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This program trains Diaspora advocates to work in their own communities with support from the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) and to organize constituents to lobby Congress. FCNL is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. We approach lawmakers with respect and open dialogue, using listening and personal stories to find common ground, even when opinions differ. We work with a broad group of people who care about the same issues to build positive relationships with federal officials and encourage support from both sides of the political aisle. More information on FCNL’s Theory of Change can be found here.

Details

Who should attend: Diaspora advocates interested in expanding their leadership skills, learning about Congressional advocacy, and organizing their communities to advocate for peace and diplomacy in U.S. policy.

What to expect: A gathering of community leaders, advocates, and movement-builders from a diverse range of diaspora communities, focused on sharing their perspectives on U.S. foreign and domestic policy in relation to their home countries and building solidarity by advocating for policy change in the United States.

Location: Friends Place on Capitol Hill (515 E. Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20003) is located just five blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

Dates: Sept. 6-9 2025 

What you’ll leave with: Lasting connections, deeper knowledge about the Congressional advocacy process, and tangible next steps for continuing to organize in your home communities.

What issues are covered in the Diaspora Organizers Program?

For the 2025-26 Diaspora Gathering, we are excited to announce that each member of the cohort will have the opportunity to partner with FCNL on an issue of their choice! We are looking forward to building on the existing advocacy and grassroots power to protect our communities from being targeted by our government’s unjust policies. The available issue areas have been selected in pursuit of the World We Seek. This is a world of peace, prosperity, and freedom for all—we will challenge the funding of catastrophic weapons in Gaza, resist cuts to foreign aid, protect funding to SNAP and Medicaid, uplift clean energy, and secure humane migration solutions for immigrant communities.

Organizers will build on the powerful grassroots work already happening around the country through lobbying their members of Congress to push for more lasting change in their own communities. More information on available issue areas can be found below.

Diaspora Organizers Gathering Issues:

Ideal participants:

  • Express a demonstrated interest in working with FCNL to develop organizing efforts to advance peace and nonmilitary responses to violent conflict 
  • Are committed to human rights and diplomacy, and seeking a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world 
  • Are highly interested in learning about the Congressional advocacy process and how to build nonpartisan long-term organizing relationships  
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continued engagement with advocacy and organizing 
  • Commit to attending one Zoom call before the trip, monthly calls after the trip with previous cohorts, and attend regular one-on-one check-ins with the National Field Organizer  


Program will include opportunities to:

  • Meet with organizers from across the United States, build community, and exchange ideas
  • Explore the connections between federal foreign policy and local advocacy for peace and diplomacy
  • Hear from a panel of grassroots organizers, lobbyists, and policy experts on how ordinary people can influence public policy
  • Explore a policy ask within FCNL’s portfolio that impacts your community
  • Participate in an interactive lobby training to prepare for meetings with elected officials

FAQs

An issue I’d like to lobby on isn’t listed, can I still apply?

  • We are prioritizing the listed issues at the moment but if you have questions on what may apply, please contact us.

Do I have to pay for anything?

  • Travel, food, and housing are covered by FCNL (lodging at Friends Place DC)