A Quaker Lobby in the Public Interest
Founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), FCNL's multi-issue advocacy connects historic Quaker testimonies on peace, equality, simplicity, and truth with peace and social justice issues. FCNL is nonpartisan and fields the largest team of registered peace lobbyists in DC.
A Quaker Lobby
FCNL is part of a long history of Quakers who have spoken out in support of legislation and good government. At FCNL, we lobby by talking with—and listening to—everyone, including people with whom we don’t expect to agree, in an effort to build mutual trust and understanding as we work for policy change.
A History of Success
Over FCNL's decades-long history, we have used integrity and compassion to bring about the world we seek. Recent successes include preserving U.S. investment in war prevention, rekindling congressional action on climate change and building the movement to reduce military spending.
Governance
FCNL is governed by a General Committee made up of some 220 Quakers from around the country.
The FCNL General Committee sets new priorities for the organization every two years, as a new Congress takes office.The Statement of Legislative Priorities identifies a set of issues on which staff is expected to focus time, energy, and resources.
This statement sets forth FCNL's broad objectives for public policy. The General Committee revises and updates the Policy Statement on an ongoing basis. FCNL's legislative priorities for each Congress are drawn from the policy statement.
