SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024

Weekend Reading

Dear John,

Over the past five months, AFSC’s team in Gaza has provided food, water, and other essential aid to hundreds of thousands of displaced people. We have also been organizing recreational activities for children living in shelters and tents. Games, dancing, and other activities are one simple way to help children find moments of joy amid the most difficult circumstances. Read more from AFSC’s Firas Ramlawi. [link removed]

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

Take action for Gaza and Sudan this Tax Day: This Monday, April 15, people around the U.S. will demonstrate for a Gaza cease-fire as part of our No Tax Dollars for War Crimes Day of Action [link removed] . In Washington, D.C., AFSC and partners will also host a rally and march to the White House urging action now to end the war in Sudan [link removed] . You can take action with us by keeping up the pressure! 1) Contact representatives and senators to stop military funding for Israel [link removed] and 2) Urge Congress to support legislation to bring peace to Sudan! [link removed]

Quaker organizations share a vision for peace in Palestine and Israel: For centuries, Quakers have worked for peace—including in Palestine and Israel. Today, we are called to live into our testimonies of equality and peace. Quaker organizations, including AFSC, have put forward a joint statement calling for immediate action to end killings and suffering in Palestine and Israel. That starts with a permanent cease-fire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza. We invite all Friends meetings, churches, schools, and organizations to join us in endorsing this call for peace with justice. Read the statement. [link removed]

Working for climate justice in the Middle East and North Africa: [link removed] The Arab region contributes less than 5% of world greenhouse gas emissions, but it is also one of the most climate-vulnerable regions. Last year, AFSC brought together climate justice activists, academic experts, government officials, and civil society organizations in Amman, Jordan. The gathering provided a safe space for people to learn from each other and find ways to collaborate. Hear from four of these leaders who are working to advance climate justice and human rights.

Take action to reduce child poverty: [link removed] For years, AFSC and allies have worked to expand the child tax credit (CTC). Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to expand the CTC for 16 million children in low-income families. Although the bill has stalled in the Senate, there are signs that more lawmakers may be willing to support it as Congress returns from recess. We need your voice to help get it across the finish line.

Building Skills for Police Alternatives (April 17 & 24, May 1 & 8): [link removed] Last year, we introduced a pledge asking people to think twice before calling the police. This month, we’re launching a new webinar series to help you create safer communities for all. In this series, you’ll hear from activists who are leading transformative work to build community safety beyond policing. You’ll also gain concrete skills in de-escalation and responding to mental health crises.

Advocating for second chances for people in prison: [link removed] In Michigan, AFSC, partners, and community members are pushing for Second Look legislation. Such a bill would allow an incarcerated person who has served 10 years to petition the sentencing court to reduce their sentence. Last month, AFSC co-hosted a policy briefing to educate lawmakers about the issue. Under Second Look, judges “won’t be freeing people left and right,” said AFSC’s Pete Martel. “Someone will have to come in and prove to the judge that, first, I’m worthy of a sentence reduction.”

Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.

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