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Happy Belated Earthday to El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Malcolm X. The heralded Alex Haley described Shabazz as "our shining black prince" during commemorative events following the latter's assassination. Photo Courtesy of Ed Ford |
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Graduations, transitions, and more... The month of May flew by and June is here. So too does the work to leave this world better than how we all found it. Part of how AFSC STL continues to envision that is by encouraging our following to lean into their growing edge around abolition. There's a not of misinfromation about the term and its deployment. Part of the work includes helping ensure that we all have a better command of language and analysis used to support dreaming with each other. Abolition is about lifestyle not a destination. Following the insights of Derecka Purnell, St. Louis thought leader and author, AFSC St. Louis holds that abolition is not simply about policing and prisons. The concept is often dismissed for several reasons tied to miseducation. It is not an escape route for abusers. It is not an abandoning of a commitment to safety. It is not a utopian destination requiring a dramatic change. Rachael Herzing, Oakland Author and co-director of Center for Political Education, and her Standing Up for Our Communities gives helpful information on short-term and long-term goals for abolition. Everyday we employ abolitionist practices without even knowing it. Abolition happens whenever we decide not to call the police to report an abusive family member and instead figure out creative alternatives to responding to harm. In early June we are having a workshop for youth to wrestle with such terminology and foster relationships with each other as a means for addressing causes dear to them. Consider supporting by donating.
Jonathan Pulphus Program Associate |
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. 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 AFSC STL is looking forward to both seeing familiar and new faces at our upcoming gathering Sunday, June 27 at 3:30pm.
How do you join in? Save this zoom link here: tinyurl.com/AFSCMeeting |
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HELP GUIDE OUR YOUTH ADVOCACY WORK! JOIN OUR PROGRAM COMMITTEE!
We are looking for caring adults to dedicate time. Ideal participants would have a lens for helping guide youth and an oppenness to sharing their own lessons around anti-oppression work. More information is forth coming. Please reach out to Jonathan Pulphus, Program Associate at the contact below for details: Email: jpulphus@afsc.org Phone: 314-556-4633 |
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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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JUNETEENTH COOKOUT!
Come through and support St. John's Beloved Community's Juneteenth Celebration. A lot of excellent partners, speakers, services, and communities to share space with. |
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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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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
St. Louis Public Radio Missouri Independent |