We arrive at this holiday season in the midst of unprecedented global violence. There are more armed conflicts ongoing today than at any other point since World War II. Civilians are particularly vulnerable to conflict-related sexual violence (as in Ukraine) and systematic violence against ethnic, racial, and religious groups (as in Sudan).
The final compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 reflects modest progress and ongoing challenges in U.S. defense spending and national security.
As 2024 draws to a close, we are pausing to reflect on the remarkable strength and dedication of this community. You have played a critical role in connecting the concerns of Friends in your meeting or church with advocacy with federal policymakers. I am so grateful to work with all of you.
Through prayerful listening and active participation, you have shown up in powerful ways – speaking out for peace, justice, and integrity in our local and national communities.
When the stakes are unimaginably high, like in decision making around nuclear weapons, relying solely on artificial intelligence, or AI, is risky.
So why was I excited about a vote that we were about to “lose?” Because at FCNL, where one of our core values is perseverance, our advocacy is never about one vote alone. We are prophetic, persistent, and patient.
The World We Seek guides the efforts of the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Whether through our team of expert lobbyists meeting with policymakers on Capitol Hill or our grassroots network of passionate advocates building power for the voices of people across the country, these words form a foundation for our work.
In less than a month, FCNL’s Daren Caughron will join global leaders, climate justice advocates, and state delegates in Baku the capitol of Azerbaijan between Russia and Iran on the shores of the Caspian Sea. He’ll be there for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29).
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments for State of Texas v. USA on October 10 to determine the future of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and, in turn, the future of hundreds of thousands of people supported by the program. This case’s potential to end DACA highlights the urgent and grave need to protect our undocumented friends.
Last week, FCNL’s Amelia Kegan joined the “Nuns on the Bus and Friends” bus tour to mobilize voters across the country to support inclusive democracy and help build a better, more just future.
“This weekend transformed my life.” Heads nodded in agreement as Deogratias Kawunde, a Ugandan organizer from Maryland, shared how he felt after FCNL’s Second Diaspora Organizer Gathering.
From Saturday, September 21 through Monday, September 23, eleven organizers from different diaspora country backgrounds across the United States gathered at Friends Place in Washington D.C. for an important convening.
Stay informed and stay active