The World We Seek

We seek a world free of war and the threat of war.

We seek a society with equity and justice for all.

We seek a community where every person’s potential may be fulfilled.

We seek an earth restored.

Lobbying group at Annual Meeting.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress for peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. We bring together tens of thousands of people—Quakers and friends—who share a belief in the power of relationship-building to advance the world we seek. 

Founded in 1943 and governed by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), FCNL’s multi-faceted approach is powered by the expertise of registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C., the commitment and passion of people around the country in our advocacy network, the integrity of our positions, and the relationships we cultivate with elected officials and community leaders.

Our advocacy flows out of the Quaker belief in the inherent dignity and worth of each person. Working from that clear vision of the better world we want to build, we are persistent in advocating for policies to bring it closer to reality.

Read our full vision.

Our Approach

Drawing on the expertise of our lobbyists and the passion and commitment of our network of advocates, we meet both policymakers where they are and seek opportunities to work together where there is common ground.

The World We Seek

Crafted through careful discernment of Friends throughout the country, this statement of policy embodies our convictions and provides the foundation for our work.

Legislative Priorities

FCNL solicited the views and concerns of Quakers around the country to help discern the following priorities for our lobbying and public education work during this session of Congress.

Beloved Community

As a Quaker organization, FCNL endeavors to embody the belief in the inherent dignity and equal worth of each person. Read our statement on Anti-racism, Anti-bias, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

As we bear witness and lobby in solidarity with Native Americans, we specifically honor the people of Nacotchtank, who were decimated as a result of European colonization. Also known as the Anacostans, they lived along the banks of the Anacostia River and in several villages in and around Capitol Hill. 

By the 1700s, the Nacotchtank had merged with other peoples, including the Pamunkey and Piscataway, who still exist today. 

The buildings of FCNL, FCNL Education Fund, and Friends Place on Capitol Hill stand on their ancestral land. 

We seek a world free of war and the threat of war.

We seek a society with equity and justice for all.

We seek a community where every person's potential may be fulfilled.

We seek an earth restored.