Dear John,

In just a few days, President-elect Biden will take office and a new administration will begin. But the emergencies we face as a country and as a global community won’t end automatically with a new administration. And they demand immediate and sustained action – by all of us. 

That’s why we have an important goal for this month: for 150 people like you to join us as a Partner for Peace by January 31. Your steady financial support helps AFSC respond to emergency needs while sustaining important long-term work for bold, transformational change. And I can promise you – both will be needed in the coming weeks, months, and years. 

We need your help to make sure everyone can meet basic needs: Right now, too many people are going hungry. Too many are worried about losing their homes. And too many lack adequate healthcare. Your steady financial support funds mutual aid efforts in communities worldwide. It also helps us move elected officials to shift money out of rampant militarism and into urgent community needs like dignified housing, unemployment support, education, health care, and a clean environment for all. 

We need your help to stop the inhumane treatment of migrants: In the U.S. and other countries, those fleeing violence, poverty, and climate disruption have been unfairly demonized. And all too often, they are subjected to harsh interrogation procedures, family separation, economic exploitation, and other abuses. As a monthly donor, you can help fund migrant and refugee-led efforts to respond with compassion – and help us change unjust policies. 

We need your help to enact new approaches to community safety – and dismantle institutions steeped in racism: Today, the U.S. holds 2.3 million people in prisons, jails and immigrant detention centers — the vast majority of whom are Black, Brown, and poor. Your sustaining gift helps us mobilize for bold new initiatives to end mass incarceration and build community safety from the ground up — for everyone.

We need your help to reset international relations and build peace: We need global solutions so we can all live together on this planet. To resolve serious issues like climate change, authoritarianism, public health crises, and unprecedented migration, the U.S. and other governments need to invest in relationships, not militaries. As a Partner for Peace, you can help us build a road to peace with community partners in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America — and the United Nations. 

This is a critical time in our journey to usher in bold and transformative change. If it is within your means, please consider partnering with us as a sustaining monthly donor.