Dear John,

As people around the world are coming together to keep each other healthy and safe, it’s critical that we extend that care to members of our communities who are in prisons, jails, and detention centers. Join AFSC in calling on governors and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to protect incarcerated people from COVID-19 and to promote the health, human rights, and dignity of everyone in your state. Take action today! [link removed]

We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who made gifts during our 2020 Donor Campaign—and to all who help sustain our efforts throughout the year. Thanks to you, we met our goal of reaching 1,000 donors by March 19. 

Here are this week’s resources to help you stay informed and support your activism.

Looking for ways to care for others while maintaining physical distance?: [link removed]
Here are some ideas from people and communities across the U.S. who are supporting each other through mutual aid projects, writes AFSC’s Mary Zerkel.

Trump's "public charge" rule isn't just bad for immigrants. It's bad for public health: [link removed] Although the administration said the rule wouldn’t penalize immigrants for seeking medical treatment related to COVID-19, the chilling effect caused by the rule itself means that many will not seek help for fear of jeopardizing their immigration status, writes AFSC’s Jonnelle Rodriguez.

How coronavirus is changing life for people in Michigan prisons: [link removed] AFSC and other organizations are petitioning the governor to commute the sentences of those most vulnerable to COVID-19, including the elderly and chronically sick. (Detroit Free-Press)

As Congress responds to the coronavirus, AFSC and over 30 faith organizations urge Congress to prioritize the needs of the poor: [link removed] Legislative action must include enacting paid sick leave, increasing food assistance, boosting health care funding for states, and expanding and modernizing unemployment insurance.

Take action: Protect people with DACA and TPS!: [link removed] Thank you to everyone who took action to protect more than one million people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status as we await critical court decisions on these programs. If you haven’t already, contact Congress today! [link removed]

Ending voter disenfranchisement in Arizona: [link removed] In most states, people who are convicted of a felony can’t vote, but many people who are in jail and awaiting trial can. So why are they being denied that right? (The Intercept)

Remembering Rachel Corrie: [link removed] Just over 17 years ago, Rachel was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza while undertaking nonviolent direct action to protect the home of a Palestinian family from demolition and stand against the ongoing violation of Palestinians’ rights. (Facebook)

Make a gift and receive income for life: [link removed] In these uncertain times, a gift annuity can provide you with steady income while supporting AFSC’s work for peace and justice. Learn more.

Be well and take care.

DONATE: [link removed]

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