SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023

Weekend Reading

Dear John,

Happy Earth Day! Thanks to everyone who contacted Congress this week to take action for climate justice. If you are yet to do so, take a moment and join our call to strengthen U.S. climate justice efforts and rightly end our reliance on fossil fuels. [link removed] It's one small way to celebrate this Earth Day.

Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:

Cultivating climate, food, and land justice: [link removed] During harvest season, over 300,000 farmworkers labor in California’s San Joaquin Valley, the most productive agricultural region in the world. But these vital workers face poverty wages and inhumane working conditions. For years, AFSC’s Pan Valley Institute has stood with farmworkers in organizing for their rights. This week, PVI has convened farmers, farmworkers, and other activists to discuss these injustices and work toward a more just, equitable future for all, writes AFSC’s Myrna Martinez Nateras.

New webinar series: Think Twice Before Calling the Police (May 4, 11, 18, 25, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): [link removed] Many people recognize that police violence targets certain communities and want to avoid calling the police—but don’t know what to do in case of an emergency. Our new webinar series can help you develop concrete skills to avoid calling law enforcement unless it’s absolutely necessary. We’ll also explore community-based alternatives to ensure safety for all of our neighbors.

4 ways the Farm Bill can protect our climate: [link removed] Right now, the climate crisis is jeopardizing our food system—affecting the viability of farmland, crop harvests, and the safety of farmworkers. At the same time, the agriculture industry is a major contributor to climate change. The U.S. Farm Bill is a critical opportunity for Congress to change that, writes AFSC’s Peniel Ibe.

Tell Congress: Our tax dollars should fund community needs: [link removed] This week, people across the U.S. filed their annual taxes. Today it’s critical that we tell our elected officials how those tax dollars should be spent. As Congress debates the federal budget for 2024 and addressing the debt ceiling, tell them to strengthen investments in health care, schools, jobs, and other human needs—and stop funding war, abusive immigration enforcement, and corporate tax breaks!

Strengthening civil society in Africa: [link removed] AFSC’s Salama Hub in Ethiopia is in its first year. The hub brings together civil society organizations and individuals to research and advocate on issues that affect peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. “By using African researchers, we are working to decolonize the process of research,” says AFSC’s Kennedy Akolo.

Thank you to everyone who donated to help deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinian elders! Together we raised more than $36,000 for wheelchairs, walkers, mattresses, and other needs. These supplies will make a world of difference for people who would not otherwise have access to them. We are so grateful for your support!

Be well and take care



American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States

| DONATE | [link removed]

[link removed]

[link removed]

[link removed]

[link removed]

unsubscribe: [link removed]