SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023

Weekend Reading

Dear John,

We hope you and your loved ones are well. In these challenging times, we’re grateful for your support of our work with communities worldwide to build a more just, peaceful future for all. Thank you for being part of our AFSC community.

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

Pushing for changes to parole and probation: [link removed] Advocates in West Virginia, including AFSC, are urging lawmakers to pass an “earned time” bill. The measure would allow people to earn days off probation or parole for accomplishments like completing a treatment program or earning a college degree. “So, you have the ability to incentivize people to do what's right and what they should do, as well as a mechanism to reduce the caseload and the incarceration rate," AFSC’s Kenny Matthews explained. (Public News Service)

Good news for Colorado family: [link removed] For the past 16 years, the U.S. government has tried to deport Jorge Rafael Zaldivar Mendieta, a Denver community leader and member of AFSC’s Not1More Deportation project. After years of organizing, a three-year exile to Mexico, and legal appeals, the good news finally came: Jorge is now a permanent U.S. resident and can remain with his wife and five children in the U.S.

Register for our webinar: Values-Based Financial Planning (March 22, 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT): [link removed] Want to make sure your values are incorporated into your retirement and other financial planning? Join AFSC to learn more about why you need a well-crafted financial plan and how your plan can include support for organizations that are important to you. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Light in Gaza: Agriculture, gender, and storytelling: [link removed] Last year, AFSC brought together perspectives from Palestinian writers from Gaza in the book, “Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire.” In this interview with AFSC’s Shireen Akram-Boshar, contributor Asmaa Abu Mezied talks about reclaiming narratives about Gaza—and the long history of Palestinian connection to the land.

Take action to abolish the death penalty: [link removed] The death penalty flies in the face of moral values, common sense, and history. But this year, at least two states, West Virginia and Iowa, considered reinstituting capital punishment. In Alabama, a policy change now allows more time for executions—and eliminates automatic judicial review for trial errors in death penalty cases. At the same time, the federal government continues to press for the death penalty in certain cases. It’s time to end the death penalty once and for all.

Join our supporter drive: [link removed] We are looking for 500 people to donate by March 31 to support our worldwide work for peace, justice, and human dignity. If you haven’t yet given, please join today!

Be well and take care



American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States

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