SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022
Weekend Reading
Dear John,
Thanks to all who contacted Congress to fund the federal government by Sept. 30—without harming people or the planet! After hearing from constituents like you, senators spoke out against a measure to fast-track permits for fossil fuel projects, leading Sen. Manchin to withdraw the harmful proposal. Once again, our collective voices are making a difference.
Here are this week’s picks to inform and support your activism.
Standing with immigrants facing ICE in South Florida: Every Wednesday, rain or shine, a coalition of community members sets up a table outside the immigration office in Miramar, Florida. The group, which includes AFSC, is known as the Miramar Circle of Protection. Our purpose is to support the hundreds of immigrants who wait outside for hours for their check-ins with ICE, writes AFSC’s Maria Bilbao. We provide them with a safe, welcoming space with food, water, information, and moral support. [link removed]
AFSC staff and partners in Florida are safe and based on the other side of the peninsula hit hardest by Hurricane Ian. We hold in the Light all who are dealing with and recovering from this devastating event.
Join the online launch of “Light In Gaza: Writing Born of Fire” (Oct. 6, 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT): AFSC’s new book “Light in Gaza” is an anthology of essays and poems by 12 Palestinians writers on the future of Gaza beyond the Israeli occupation. This online event will feature three of those writers, Mosab Abu Toha, Refaat Alareer, and AFSC’s Jehad Abusalim. Register today. [link removed]
Activist shareholders for Smith & Wesson embrace the long view in struggle to curb gun violence: For years, religious investors have worked to hold the gun manufacturer accountable for its role in countless killings in the U.S. and Mexico. In this article, AFSC alumni Arnie Alpert writes about how these investors have urged Smith & Wesson to adopt a human rights policy consistent with the U.N. Guiding Principles on Human Rights. Such resolutions, even if they fail, aren’t just moral theater, says AFSC Dov's Baum. They “are used as a way to get your message across to the board and main shareholders,” and leverage into a negotiation with decisionmakers. (Waging Nonviolence) [link removed]
Don’t miss our Quaker Call to Action on Oct. 13 (7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT): 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 how we can stand up for democracy today. [link removed]
Sign the petition to stop endless wars: In 2002, Congress passed the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force, which authorized the invasion of Iraq. Today, 20 years later, any president can still use the AUMF to justify endless wars. This year is our best opportunity to finally repeal this authorization. Sign our petition with Daily Kos and urge your senators to repeal the 2002 Iraq AUMF. [link removed]
‘Never sleeps, never even blinks’: the hi-tech surveillance towers spreading along the U.S. border: In recent years, the U.S. has spent billions on border surveillance. The further militarization of the border has forced migrants to take longer routes to evade detection, contributing to thousands of deaths, says AFSC’s Pedro Rios. It also infringes on the civil liberties of people living near the border. (The Guardian) [link removed]
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our fiscal year end campaign! Your generosity ensures we can help communities worldwide meet immediate needs as we work for a more just, peaceful future for all. We’re so grateful for your support!
Be well and take care
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
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