SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025

Weekend Reading

AFSC staff members Danielle Cosmes and Adriana Jasso at a weekly demonstration for immigrant rights in downtown San Diego, California. Photo: Nathaniel Doubleday/AFSC 

Hi Friend,

Right now, it can feel overwhelming to see what's happening in our communities and around the world. But we also see something powerful: people refusing to stand by. From communities organizing to protect each other from ICE to hundreds of people joining our weekly Action Hour for Palestine, we are inspired by all the ways you take action. 

As a Quaker organization, AFSC believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We work for a world where all people can thrive. We’re grateful to work alongside you for the more just future we know is possible.

PALESTINIAN RIGHTS

Marking our 100th Action Hour for Palestine  

By Zoe and Jennifer 

For two years, AFSC’s Action Hour for Palestine has brought together 200 people from across the country nearly every week to take action for Palestine. In that time, we have generated thousands of calls to Congress and helped shift public opinion. We have also built a dedicated community to sustain the long work for justice.  

COMMUNITY BUILDING

How Chicago communities are organizing to counter authoritarianism

By Mary Zerkel 

In multiple U.S. cities, the Trump administration has deployed the National Guard and ramped up ICE enforcement to deport millions of immigrants. But in communities in Chicago, people have responded to keep each other safe. They’ve set up neighborhood patrols for ICE presence, started accompanying residents to and from church and school, and established informal warning systems. Their efforts are possible thanks to neighbors who’ve spent years building relationships and trust. And they demonstrate what’s possible in any community.    

CLIMATE JUSTICE

5 ways to pressure Vanguard to stop funding fossil fuels    

Every year, banks and financial institutions provide hundreds of billions of dollars to fossil fuel companies. Without this money, polluting industries couldn’t continue with business as usual. Vanguard is the world’s No. 1 investor in fossil fuels. That’s why AFSC and partners are part of the Vanguard S.O.S. campaign. We’re asking people worldwide to boycott Vanguard until it stops funding fossil fuel projects and starts considering climate justice in its investment decisions. Here’s how you can join us.  

JOIN US

Third Tuesdays: Protect, Resist, and Build with AFSC (Oct. 21, 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT)  

Across the country, more people are being detained outside immigration court hearings. This dangerous shift undermines due process and has spread fear throughout immigrant communities. In this month’s Third Tuesday webinar, we’ll hear more from AFSC staff about what’s happening. We’ll also learn concrete strategies to support people navigating the immigration system and advocate for policies that protect everyone’s rights. Register now. 

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

American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States | Donate

Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | News

View this email as a webpage.

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.

Update your AFSC email preferences