SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024
Weekend Reading
Dear John,
This week, AFSC is joining with people around the U.S. to tell corporations to cut ties with Cop City in Atlanta. If built, Cop City would be one of the country's largest militarized police training facilities and destroy much of Atlanta’s largest urban forest. Corporations like Home Depot and UPS are funding Cop City as well as other militarized policing projects around the U.S.
Will you join us this week to tell corporations to stop funding Cop City and to stay out of policing in our communities? Check our event listing [link removed] or take action by sending a message to CEOs today! [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
The U.S. must stop bombing Yemen and support a cease-fire in Gaza: [link removed] AFSC condemns these attacks and calls on the U.S. to avoid any further escalations against Yemen or any other country in the region. At a time of heightened tension across the Middle East, these attacks risk pulling the U.S. into a long, devastating, and costly war. Instead, the U.S. and the international community should support an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and an end to occupation and apartheid. Read AFSC’s statement.
Get resources for taking part in cease-fire protests: [link removed] After almost 100 days of onslaught on Gaza, more than 30,000 Palestinians—including 10,000 children—have been killed. Today, demonstrations will take place across the U.S. and around the world calling for a cease-fire and humanitarian access for Gaza. Download and print our free posters to show your support for an end to these attacks. Also, check out our guide to protesting [link removed] to help you prepare and keep yourself and others safe.
Protecting the rights of women in prison: [link removed] In 2021, women incarcerated at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in New Jersey bravely spoke out against brutal beatings by officers. AFSC’s Prison Watch Program helped the women bring their stories to light—leading to improvements in how the state treats incarcerated women. Today, AFSC continues to support incarcerated women in speaking out for their rights and dignity, writes AFSC’s Bonnie Kerness.
Tell Congress: Keep families out of poverty and expand the child tax credit!: [link removed] In January 2022, Congress let the expanded child tax credit expire, ending much-needed aid for millions of low-income families. Many households that benefitted the most were forced back into poverty. As Congress negotiates new tax legislation, we have an opportunity to change that. Tell elected officials to expand the child tax credit—and prioritize families over tax breaks for corporations.
New podcast episode: Exploring Palestinian identity through poetry: [link removed] Last year, AFSC brought together artists, activists, and cultural practitioners from the Middle East and North Africa to share their knowledge and experiences in using art for social change. Our limited podcast series, “Assembly,” features the stories and perspectives of some of our participants. In this episode, we hear from Farah Chama, a Palestinian poet and performer who writes about Palestinian identity.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Day: [link removed] As we commemorate this day, we look back at AFSC’s history with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from supporting the Montgomery Bus Boycott to endorsing the Poor People’s Campaign.
Can you help AFSC improve our communications with you?: [link removed] Many of you have generously shared feedback with us in the past. Each time, it helps us learn and improve our communications based on your valuable insights. If you haven’t yet participated, we’d appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey today.
Career opportunities for young peacebuilders: [link removed] AFSC offers paid internships and fellowships across the globe that provide opportunities for people to channel their skills and commitment to create social change. We’re now seeking three fellows for our new Birches Global Peacebuilding Fellowship. Help us find recent college grads who will work closely with AFSC international program staff on projects to advance peacebuilding and civic rights. Learn more [link removed] or apply now. [link removed]
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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