Dear John,

Thank you to everyone who signed up in August to become Partners for Peace! We are grateful to our monthly donors and to everyone who gives to support our work throughout the year. Thank you for helping us respond quickly in times of crisis and provide ongoing support to communities overcoming oppression. We couldn’t do this work without you!

And thank you to all who donated to our fund to help former AFSC staff, their families, and other Afghans find safety. We’ve overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and will keep you updated as new developments arise.

Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:

Tell policymakers: Assist Afghans seeking safety: With Afghanistan now under Taliban rule, many people in Afghanistan continue to fear for their lives, rights, and freedoms. The U.S. government has a responsibility to assist Afghans wishing to emigrate—while also working to support humanitarian aid and protection of human rights for those who remain.

A gathering place at the U.S.-Mexico border: Fifty years ago, Friendship Park was created so loved ones separated by the border could come together. Today communities are working to end Border Patrol presence at the park—and restore it for its original purpose, writes AFSC’s Pedro Rios.

Quaker and feminist organizations denounce vote on drafting women: Earlier this week, the House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment that would expand draft eligibility to women. AFSC condemned the vote. “There is nothing feminist about forcing women, or anyone, to participate in preparations for war. Congress needs to get rid of the outdated and punitive Selective Service System for everyone,” says AFSC's Tori Bateman.

Tell Congress: Stop spending our tax dollars on weapons and war!: The House Armed Service Committee also voted to add $25 billion to the Pentagon’s already bloated budget—even more than what the Biden administration had requested. Urge Congress to move the money to fund human needs and address global problems, not war and militarism!

Why we need citizenship for all: Right now, Congress is considering budget reconciliation legislation that would include a pathway to citizenship for most undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Learn more about efforts to keep families, loved ones, and communities together—and how you can take action.

Don’t miss: Facebook Live with AFSC: As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, join AFSC staff on Sept. 8, 1 p.m. ET for a live discussion on the impacts of the “war on terror”—and how we can move toward a more just, peaceful world for all. Plus, tune in on Sept. 9, 4 p.m. ET to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Attica uprising, when more than 2,000 people incarcerated at the prison took over the yard to stand up for their rights and dignity.