SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Weekend Reading
Dear John,
Thank you to everyone who contacted Congress last week to act now on climate change! The impacts of climate change affect us all, but disproportionately harm low-income people and communities of color around the world. As a Quaker organization, we work with people worldwide to challenge injustice and lay the foundation for peace. That includes calling on elected officials to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities and environment. If you haven’t already, send a message to Congress today! [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
The right to water: [link removed] Access to safe, clean, affordable water is a human right. But in the U.S. and around the world, people are denied this most basic of rights. Here are some ways that communities are working to reclaim the right to water, with support from AFSC.
We need diplomacy and de-escalation with Iran: [link removed] Iran’s missile attacks on Israel have increased fears of a regional war. At the same time, U.S. officials have acknowledged famine in Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing assault there. These interconnected situations show the need for de-escalation and diplomacy, not further killing. Read AFSC’s response.
The Supreme Court case on the rights of unhoused people: [link removed] This month, the court will decide whether governments can punish people for sleeping outside, even when there are no safe shelter options. The decision will have far-reaching impacts on many cities with growing homeless populations. AFSC and other faith groups filed an amicus brief opposing the punishment of homelessness on both constitutional and religious grounds. Read more from AFSC’s Rick Wilson.
Ending immigrant detention and deportation in the U.S. (April 25, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT): [link removed] The U.S. spends billions of tax dollars on jailing and deporting immigrants—and separating families and communities. In this webinar, you’ll hear from AFSC legal experts and organizers who are working to dismantle these inhumane systems. We’ll discuss alternatives to detention and how you can advocate for the rights and dignity of all people.
This Earth Day, partner with communities responding to the climate crisis and other urgent needs: [link removed] We are so grateful to all our Partners for Peace who provide reliable funding for our programs with monthly gifts throughout the year! Not yet a Partner? We are looking for 100 people to start a monthly donation by April 30. Join now, and a generous donor will match your first month’s gift with $100. As a thank-you gift, we will also send you a FREE AFSC tote bag.
Did you miss last week’s keynote speech from Jose Antonio Vargas?: [link removed] You can now watch the video recording online. Jose is a leading voice for the human rights of immigrants as well as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and Tony-nominated theatrical producer. In his presentation at AFSC’s annual meeting, he shared his personal story as an undocumented immigrant. He also talked about his work to promote diverse and nuanced storytelling about immigrant experiences.
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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