With election day quickly approaching, the voices of ordinary voters matter even more as we decide who is going to represent us in Congress in 2025.
Earlier this week we urged our network to engage with candidates for office and got a great response. It was exciting to see your passion for this work. Candidates can impact our communities, and you can influence their priorities.
Regardless of the results of the Nov. 5 election, we know engaging candidates across the political spectrum builds goodwill. Here are three ways you can engage and three tools you can use.
Ways to Engage:
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Set up Meetings: Reach out to candidates to discuss FCNL’s legislative priorities and other issues you care about.
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Attend Forums and Events: Participate in events hosted by candidates to learn about their platforms and introduce them to FCNL’s and your own advocacy priorities.
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Build Long-Term Relationships: Engage candidates early to help establish lasting connections that transcend election cycles.
Tools you can use (also available on the election engagement page):
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An overview of why you should engage with candidates.
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A leave behind for candidates explaining what FCNL is and four areas we are focusing on.
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A report-back form so we can track meetings and follow up. This provides vital information for our staff lobbyists. Please do not forget this step!
After inviting members of the FCNL network across the country, we have heard from several people who have already met with candidates. One met with a candidate after building a relationship with them on social media, while another spoke with a candidate, asking to support a ceasefire in Gaza.
These connections build the foundation for relationships that rise beyond partisanship and above this election cycle. And when election day comes, VOTE and help strengthen our democracy.
Elsewhere
Congress Must Block Major New Arms Shipments to Israel
The Biden administration announced a major new arms sale to Israel worth more than $20 billion. Meanwhile, more than 40,000 Palestinians have now been killed in Gaza, many with the same kinds of weapons provided by our government. Sending more weapons that fuel this violence is unconscionable. It sends a disastrous message of impunity that undermines any U.S. pressure for a ceasefire. Congress must block these weapons before they kill more civilians and cause more suffering.
Connecting with Friends from Around the World in South Africa
FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix returned from the Quaker World Plenary Meeting 2024 in South Africa, bringing back messages from Quakers from across the globe. This year’s plenary was centered on the theme of global interconnectedness and “Ubuntu,” which is an African philosophy of community, “I am because we are.” Check out Bridget’s video recapping her experience and stay tuned for more insights from Friends around the world.
The World Must Not Forget Sudan
While the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have rightfully received major international attention, the conflict in Sudan has too often been ignored or forgotten despite its devastating toll on the Sudanese people. More than 15 million Sudanese are facing starvation as both sides of the war use food as a weapon. Our government and other countries must do more to stop the violence and get aid to people in dire need.
How FCNL Decides Priorities
With so many critical issues in the world, have you ever wondered how FCNL discerns where to concentrate our advocacy? FCNL’s Alicia McBride explains our discernment process and how you can get involved in helping to shape the future of our work for peace and justice.
