An end to violence in Syria is possible, but will take international community commitment.

An Arabic proverb has been on my mind in recent days. Roughly translated, it goes, “They killed him then walked in his funeral mourning his death.” That, to me, is Syria.

Dr. Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah is the Quaker International Affairs Representative, Middle East, for AFSC. She is a conflict prevention and mitigation specialist and is the founder, president, and managing director of Kommon Denominator, Inc., an organization that is committed to leveraging social science research in support of the peaceful resolution of conflict.

Note: This post introduces a thread of work under the title "#SanctuaryEverywhere". There will be a Call for Spirited Action on Thursday, January 12 at 8:30p.m. with Lori and others to explore more on this topic. 

As 2016 draws to a close, we take a look at the inspiring work movements and communities are doing to prepare for the future.

Schools pledge to create safe spaces for undocumented students, by Casey Quinlan via Think Progress

For over a decade, Natalie Holbrook has worked for AFSC's Michigan Criminal Justice Program, advocating for people in prisons around the state. She reflects on the highs and lows that came with one recent week in her advocacy work.    

On Nov. 15, I picked my daughter up early from school and drove with her to Roman Village in Detroit for my friend Junito's coming home party. What a joyous day. His huge family filled a social hall at the restaurant. My daughter played balloon toss and hid under tables with Junito's nieces and nephews' small kids.

David Poundstone has been a member of Mountain View Friends Meeting (MVFM) in Denver since 2001.  He was serving as clerk when MVFM became involved in the Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition.

Last week Mountain View Friends Meeting accepted Ingrid Encalada LaTorre into Sanctuary. These are the reflections of one member of the coaltion, the story of how the Meeting came to welcome Ingrid into their care and protection. To learn more about how your Meeting can welcome immigrants into Sanctuary and offer safety and protection in other ways, join our next Call for Spirited Action on "Sanctuary Everywhere" on January 12th from 8:30 to 9:30 pm ET.

Young people in Guatemala channel their creativity and commitment to peace building into a new music project. 

As a program coordinator for AFSC in Guatemala, one of the most violent countries in the world, I see up close the challenges that young people face in trying to live their everyday lives—extreme poverty, discrimination, and gang violence.