Light in Gaza contributor Asmaa Abu Mezied
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Light in Gaza author discusses agriculture, the media, women’s organizing
Recently, Shireen Akram-Boshar of AFSC interviewed Asmaa Abu Mezied (above), a contributor to our anthology Light in Gaza. Asmaa is an economic development and social inclusion specialist working to address issues of gender, development, and climate change in the agriculture sector of Gaza. Read the full interview. Also, we thank Jehad Abusalim for his service; he recently left AFSC to become executive director of the Jerusalem Fund and Palestine Center in Washington, DC.
Twin Cities staff (from left): Brynne Crockett, Prescott Jones and Maddy Foss
Using restorative practices to create safe spaces for youth
Brynne Crockett reports that AFSC staff have been engaging with staff and recruiting youth at North Community High School in Minneapolis. AFSC will be providing restorative practices in the schools as alternatives to in-school suspensions. By using mediation with students and administrators, we all can create a safe space for young people. Brynne adds that excitement is building for more youth programming, including potential podcasts and visuals. Stay in touch on Instagram.
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, expected to be introduced in the Michigan legislature in April, would make everyone who has served 10 years or more eligible to apply for resentencing by their sentencing judge or successor.
Expanding the base for justice work in St. Louis
Devonn Thomas reports that the St. Louis Program continues to expand its base and is beginning to add work with youth ages 18-25. Staff will be sharing “Abolition 101” presentations on college campuses. AFSC has joined with other groups in opposing the Missouri legislature’s likely action to return control of the St. Louis Police Department to the governor (a racist relic of the Civil War era that lasted through 2013). Follow on Facebook for updates and share this Organizing Fellow opening.
Aija Suuta
Sign AFSC’s “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. Mary Zerkel of AFSC Chicago has been instrumental in local and national work to build community alternatives to police response.
Short takes
Check out the latest news from AFSC alums with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice….Read AFSC’s 2023 Yearly Meeting Epistle and check out our 2023 Corporation Program…. Join us at Pendle Hill April 28-May 1 for a weekend of experiential workshops on creating beloved community….Learn about our 2023 Nobel Peace Prize nominees and see this update on our earthquake relief work in Turkey and Syria.
Grateful for your support
Please renew your support of AFSC by donating now; please consider becoming a Partner for Peace by donating monthly. Check out AFSC Midwest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Thank you!