Dear John,

Thank you to everyone who signed on to support a progressive legislative agenda! The new administration is a critical opportunity for us to advance policies that prioritize the needs and rights of all people—including ensuring health care for everyone, dismantling racism in all our institutions, and ending the corporate greed that fuels poverty and income equality.

If you haven’t already, take action today.

Are your investments supporting private prisons?: President Biden has ordered the Justice Department to end the use of private prisons—a significant step in working toward a future without incarceration. One way we can all help is to ensure our investments aren’t supporting corporations that profit from incarceration, including immigrant detention, or other forms of state violence. To learn more, check out AFSC’s Investigate tool.  

New Jersey launches investigation after incarcerated women speak out against abuse in prison: “We anticipate the removal of those who committed the violence," says AFSC’s Bonnie Kerness. “Even if this happens, our questions remain the same. How, then, do we change the culture that not only permits such abuse, but accepts it?”

Three things the U.S. must do to prevent future election violence: "I’ve spent my entire career on peacebuilding after conflict. Here’s how we avoid becoming a failed state," writes AFSC's Kerri Kennedy. (Foreign Policy in Focus)

New project tracks how governments are using COVID-19 to impose authoritarian policies: Explore AFSC’s Under the Mask project, which maps restrictions on civic space worldwide—and provides research, tools, and trainings for civil society and others working to protect our freedoms.

How to make your own face masks: While COVID-19 vaccinations have started, it’s important that we keep wearing masks—or even double masking—to keep ourselves and our communities safe, especially as we face new strains of the virus. Use these tips to make your own face coverings and share with others.

Remembering the Holocaust: With the passage of International Holocaust Remembrance Day this week, we look back at the story of AFSC’s Alice Resch Synnestvedt and Mary Elmes, who helped dozens of children escape the Nazis and find safety in the U.S. during World War II.  

Help us reach our new goal of 175 Partners for Peace: Your gift could put us over the top! Partners for Peace make monthly gifts to sustain our work for peace and justice and help us respond to urgent needs. Sign up by tomorrow, Jan. 31, to help us meet our goal!