As FCNL celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Advocacy Teams and the Advocacy Corps, we also embarked on two new innovative programs to widen and strengthen our lobbying network.
Two years ago, we started a program to train activists from communities with origins outside the U.S. (Diaspora Organizing Program). Last year, we began to formally organize campus chapters around the country (FCNL Campus Chapters).
Unlike other advocates, the diaspora organizers are recruited directly from leaders in communities most impacted by harmful foreign policy. The program strengthens their advocacy skills, helps them lobby Congress directly, and provides ongoing support after a four-day training in Washington, DC. To date, 31 activists from diaspora communities around the country have participated.
Activists represent the diaspora communities of Bhutan, Burma/Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iran, Niger, Rwanda, South Korea, Venezuela, Yemen, and the Rohingyas of Bangladesh.
“What emerged from our 2023 gathering was a strong sense of connection,” wrote Hadiya Afzal, former FCNL diaspora engagement and partnership organizer. “People who have been oppressed and exploited, who have experienced violence and occupation, will never fail to realize the connections between their struggles.”
The cohorts have diverse backgrounds, including academics, community leaders, and students. During their training, they highlighted their stories and causes.
“Peace flows from advocacy and organizing by local and diaspora communities working together to bring change.”
Last October, advocates from Haiti recounted the painful aftermath of Haitians being accused of eating dogs during the 2024 presidential campaign and their struggle for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). A Burmese activist spoke about the military junta’s violence and the need to protect the Rohingya people. An Ethiopian activist spoke about lobbying for humanitarian aid to people in the Tigray region.
“Listening to their stories and causes was both humbling and illuminating” wrote Jim Ngokwey, who participated in this year’s training. “They revealed a simple truth: peace flows from advocacy and organizing by local and diaspora communities working together to bring change.”
He added that with collaboration, community, and continuous learning, diaspora organizers can build the kind of long-term influence that makes peace and justice possible —”not just for our countries of origin, but for the world we share.”
FCNL’s newest program for young adults is the creation of campus chapters in colleges. Many of these campuses are not new to FCNL: their students have participated in past Spring Lobby Weekends.
Four campus chapters were launched last year. Today, there are ten chapters, ranging from Georgia to Indiana to New York.
There are many requests to start chapters on other campuses. FCNL hopes to launch more in the coming summer so students can begin their fall semester with FCNL.
FCNL plans that these chapters will partner with existing Advocacy Teams to lobby their members of Congress together. This was the case at Guilford College and Western Carolina University. After their initial online training, a local member of an Advocacy Team provided them with additional in-person training. Together, they then lobbied members of Congress.
“We want to lift leaders up to be able to do their own work and train others.”
“Campus chapters are our way of making sure that we have long-term and consistent advocacy presence in the campuses we already work with,” said Larissa Gil Sanhueza, FCNL’s young adult program director. “We want to lift leaders up to be able to do their own work and train others.”
