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Join Us for the Days of
Prayer and Action for Colombia

Stand in Solidarity with the People and Churches of Colombia Calling for an End to the Violence
April 27-28, 2008

Day of Prayer: On Sunday, April 27 groups concerned Friends, Meetings will join other congregations across the country to stand in solidarity with our Colombian brothers and sisters who have endured so much suffering, remembering the victims of Colombia's brutal conflict and praying for a peaceful future in Colombia.

Here are some suggestions to help you plan local reflection and education events to promote peace in Colombia and a better U.S.-Colombia policy. Even if you have only a few people, there are many creative things you can do in your community to raise awareness and connect with people all over the U.S. and in Colombia.

• Hold a vigil for peace in Colombia. Gather friends and Friends, community members, church members or students together in the evening to remember those who have been unfairly victimized by the Colombian conflict, and to reflect on the United States' role in the violence. You may use candles, join in moments of silence or prayer, and/or combine the vigil with a "walk for peace."
  
• Plan a study group. You can find use our new guide as a resource for your group: “Seeking Justice and Peace in Colombia: An Imperative Challenge for Friends in the United States.” (PDF, 647 KB) Friends along with the majority of the U.S. public see very little news about Colombia. What does appear in the U.S. media is usually sensational, fleeting, and distorted. This new AFSC publication is provides friends with a thorough understanding of the complexities of that conflict and U.S.’ role. The report contains queries for friends to reflect on as they learn about the situation and what they can do to change it. You can order copies of this report from Natalia Cardona at: NCardona@afsc.org or (215)241-7162
  
• Connect with your friends and family for peace! Get in touch with friends and family members around the U.S. and ask them to join you at a named hour of the day for shared (long-distance) reflection and action for peace.

Day of Action: On Monday, April 28 we will take collective action to ask that U.S. policy promote peace and justice in Colombia rather than military involvement and violence.

• Ask Friends to take action by sending a postcard to their congress members. Click here to view the postcards. (PDF, 2 MB) You can order postcards from Natalia Cardona at NCardona@afsc.org or by calling: (215) 241-7162.
  
• Sign the Letter Colombian faith based organizations and leaders have put together a letter to the U.S. Congress as part of the Days of Prayer and Action. Click here to View the letter(PDF, 114 KB). They are trying to get the support of 500 churches. So far we have 50 churches and faith groups signed up. If Meetings or concerned groups of Friends wanted to sign on to it would be a great way to show support for Colombians at this time. The deadline for signatures is April 29, 2008. Colombian churches started collecting signatures last week. Please send Natalia Cardona (NCardona@afsc.org), any signatures you collect in the following fashion:
  
  Name
  Title
  Meeting/Faith Based Group/Congregation
  City, State (if applicable--e.g. a local church)
  
• American Friends Service Committee has written a report entitled: The Violent Intersections of Commerce and Conflict: Examining the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement and Plan Colombia. The report also contains recommendations for U.S. policy that can be used in advocacy with members of Congress. You can also order copies of this report from Natalia.

Will your Meeting or a group of concerned Friends be participating in the Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia?

Join the list!

Send an email to Natalia Cardona at NCardona@afsc.org or calling (215) 241-7162.

Interested in being in touch with other Meetings, Friends or congregations in your area that are participating in the Days of Prayer and Action?

Get in touch with local faith partners and make connections for advocacy efforts by sending an email to Natalia Cardona at NCardona@afsc.org or calling (215) 241-7162.

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