People detained at the St. Louis Justice Center (the "Justo") participate in a third uprising demanding for the public to help address the inhumane conditions they face. Richard Reilly / AFSC
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“set the oppressed free" (Luke 4:18) April is coming to a close... This month families across the nation celebrated Easter as a time for egg hunts and perhaps more importantly: the resurrection. Dr. David Turner at Cornerstone University in Michigan posits that this biblical moment is lifted, in part, because death is "conquered" by Jesus. I'd make an arguement to say that resurrection reminds us that state sanctioned violence, self-righteous leadership, and compromised values were overcome. The event brings attention to the ways that oppressed communities resist harmful systems. The least of these are reminded to remain vigilant in the face of decision makers that allow derelictions of duty to go unchecked. It alerts us to read between the lies of those that pretend to be in solidarity with us. Let's continue to hunt for righteous answers as we face challenging questions together in the coming days. “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Jonathan Pulphus |
AFSC ST. LOUIS / YUIR
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COMMUNITY SAFETY BEYOND POLICING Join our webinar series to explore how communities across the U.S. are working toward a future where rely less on police—and ensure community safety for all. May 11, Tuesday: Federal Policing Legislation
June 3, Wednesday: Police Militarization
July 8, Thursday: Policing and White Supremacy
Follow this webinar series and catch up on previous ones using this link: https://www.afsc.org/CSBP More info - Sarah Nash at: snash@afsc.org |
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JOIN OUR MONTHLY GATHERINGS SUNDAY, APRIL 18th at 3:30pm AFSC STL is looking forward to both seeing familiar and new faces at our upcoming gathering Sunday April 18th at 3:30pm. These gatherings will be the third Sunday of every month.
How do you join in? Save this zoom link here: tinyurl.com/AFSCMeeting |
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LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN: ENGAGING NEWLY ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Join us for this upcoming event where we will write letters to the newly elected school board members. The writing will be directed by the language and analysis from our young people. This will take place Saturday April 25th from 11am-12pm. |
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SCHOOL DISCIPLINE & POLICING OF STUDENTS
The American Friends Service Committee in St. Louis is seeking community voice in its work around school discipline and the policing of students in schools. This survey should take an estimated 5-7 minutes to complete. Share and Fill it out here. |
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VOLUNTEERING AT DEACONESS
Our partners at the Deaconess Center for Child Wellbeing are looking for volunteers to join the movement of child advocates, organizers and families who are building power for children in our region! Deaconess Center offers a wide variety of long-term and short-term ways to connect and get involved. Current opportunities for volunteers of at least 18 years of age include: Providing hospitality and set up for Outdoor Open-Air Convenings beginning April 1 Supporting Virtual Convenings hosted by Deaconess Center through our Zoom Platform. To join the volunteer team, complete the Volunteer Application Form or contact David Nehrt-Flores at (314) 356-2533 or davidn@deaconess.org. |
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PAYING ATTENTION TO THE NEED FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
"Uprising by incarcerated people should open our eyes to suffering and spur us to envision a world where everyone receives the support they need to thrive." - Sarah Nash Check out this eloquent and powerful response to the St. Louis Justice Center (the "Justo") uprising written by none other than our Potts Intern Sarah Nash. Link: https://www.afsc.org/story/paying-attention-to-need-restorative-justice. |
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JUST 4 KIDZ GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY
Just 4 Kidz, our partner, is hosting a virtual event on Global Youth Service Day, April 24th, called Youth Activists: A New Age of Service, from 2pm - 5pm. We want to celebrate all the amazing contributions that young people have made to social movements. It will include a moderated panel/question-answer session with some amazing young service leaders from STL and beyond, and it will be followed by a virtual, guided, service activity addressing one of the mutual aid requests we've been getting! Anyone is welcome to join the panel and service activity, but the event is geared towards 7th - 12th graders! Check out the flyer and the registration link below! Registration Link for GYSD 2021: https://bit.ly/30YvUCN |
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JUST 4 KIDZ RECRUTING YOUTH LEADERS
Just 4 Kidz are doing a round of recruiting for new Director and Chapter Leader positions within JFK. Geared towards high school and college students! This is an opportunity for young people to develop extensive leadership and non-profit management experience and have a seat at the decision-making table about children's rights programming and advocacy in STL. Check out the flyer and the two links (one for high school, one for college) below. High School Recruitment Link: https://forms.gle/9LUzyszU32onsYmg8 College Recruitment Link: https://forms.gle/YENuUxR92ikptKPn6 |
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LITERATURE St. Louis American
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