Editor's note: This blog post was originally published on Oct. 12, 2016 and updated on March 17, 2017.

Charleston, West Virginia made headlines last year when local police and community groups announced plans to improve race relations. Here’s a look at how this remarkable agreement came together and what it means for other cities grappling with racism and police violence.

On International Women's Day, thousands of people across the globe participated in the "Day Without a Woman" events, staying home from work, attending protests, and refraining from shopping. Here's what we’re reading to learn more.

“Women worldwide strike in the name of intersectional feminism,” by Barbara Ransby via Truthout

Patrick is a 48-year-old male who has been incarcerated his entire adult life. Employed in the prison's education department for many years, his foremost motivation is helping others achieve their educational goals.

Attacks on Mosques and Jewish cemeteries and community centers are on the rise. At the same time, communities are standing together across religious lines to show solidarity and rebuild. Here's what we’re reading to learn more.

Desecrated cemeteries: Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Trump's America, by Alissa Wise via Truthout

By Alex Frazier

Recent high school graduate Alex Frazier was a participant in AFSC's Human Rights Learning Project in Washington, D.C. She writes about her experience taking part in successful advocacy efforts for a comprehensive parental and sick leave policy in the District.

I visited my friend on Friday. As I stood on his doorstep I looked at the rosy, streaked sky. Chimney swifts flitted by. He opened the door and let me in. We have been creating for one another sanctuary, a place to ignite our political imagination, to speak our fears and our aspirations, to tell each other stories. We grow stronger together to resist and create.