Dear Friend,
This month I am excited to share with you the Spring 2023 Holy Days & Holidays Toolkit created by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC), of which AFSC is a member. This interfaith toolkit serves as an educational resource for Monthly Meetings and First Day School in observing these special days—as well as a tool to mobilize people of faith to embody their beliefs in seeking justice this season.
Here are more ways you can engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Last call for applications due March 12: Emerging Leaders for Liberation (ELL): Please continue to share this invitation to apply for ELL with young adults who have a relationship to an AFSC program, a Quaker college/organization, or a Quaker meeting. The ELL program is for young adults looking to deepen their social justice and leadership skills, and aims to support the development of young people. This program is especially beneficial for those that are newer to organizing.
AFSC’s California Healing Justice honored for research on police militarization: In April 2022 the CA Healing Justice team published “Equipped for War,” a research report, data visualization, and call to action to demilitarize policing in California, focusing on the police use of military gear. The report earned AFSC the James Madison Freedom of Information Award by the Society of Professional Journalists – Northern California earlier this year.
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.
Human Migration and Mobility Program shares Alternatives to Detention resource: “Alternatives to detention” (ATDs)—like ankle monitors and other forms of surveillance—have been promoted by the federal government as a “humane” approach to immigration enforcement. But these measures have devastating consequences of their own-- harming people's health, violating civil liberties, and limiting one's ability to provide for their families. That’s why is AFSC urging Congress to cut funding for ATDs, immigration detention, all forms of cruelty against immigrants.
Somalia Country Program launches a new project: In January, AFSC Somalia launched “Promoting Community Resilience through engaging the Somali Society," which works to promote resilience and social cohesion among Somali communities in Dadaab, Dhobley, and Kismayu.
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.