Advocates urge Congress to stop funding cruelty against immigrants: Earlier this week, AFSC and partners in the Defund Hate Coalition rallied in Washington, D.C. to demand cuts to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection). These agencies have a long history of abuse, “separating parents, children, and partners. This is the trauma that myself and my children struggle with today,” said Maria, a leader with AFSC’s #Not1More Deportation project in Colorado. (Daily Kos) If you haven’t already, tell Congress to defund ICE and CBP today!
Register for a Quaker Call to Action on Oct. 13. Stand up for democracy this election year: Our country’s promise of democracy has never been fulfilled, but today it’s facing a moment of crisis. AFSC and other Quaker groups have put out an urgent call to Friends. We must work to stop voter suppression, protect the integrity of our elections, and oppose violence in all its forms. We invite Friends and like-minded individuals to join this national call on the state of our democracy and how you can take action.
Heat in New Jersey prisons must be addressed: This summer, thousands of people in New Jersey prisons endured dangerously high temperatures. Those sweltering conditions increased risk for heat illnesses, created security threats, and suspended rehabilitative programming. The state Corrections Ombudsman criticized the situation in a new report—and called for funds for air conditioning. AFSC’s Bonnie Kerness applauded the report, saying, “Our job now, as advocates, is to begin approaching legislators and saying this is a problem.”
Celebrating the International Day of Peace: On Sept. 21, people around the world observe the International Day of Peace. Established by the United Nations in 1981, Peace Day is an opportunity for all people to commit to peace above all differences. For examples of how communities worldwide are building peace with justice with support from AFSC, see our post on Instagram.
Get your free “Love knows no borders” sticker by Sept. 22: This is the last week to get your free sticker in the mail. Help spread the message that love knows no borders—and show your support for AFSC’s worldwide work. Sign up today.
