Dear Friend,
Forty-six years ago, my father immigrated to the U.S. He was a few years younger than I am now and I can only imagine the challenges and fears he faced as he moved to a country where he had no family, friends, or community, and did not speak the language. I am incredibly proud of him, grateful to learn from his experiences, and encouraged by the actions of Friends and others who continue to defend the rights and dignities of migrant communities.
Dec. 10 marks the 75th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. From Dec. 10-18, AFSC and partners are honoring this historic milestone by hosting events in several cities across the U.S. to demand the rights of migrants be respected. Join our annual Week of Action as we celebrate and honor the right to migrate. Learn more here.
Here are more ways you can engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Meeting for Worship with attention to Peace in Palestine and Israel: Please join us today (Dec. 8) at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT as we worship with Friends from across the U.S. We also invite you to join AFSC’s Action Hour for a Cease-fire Now, immediately preceding meeting for worship at 12 noon ET/ 9 a.m. PT. You are welcome to share this invitation with members of your Meeting and communities.
AFSC general secretary speaks with Democracy Now!: Joyce Ajlouny, who served as the head of school for Ramallah Friends School for 13 years, spoke with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! about the tragic shooting of three Palestinian American students in Burlington, Vermont. “Palestinians of all faiths are in the same struggle, as well, and they have not been offered the humanity and the dignity that they deserve,” says Joyce. Watch more in her interview with Democracy Now!
Letters of support to Palestinian-American students: Members of Brooklyn Friends Meeting, NYC, are organizing cards and artwork to be sent to the three students as they recover from this horrific attack. We invite Meetings and Friends to join Brooklyn Friends in sending messages of solidary and sympathy to these students and their families. AFSC is coordinating the mailing of the messages and as you feel led, letters can be sent to the AFSC at 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102.
Relief for refugees around the world: Throughout AFSC’s history, we have assisted people forced to leave their homes because of conflict, natural disasters, and other crises. Here are some ways we’re making a difference today. Read more about AFSC’s 2023 relief efforts in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Nominations welcome for AFSC governance roles: AFSC’s Standing Nominating Committee works throughout the year to identify people with a calling and skills to support our work through service in governance infrastructure. That includes the AFSC Corporation, Board of Directors, regional executive committees, other committees, and working groups. Quakers and non-Quakers are all welcome to apply.
Job opportunity: AFSC governance associate: AFSC is looking for a talented administrative support person who knows Quaker process and values to support our Board of Directors and broader governance infrastructure. This person can work from home much of the time, with occasional days in the office at Friends Center near Philadelphia City Hall. Please share this with people you think might be interested!
Quakers Today Podcast: AFSC is sponsoring season two of the “Quakers Today” podcast, which features musicians, writers, and others who seek wisdom and understanding in a rapidly changing world. Tune in on Dec. 12 to hear a special “Reunion” episode, produced by AFSC and MOSAIC productions, featuring Quaker leaders from the U.S. and United Kingdom sharing insights about how Quaker organizations are activating Quaker values for a just world.
And don’t forget to follow AFSC on social media! Stay up to date on upcoming events and ways to take action by joining us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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.