SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020
Weekend Reading

Dear John,

This election season is unfolding amid extraordinary challenges—and it is vitally important that each of us does what we can to take care of ourselves and one another. Not only are we seeing increased spread of COVID-19, but we are also facing a rise in white supremacist and politically motivated violence–as well as concerns about the integrity of our elections.

People who have successfully countered election violence in other countries have testified to the power of having lots of people standing up for election integrity. Thank you to everyone who joined AFSC this week in making a pledge to help protect our democracy through nonviolent action and by contributing to community safety. Learn more. [link removed]

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

Prepare and breathe: Bystander intervention and de-escalation training: [link removed] One way to help keep our communities safe is by having lots of people around the country showing up to the polls, protests, and other public places with skills in bystander intervention and de-escalation tactics. Join AFSC on Tuesday, October 27 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET for a training on proven techniques for countering violence, whether it comes from a single person or a group of people.

Governor signs legislation to release people in prison during the pandemic: [link removed] This week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Public Health Emergency Act–a bill that will give up to 3,000 people the possibility of earning time off their sentence during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This was an enormous effort borne out of AFSC's years of coalition work with survivors, family members, formerly imprisoned people, organizations, and advocates,” says AFSC’s Bonnie Kerness.

The administration’s attacks on the legal immigration system: [link removed] While the Trump administration’s cruel policies at the border and ramping up of deportations and immigration raids have garnered the most attention, its other efforts to transform legal immigration have been no less radical—and no less devastating to immigrant communities, writes AFSC’s Peniel Ibe.

Tell Congress: Pass a coronavirus relief bill–and include immigrants: [link removed] With COVID-19 on the rise, our communities need relief–including immigrants who were left out of the last package. Let's continue to raise our voices until Congress takes action to extend unemployment and other benefits to all who need them.

How to make your own masks: [link removed] Whether you’re a DIY crafter, a quilter, or someone with a little time on your hands, here are some ideas to make some simple masks for yourself and your community. Stay safe, everyone! We care about you.

How a ‘British bootlicker’ became involved with Gandhian thought and Indian politics: [link removed] Renowned economist Devaki Jain shares how a seminar organized by AFSC in 1953 in Bangalore, India influenced her political life in this excerpt from her autobiography, “The Brass Notebook.” (Scroll)

Be well and take care

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