Reina Flores has recently taken on the official position of farm facilitator. She's been a leading member with Roots for Peace for over eight years. AFSC
Roots for Peace (RFP) Program, Los Angeles
Building a community farm in South Central LA
For years, residents have worked to transform a 30-year vacant lot into a vibrant community farm. AFSC has been accompanying immigrant families to make the project sustainable since 2015. “Our community farm has been a labor of love,” writes Crystal Gonzalez of AFSC. Come grow with us! May 1 is the application deadline for our Padosi Fellowship, a youth organizing position.
The Oakland Police Department's use of military equipment (BearCat, AR-15s, 'beanbag' rounds) in the killing of Joshua Pawlik, March 2018 Photo: KTVU
Healing Justice Program, Oakland
New report documents militarized policing in California
Based on hours of work by a dedicated volunteer team of researchers and staffers Jennifer Tu and John Lindsay-Poland, the California Healing Justice program recently released Equipped for War: Exposing Militarized Policing in California. This is a major report, data visualizations, and letter from more than 70 organizations to all local elected officials in California. Get involved by checking out our AB481 Advocacy Toolkit.
Ivan Montes (left) and Omar Gómez stop in Des Moines.
Immigrant Rights Program, Denver
Cyclists pedaling from Denver to DC for immigration reform
All of us – immigrants and allies – have a responsibility to take action to create change, even if it requires sacrifice. That belief is motivating a small group of Coloradoans nearing DC on their 40-day bicycle journey from Denver. Follow them on Facebook, see photos of their visit with Friends in Des Moines, and read about their stop in Chicago.
Dr. Lea Ybarra, left, and Myrna Nateras Martinez of AFSC
Pan Valley Institute (PVI), Fresno
ArteVism Fellows continue the fight for social justice
PVI’s second ArteVism Fellowship recently closed with The Struggle Continues, a talk by Dr. Lea Ybarra on the United Farmworkers’ fight for justice and equality. She shared her experience in that movement and how it, along with the Vietnam War, served as an impetus for the Chicano movement. Dr. Ybarra highlighted the advocates who came before us and the difference their fight made for the Valley’s current youth of color, who must continue the struggle.
Economic Activism Program, Oakland
Paid internship opportunity: researching state violence profiteers
Follow the money. Investigate the prison industrial complex, including the industries of prison labor, electronic monitoring, bail and probation, immigrant detention and deportation, the prison phone, health, and food industries, and more. Help AFSC expose the profiteers and hold them accountable. The application deadline for this 20-hour per week internship is May 1.
US-Mexico Border Program, San Diego
Reopen the border to asylum seekers immediately
Everyone deserves to live in safety and peace. But for the past two years, immigrants have been stopped from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to apply for asylum in the U.S. The Biden administration has finally announced that this policy, known as Title 42, will end May 23. However, Republican members of Congress are trying to reinstate it using an upcoming COVID-19 relief bill and other legislation. Tell Congress: Protect and restore the right to asylum!
People of the Land Program, Albuquerque
Programs to explore history, future of traditional irrigation systems
AFSC New Mexico has worked with community partners to create an exhibit about our very special acequias. Nuestras Acequias: Remembering our History, Irrigating our Crops, and Nourishing the Future of our Community, is an indoor and outdoor exhibit on the dynamic history and vibrant future of South Valley irrigation systems. Several programs are planned through June. Learn more about AFSC NM’s work in this inaugural newsletter.
Project Voice Immigrant Rights Program, Oregon-Washington
May Day rally and march to celebrate wins, call for more
AFSC is co-hosting a May Day rally and march at the State Capitol in Salem. May Day is International Workers' Day and has long been a day of both protest and celebration for workers, especially immigrant workers. This year, we will be celebrating the passage of important immigration and labor bills in the 2022 state legislative session and calling for immigration reform and greater labor protections at the national level.
67 Sueños, Oakland
Honoring the life of Mario Gonzalez
From Instagram: On April 19, 67 Sueños marked the first “angelversary” of Mario Gonzalez, a father, caretaker and son murdered by the Alameda Police one year ago. Mario and other victims of police violence deserve to live and occupy spaces that tend to exclude us. They deserve to raise their children and have mental health care. They deserve to exist.
Short takes
Check out all the program recordings from AFSC’s recent Corporation meeting….Learn more about AFSC’s work to build inclusive organizations….Visit AFSC’s events page to keep up with local and national actions, including a May 2 vigil at the Aurora Detention Center in Colorado and a May 3 webinar on Demilitarizing the Budget.
Your support matters
Your gifts of time and money make a real difference. Please be in touch with any West Region program by visiting afsc.org, and support the AFSC West Region by donating today. Please share this subscription link for this newsletter with others. Thank you!