SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Weekend Reading
Hi Friend,
We hope you are well and taking good care of yourself in these times. As part of our AFSC community, you join with people around the globe who refuse to accept violence, oppression, and injustice. Together, we are working for a world where all people are treated with dignity, where we choose peace over militarism, and where every community has the resources they need to thrive. And we know that with courage and love, we can create the future that we all deserve. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to this vital work!
MIGRANT RIGHTS
How to talk about immigration in divisive times [link removed]
By Beth Hallowell
Immigrants make our communities stronger and should be welcomed with dignity. We all have a role to play to counter anti-immigrant rhetoric, including what we hear in our everyday lives. So whether you’re having dinner with family members who disagree on politics or responding to a friend on social media, here are five tips to talk about immigration and build support for welcoming communities.
FEDERAL POLICY
Shutting down USAID makes the U.S. less safe [link removed]
By Mike Merryman-Lotze
The Trump administration is now moving to permanently shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Vital and lifesaving work around the world has ground to a halt. None of this is in the interest of the United States. By ending foreign aid, the U.S. abandons a vital tool for diplomacy while wasting more money on weapons of war.
CLIMATE CHANGE
What you need to know about Trump’s harmful environmental policies [link removed]
The health of our environment is foundational to the health of our society. But the Trump administration’s executive orders on the environment undermine human well-being. Now, Congress is considering even more harmful measures. If we want to take action to defend the health of our planet and secure a brighter future for all, we should understand the threats we now face. Here’s what you need to know.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Applications now open for Emerging Leaders for Liberation [link removed]
AFSC is now accepting applications for our next Emerging Leaders for Liberation (ELL) [link removed] cohort. The program helps young adults deepen their social justice and leadership skills, especially those new to organizing spaces. Participants will take part in trainings on systemic oppression, anti-racism, community organizing, advocacy, Quaker principles, and more. Through both AFSC-sponsored and local campaigns, they’ll gain valuable insights into social change movements and grassroots efforts. Application deadline is March 9. Learn more. [link removed]
AFSC STATEMENT
NO colonialism, annexation, or ethnic cleansing in Palestine [link removed]
Earlier this week President Trump called for the mass expulsion of Palestinians and a U.S. takeover of Gaza. If carried out, this would be a U.S.-led ethnic cleansing and colonization of Palestine. As a Quaker organization, we are steadfast in our commitment to honoring the divine Light in every person. We must all do everything in our power to prevent these atrocities and any further violence. Read more. [link removed]
DONATE
Final days of supporter drive [link removed]
AFSC’s 2025 supporter drive ends on February 14! We are seeking at least 500 supporters to help us meet the challenges of the year ahead. Thank you to all who have already given. If you haven’t yet joined our group of 2025 peacebuilders, please make your gift today. [link removed]
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
DONATE [link removed]
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
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