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AFSC says loud and clear: No War With Iran!
Hundreds of protests around the region and around the country are calling for the US to back away from a war with Iran. Mary Zerkel of the Chicago Office shares the poster above on Instagram. You can download more posters from AFSC, learn more about Iran and who profits from war, and take action at AFSC’s No Iran War website. Here are photos and coverage of a large rally last weekend in Des Moines, as well as a recent op-ed by AFSC staff.
Progress in work for peace and justice in Palestine-Israel
Over the past year, we’ve seen signs of progress in working to change government policies and corporate practices that support inequality and the Israeli occupation. Jehad Abusalim and Jennifer Bing of Chicago joined other AFSC staff in this look back at AFSC’s 2019 work for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. In this interview, Jennifer describes the work of introducing and supporting a bill in Congress to end the Israeli military detention of Palestinian children.
Justice help wanted in St. Paul and St. Louis
Do you know someone who would be interested in joining AFSC’s dynamic work with young people? The St. Paul Healing Justice Program is looking for a full-time program associate to work with AFSC’s Freedom Schools and Youth Undoing Institutional Racism; the deadline for applications is January 15. In St. Louis, AFSC has an opening for a part-time, year-long Potts Intern to support local and state policy change to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline; that deadline is January 13.
Iowa program looks back at 2019 successes, forward to changes
Erica Johnson writes that the Iowa Immigrant Rights Program is “so proud of all we’ve been able to build and the services we’ve been able to provide. We also know that there is much more to be done. We're excited for what is in store as we continue to work on uniting with Iowa Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON). We know that together we will build a strong organization dedicated to immigrants' rights work in our state!” Catch the latest news on Facebook.
A farewell to Migwe Kimemia
This past December, our friend and colleague Migwe Kimemia completed 17 years of remarkable service with AFSC in Dayton. Migwe’s kindness, passion, and unmatched commitment to the betterment of refugees and immigrants in his community will continue to inspire us and all who know him. Check out this photo tribute.
Bits and Peaces
Prior to the holidays, the AFSC Michigan Criminal Justice Program organized a card-writing party to send wishes of liberation and hope to many of the 3000 prisoners in Michigan with whom the program collaborates…. Take part in AFSC’s youth-led We Are Not At-Risk global campaign to challenge—and transform—how the media portrays young people. This year’s campaign runs from January 6-21….Register for AFSC’s Changing Systems, Changing Ourselves webinar series. This month we’re launching our e-course for congregations and other groups working for immigrant justice. Sign up today for the series on the fourth Tuesdays January-May…A new newsletter from Great Plains Yearly Meeting mentions a visit by Melissa Stoner, AFSC Leadership and Planned Gifts Officer, and includes other peace and justice work across the YM…. Jean Sandstrom, co-clerk of the Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting, an accomplished environmental engineer, loving mother and dear friend, has died at 64.
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