Dear John,

Thank you to the more than 200 people who have answered our call for steady support by becoming a Partner for Peace—helping us surpass our goal! Because of reliable, ongoing support from donors like you, we can quickly spring into action when urgent needs arise. We are grateful for your support.

A message from AFSC’s Myanmar team: In this troubling and uncertain time, we ask that you please join us in holding all people in Myanmar in the Light. All AFSC staff members in the country are safe, and we are working to monitor the situation and support our partners as best as we can.  

Biden’s immigration agenda, explained: This week, President Biden released executive orders to reunite families separated at the border, allow more refugees into the U.S., and more. AFSC’s Tori Bateman explores the impacts of these changes—and why more must be done to ensure U.S. immigration policy protects the rights and dignity of all people.

Tell Congress: Provide permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for all immigrants!: Biden has announced efforts to legislate a pathway to citizenship for most undocumented immigrants in the U.S.—a significant step forward for communities that face huge barriers to gaining permanent status. Urge your elected officials to take action to provide a permanent solution to keep families and communities together!

Video project brings to life the experience of youth in California’s Central Valley: Four fellows with AFSC’s Pan Valley Institute have created a film showing the diversity and cultural richness of their communities—while examining the struggles faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.  (Vida en ell valle)

How to talk to your representative about Palestinian child detention: With increasing support for Palestinians rights in Congress, you can help us build momentum to stop our tax dollars from funding the Israeli detention and ill treatment of Palestinian children. Use these tips to advocate with your legislators. To learn more, register for our No Way to Treat a Child webinar on Feb. 9.  

Survey: Tax dollars should fund restorative justice and community needs over incarceration: A recent study conducted by AFSC found strong support for humane, community-centered policies—a critical opportunity to call for healing, instead of punishment, in our criminal legal system, writes AFSC’s Beth Hallowell. 

Celebrating Black History Month: Download and share our social media graphics to honor the lives and contributions of Zora Neale Hurston, Bayard Rustin, Elijah Cummings, and others.