![Midwest Digest July 2022](/sites/default/files/images/CSBP%20STL%20Jonathan.png)
CSBP webinar with Jonathan Pulphus of St. Louis AFSC
Webinar looks at gun violence and community safety
With recent mass shootings around the country, many of us are grappling with what we can do to keep all our community members safe. That includes examining the role of policing in our society. In this AFSC Community Safety Beyond Policing webinar, Jonathan Pulphus of St. Louis joins Mary Zerkel of Chicago and others in exploring successful ways to prevent violence—without increasing our reliance on police. Learn more about AFSC in St. Louis from our latest newsletter.
Toolkit offers ideas for abolitionist work
The Chicago Peacebuilding Program recently launched the 2022 version of our Coins, Cops & Communities Toolkit, with activities on engaging people in conversations about defunding police and learning about abolitionist campaigns in Chicago. Be sure to download the toolkit and share with anyone you know who’s got a group, organization, faith community, community center, classroom, etc. that could use it. Check out our latest blog on divesting from war, and stay in touch on Instagram.
Gaza Unlocked website relaunched
Jennifer Bing and Jehad Abusalim of AFSC’s Palestine Activism Program are excited to announce the relaunch of our Gaza Unlocked website! The site provides information and analysis about Gaza, first-person stories from Palestinians living under blockade, and resources to help you take action for change. As we enter the 15th year of the Israeli-imposed blockade of Gaza, your support and participation in the growing Palestine rights movement is critical in bringing about change.
Michigan staffer Danny Jones (second from left) and friends Photo: Michigan CEMI
Work in Michigan to end life and long sentences
Across the U.S. tens of thousands of people are serving life sentences without the chance of parole, including people sentenced as children. But there are many examples that people can change and should have the opportunity to come home to their communities. In this op-ed, Chuck Warpehoski of Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration, a partner of AFSC, writes about Danny Jones’ work as a mentor and mediator in prison. Danny recently joined the AFSC Michigan Criminal Justice Program and its work to end life and long sentences.
Meet Adia Hickman, Twin Cities Youth Board member
On Facebook and Instagram, Adia Hickman shares why she’s excited to join the Twin Cities Youth Board for a second time. “This opportunity has allowed me to get out of my social comfort zone and learn and act on things I am passionate about. I like that I am introduced to all types of people with different backgrounds than me, that I might have never met if I didn’t join. This has allowed me to be more involved with my peers.”
Iowans rally against gun violence.
Short takes
Iowans joined people across the country in calling for an end to gun violence…. Here’s the latest update from AFSC alums with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice….Quaker blogger Jeff Kisling writes about the potential of farm diplomacy to quell rising tensions with North Korea…. Check out AFSC’s updated Friends Engage webpage.
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