Weekend Reading
SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

Dear John,

As Congress works to pass a coronavirus relief bill before the end of this month, we must ensure that help reaches every one of our neighbors who needs it—and that states, cities, and communities are equipped with the resources to keep people safe and healthy in this pandemic.

Millions of immigrants are among many in the U.S. who have been left out of the federal government’s response to this public health crisis. Tell Congress: Ensure immigrants receive health care and other benefits in the next coronavirus relief bill! [link removed]

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

4 steps Congress must take to protect immigrants during COVID-19: [link removed] The next coronavirus relief bill must provide health care, stimulus checks, and other benefits for all immigrants—and end immigrant detention and enforcement.

Safeguarding partners in Indonesia: [link removed] Thanks to the generosity of the AFSC community, local partners have organized a humanitarian response to distribute food, medical and hygiene supplies, and other items to their staff, volunteers, and community members, writes AFSC’s Jiway Tung.

St. Louis students and parents campaign to get police out of schools: [link removed] "The safety and security of our children in school is not a function of the presence of police or security officers in a school building,” says AFSC’s Joshua Saleem. “Rather, it is largely a function of individual student well-being and the health of peer relationships and school culture." (The St. Louis American)

Farmworkers are risking their lives to put food on your table: What are you doing to thank them?: [link removed] In this pandemic, Florida must provide farmworkers with easy access to free testing, medical services, protective gear provided by employers, and immediate economic relief, writes AFSC’s Lis-Marie Alvarado. (Latino Rebels)

Tell Congress: Defund Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)!: [link removed] In Portland, Oregon, CBP agents have beaten, pepper-sprayed, and arrested numerous protesters—another example of how the agency and ICE have long terrorized our communities. Tell Congress to cut funding to these abusive agencies today!

In Michigan, incarcerated people and advocates raise concerns amid excessive heat: [link removed] "Prison is no place for a pandemic, but it’s certainly no place for a pandemic in a heat wave," says AFSC’s Jacqueline Williams. (Detroit Free Press)

Engaging Black and Brown young people in conversations on race and racism: [link removed] “People of color have been dealing with the pandemic of systemic racism for more than 400 years. … We have to give [young people] the tools to deal with their hurt, their anger, and their fear,” says Shanene Herbert, who directs AFSC’s Healing Justice program in Minnesota. (St. Paul Monitor)

Be well and take care.

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