In this video, Paula discusses Friends’ role in the traumas inflicted on the indigenous peoples of North America since the arrival of European colonists—particularly in the administration of boarding schools where Native children were forced to abandon their heritage and embrace the ways of White Christian culture, where they would never be truly accepted as equals.
Representing diverse backgrounds—from Egypt to Niger, Bhutan to the Democratic Republic of Congo—these organizers spent four days engaged in deep discussions, advocacy training, and meeting with Hill staff.
As the crisis in Israel and Palestine deepens, the students at RFS sent the following letter to members of Congress. In it, they urge lawmakers to prioritize a ceasefire, protect the lives of innocent children, and secure humanitarian aid. They ask: “Is it justifiable for us to endure life under occupation, live in constant fear, and be haunted by the unsettling presence of settlers in our dreams?”
In a time when war and violence appear to be on the rise across the globe, the emphasis on peacebuilding and conflict prevention is more important than ever. Read excerpts from Amelia Kegan’s rousing speech at FCNL’s 2023 Quaker Public Policy Institute & Annual Meeting.
Representative Sara Jacobs will receive FCNL’s Edward F. Snyder Award for Peace this evening during their 80th Annual Meeting, taking place through November 19.
Lauren Brownlee explains how the testimonies of peace, integrity, community, equity, and even stewardship can shape anti-racism practices for individual Friends and meetings. “It is important for us to hold on to the fact that white supremacy culture is ever-present in Quaker communities,” she tells us, “and our antidotes are right there, present alongside these aspects of white supremacy culture that we encounter.”
On the 80th anniversary of FCNL and the 54th anniversary of the largest peace demonstration, we might want to recall how many of us were called to demonstrate in our nation’s capital.
Studies have shown that peacebuilding and conflict prevention is not only effective but is also cost-efficient. The Institute for Economics and Peace found that every dollar invested in peacebuilding “carries a potential $16 reduction in the cost of armed conflict.” However, U.S. support for this work has been persistently underfunded.
As the oldest registered religious lobby in Washington, D.C., it would be easy for the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) to celebrate its accomplishments and ride off into the sunset. After all, the organization has done a lot in 80 years. But that is not FCNL’s way.
Dr. Hamm is one of the world’s leading experts on Quakers in America. He recently retired from Earlham College, where he taught U.S. and Quaker history and was curator of its collections of Quaker materials. Dr. Hamm is a member of West Richmond Friends Meeting in the New Association of Friends.
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