC and FCNL will co-lead a workshop for ways that Meetings can support and engage with Friends’ peace and justice organizations. Learn more and register here.
Read: "A Voice of Reason for Palestinians": Quakers have a long history of humanitarian involvement in Palestine. This article discusses the advocacy that has continued through AFSC, staff, and supporters.
Sign our “Think Twice” pledge: In 2020, people across the U.S. deepened their commitment to racial justice after the police killing of George Floyd. But today, we’re seeing a backward slide toward law-and-order policies and rhetoric. It’s time to reaffirm our commitment to build community safety beyond policing. One way we can do that is to think twice before calling the police.
Advocating for “Second Look” legislation in Michigan: Natalie Holbrook, director of the Michigan Criminal Justice Program, discusses AFSC’s ongoing work to end life and long sentences. This is a basis for moving away from retribution, isolation, and punishment toward life-giving models rooted in healing, community, accountability, and transformation. “Second Look” legislation would make everyone who has served 10 years or more eligible to apply for resentencing by their sentencing judge or successor. If you’re in Michigan, join AFSC and partners for a Day of Empathy at the statehouse on Feb. 23.
Thank you for your continued support of AFSC’s work and all that you do in working for a more just and peaceful world!
Blessings,
Sofia Di Pietro
Quaker Engagement Coordinator
P.S. You can find more ways to get involved at our Friends Engage page. And as always, feel free to contact me with questions or comments at friends@afsc.org.