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Economic Activism Program, Oakland
Helping divest from Israeli apartheid
In light of Amnesty International’s new report detailing Israeli apartheid against Palestinians, AFSC encourages people to learn more by visiting our Investigate database and taking action with our partners at No Tech for Apartheid. Dov Baum of AFSC adds that, under the radar, more and more companies are stepping away from their unlawful and highly controversial business in the occupied Palestinian West Bank. Both Avgol Industries (now owned by the Thai Indorama Ventures) and Energix Renewable Energy divested last year from their settlement activities in the West Bank. Both were highlighted by the UN list of companies which support illegal settlements, and both were the targets of campaigns in the U.S. asking them to divest. General Mills, which owns Pillsbury, is another target of divestment activism.
Sayrah Namaste co-directs AFSC’s work in New Mexico.
People of the Land Program, Albuquerque
New video thanks AFSC donors
Sayrah Namaste, co-director of AFSC New Mexico, joins colleagues in thanking donors for their ongoing support of AFSC. Sayrah shared about AFSC’s work to purchase over 22,000 pounds of produce from more than 30 family farms. AFSC then donated that food to New Mexico’s largest food bank and 12 other food pantries. On this podcast, co-director Patrick Jaramillo joins Sayrah in discussing AFSC’s work to promote climate justice.
Project Voice Immigrant Rights Program, Oregon-Washington
Deadline is February 22 for Project Associate applications
Do you know someone interested in advancing the human rights and self-determination of migrant communities? AFSC in Oregon-Washington is hiring a new position to support policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. This person will help develop and implement an advocacy plan in collaboration with local immigrant leaders and human rights committees. Learn more.
67 Sueños, Oakland
Plans reimagine juvenile justice, reinvestment in community
From Instagram: Through Free Our Kids in the Youth Coach Up space, we the youth have been thinking critically about the impact of the criminal justice system on our community here in Oakland and beyond. Inspired by the Black Panther Party and the Young Lords, we created a 10-point plan that demands our county reimagine the juvenile justice system. We need to shift away from the current hyper-criminalizing and punishment of youth of color and instead focus on rehabilitation and a healing approach that centers community.
photo: Davis Vanguard
Healing Justice Program, Oakland
Appeal considered following ruling on jail expansion
AFSC and coalition partners are consulting with incarcerated people about whether to appeal a recent judge’s ruling to approve a settlement and consent decree regarding the expansion of Santa Rita Jail. “The Babu settlement makes winners out of the Sheriff at the expense of those of us in the facility,” said Tiara Arnold, who says that she has experienced retaliation from the Jail for helping fellow incarcerated women prepare for the hearing. [See Ms. Arnold’s objection here]. Thirty-nine incarcerated people shared their objections at a hearing.
Immigrant Rights Program, Denver
Valentines say: Love knows no borders, no walls
On Friday, February 11 at noon MT, AFSC Colorado will deliver hundreds of handmade Valentines to the GEO immigrant detention center to demonstrate our “Love Knows No Walls.” We will livestream the delivery and conversation on Facebook. You can support this action by sharing this livestream and completing the phrase “When Love Knows No Walls, I/we will….” Join us on February 11 and post your comments and/or a picture with a heart you've drawn for someone. This action is part of AFSC’s national campaign to #FreeThemAll!
From left, Paulina Rodriguez Ruiz and Michael Piña
Pan Valley Institute (PVI), Fresno
Creating safe spaces for QTBIPOC people in the Central Valley
AFSC PVI ArteVism Fellows Paulina Rodriguez Ruiz and Michael Piña were interviewed recently in connection with Queer in the Valley—Celebrating Past, Current, and Future QTBIPOC People in The Central Valley. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to the Omicron surge, yet it’s well worth a listen to Paulina and Michael as they share their thoughts about the need for safe spaces for QTBIPOC people to express their intersectional identities.
The Border Patrol – photo Pedro Rios
US-Mexico Border Program, San Diego
The US Border Patrol is hiding information – and Congress needs to act
“At least since 1987, the United States Border Patrol has operated unsanctioned cover-up units known as Critical Incident Teams,” writes Pedro Rios of AFSC. “These special units have concealed, altered and destroyed evidence to obstruct justice, and now Congress has requested an investigation into them and asked that Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Border Patrol’s parent agency, turn over documents related to them. But Congress doesn’t have to wait for the documents. It can end these secretive units now and open the door to prosecuting agents who have obstructed justice.” Read more.
Another pollinator for justice in Los Angeles
Roots for Peace (R4P) Program, Los Angeles
Roots for Peace is excited to welcome our new program director
Adalberto Rios joins AFSC with a background in curriculum development, youth empowerment and community organizing. He brings eight years of experience working with youth, developing and running youth programs, and centering community-driven praxis in his organizing work. At his core, Adalberto believes that if any meaningful change is to take place in combating the inequities in communities like his own of Compton, people who live in the center of the margins have to be at the helm of shaping their realities.
AFSC regional staff celebrate with Just Communities Arizona.
Short takes
The work of some of AFSC’s newest alumni, the staff of Just Communities Arizona, is the subject of this podcast….Read AFSC’s statement on military escalation in Russia and Ukraine – and take action…. Join AFSC’s #FreeThemAll actions around the country on Valentine’s Day weekend; this Facebook Live includes more info…. Check out AFSC’s new Planned Giving website, our new Emerging Leaders for Liberation youth cohort, and the work of AFSC in the Midwest and South.
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!