SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2023

Weekend Reading

Dear Friend,

Great news! Last week, the USDA announced it would allow more school districts to provide universal free meals to their students. That means as many as 5 million more students could access free lunch and breakfast.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a public comment to the federal government on this issue! This change was made possible by thousands of people advocating for young people. Learn more from AFSC’s Rick Wilson. [link removed]

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

AFSC releases list of corporations contributing to Cop City and Atlanta Police Foundation: [link removed] For months, AFSC and coalition partners have supported the people of Atlanta in working to stop “Cop City.” Cop City is a $90 million militarized police training facility that would be built by destroying much of Atlanta’s largest urban forest. It's the project of the private, corporate-sponsored Atlanta Police Foundation. Corporations are a major force driving Cop City, donating millions to this and other police projects. With this information, AFSC plans to pressure corporate sponsors to withdraw their support. (Rough Draft)

Tell your governor to restore voting rights for all: [link removed] The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and should never be taken away. But today, around 4.6 million people—disproportionately Black and Brown—are denied the right to vote because they have felony convictions. In recent years, several states have made progress in restoring voting rights to more people. But we must keep working to ensure that no one is ever disenfranchised. Send a message today!

Update: AFSC aids migrants held at Border Patrol’s open-air detention sites: [link removed] In San Diego, Border Patrol is again holding migrants for hours, sometimes days, between border walls without access to basic services. As we did in May, AFSC and partners are providing emergency aid to migrants through the barriers. We’re distributing food, water, and clothing while addressing medical needs. With the help of a state senator’s office, we negotiated with Border Patrol to bring in portable restrooms. And we continue to advocate for Border Patrol to end this inhumane practice.

The working-class spirit of West Virginia: [link removed] It’s been over five years since the historic—and successful—teachers strike in West Virginia, writes AFSC’s Lida Shepherd. Today, we are in another historic moment in labor history. It's just as important to show solidarity with the United Auto Workers in its strike and demands for fair pay and safe working conditions. (Charleston Gazette-Mail)

Be Bold, Bernie: [link removed] We’re seeing progress in the United States with growing support for Palestinian rights. But as the situation deteriorates in Palestine and Israel, we need to find more champions in Congress, writes AFSC’s Jennifer Bing. Read how a group of Vermonters are finding creative ways to do just that with their senator, Bernie Sanders. (Electronic Intifada)

How one conscientious objector helped protect religious liberty for all: [link removed] In the late 1950s, Dan Seeger faced prosecution when he refused to go to war. But he took his case to the Supreme Court—and won. Today, his case is being featured in the new First Amendment gallery at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Read more about Dan, who went on to work for and volunteer with AFSC.

Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States

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