Update

Lawmakers made history on Jan. 16 by centering Palestinian human rights during a debate and vote on the Senate floor.

While Guantánamo has largely faded from public attention, the prison and its enduring legacy continue to cast a dark shadow over the United States and its global reputation. On this 22nd anniversary, we take a look at the current state of the notorious prison and the many issues that remain unaddressed there.

After months of devastation, there is urgent need for a meaningful debate on U.S. support for Israeli operations in both Gaza and the West Bank. This week, a coalition of more than 70 national organizations sent a letter to members of Congress urging them to support

At the inaugural Diaspora Organizer Gathering at Friends Place on Capitol Hill this fall, I spent four transformative days sharing, learning, and connecting with organizers from across the country. They were all there from different diaspora—communities who have been dispersed from their homelands—and activist backgrounds.

After the Dobbs decision, FCNL’s Policy Committee heard from Friends around the country that they overwhelmingly wanted FCNL to take a position on the issue. Here’s where we landed.

As we look toward the next eight decades—or even the next five years—we wonder how to remain brave and constant amid deep partisan divides, ongoing horrors of war, racism, xenophobia, and an environment in crisis. Being still during some of our most trying times has enabled us to hear, recalibrate, and think deeply, instead of being strictly reactionary.

Since 1943, FCNL has been at the forefront of many important social movements, faithfully lobbying Congress and 15 successive presidential administrations to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. Today, it is one of the most effective change agents in Washington, D.C.  

Quakers are particularly known for a testimony to peace. But what does a peace testimony mean for individuals and Quaker communities and organizations like FCNL?

In all of these conversations, we heard one clear message: People want members of Congress to work across partisan divides on behalf of their constituents.

In many ways, 2023 was a challenging year. Through this, FCNL’s lobbyists and advocates have remained steadfast in their work to advance peace and justice through public policy. We refused to be distracted, and as a result, our advocacy marked real progress. As we look towards a new year and Congress enters the second half of its 118th session, we see the potential for significant legislative victories at the beginning of 2024.