SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
Weekend Reading
Dear John,
Tyre Nichols should be alive today. So should George Floyd, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, and so many other people killed by police in the United States. The fact that they are not alive now is a testament to the deep need to dismantle the racist system that devalues Black and Brown lives.
In 2020, AFSC shared this statement on our commitment to the struggle for racial justice and equity. Today, it’s as important as ever that we work in solidarity to build a changed world. [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
Activists begin rallies at Border Patrol headquarters over Friendship Park wall construction: [link removed] The Biden administration announced it would move forward with plans to build a 30-foot border wall around Friendship Park. The park is a historic binational meeting place at the U.S.-Mexico border. Community members and groups, including AFSC, pledge to keep up efforts to stop further militarization of the park. “We’ve been fighting this fight for many years,” says AFSC’s Adriana Jasso. “We feel that we have an incredible level of support.’” (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Tell Congress to pass a just, equitable Farm Bill: [link removed] This year, one of Congress’ most important tasks is to pass a Farm Bill. This massive piece of legislation is authorized every five years. It affects the food and nutrition of every person in the U.S. And it's a critical opportunity to reduce hunger and counter climate change.
Getting every New Jersey kid guaranteed health coverage remains essential: [link removed] In 2021, New Jersey approved an expansion of Medicaid to cover all children, regardless of immigration status. The expansion is cause for celebration. But the state must do more to get the word out and enroll more kids, writes AFSC's Will Zentmyer. (NorthJersey.com)
Last chance to take our survey: [link removed] Thanks to everyone who filled out AFSC’s brief survey to help us improve our communications with you! If you haven’t yet responded, we’d love to hear from you about your interests in our collective work for social change.
Tell Congress: Stop funding Israeli oppression and violence against Palestinians: [link removed] Thank you to everyone who contacted Congress to end U.S. military assistance to Israel. As Israeli forces continue to take Palestinian lives and displace entire communities, the U.S. must take immediate action to end the violence and realize a just and lasting peace. If you haven’t already, contact Congress today.
Faith-based organizations urge Biden not to enact ‘asylum ban’: [link removed] AFSC joined 164 faith-based organizations and congregations in a letter to the administration, opposing new restrictions on immigration. “Our diverse faith traditions compel us to love our neighbor, accompany the vulnerable, and welcome the sojourner—regardless of place of birth, religion, or ethnicity,” the letter reads. “Importantly, our faiths also urge us to boldly resist and dismantle systems of oppression.” (Religion News Service)
Support nonviolent action grounded in the transforming power of love: [link removed] We are so grateful to all our Partners for Peace who provide reliable funding for our programs with monthly gifts throughout the year! Not yet a Partner? We are looking for 125 people to start a monthly donation by Valentine’s Day. Join now, and a generous donor will match your first month’s gift with $100. As a thank you, we will also send you a FREE AFSC tote bag.
Be well and take care
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
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