In solidarity with the upswing of Black Lives Matter activism following the murder of George Floyd, AFSC has responded locally in Minneapolis, Minn., and across the country to support the call to defund the police and promote healing justice. Quakers and community members from around the world have joined AFSC’s call. Resources for starting and extending the conversation in local Quaker communities are available at the website.
In addition, responding to the request of Black program staff in Minneapolis to invite White people of faith deeper into the work of racial justice, AFSC and volunteers have hosted a four-session e-course, “Radical Acting in Faith for White People,” which has engaged more than 500 people in learning about antiracist practices. Most of the participants are Friends. Recordings and resources from the e-course can be accessed on AFSC’s website along with a self-study version of the course.
AFSC has supported communities globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. AFSC staff and partnerships have helped Georgians keep their homes; connect organic farmers and empty food banks in New Mexico; deliver hygienic supplies in Gaza, Zimbabwe, and Guatemala; and monitor and resist governments worldwide who are using the pandemic to restrict civic space.
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