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International Programs

Promoting peace and assisting those affected by war have been at the center of AFSC's work since the organization was founded in April, 1917 after the declaration of war by the United States government which led the country into World War I.  In 1947, the AFSC and British Friends Service Council received the Nobel Peace Prize for their "silent help from nameless to nameless" who had been affected by World War II.

Today, AFSC's international programs are in more than 20 countries focusing on three areas:

• The peacebuilding work starts with efforts to prevent conflict, violence and war. AFSC assists people affected by war, including reconstruction and reconciliation efforts. Much of this work is done by our Quaker International Affairs Representatives (QIARS), although some is also carried out by our development staff.
• QIAR programs are currently found in Cuba, Andean Region, Middle East Region, Central Africa, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Northeast Asia.
• AFSC's international peacebuilding program activities are coordinated with the activities of the Quaker United Nations in Geneva and New York, with the Washington DC office, the Peacebuilding Unit in the National Office and local offices around the United States.
• The social development programs help to build the capacity of program participants and partners to address problems arising from migration, poverty, HIV/AIDs and other health needs, racism and other forms of discrimination.
• AFSC provides much needed material assistance to those affected by war, conflict, poverty and natural disasters.

Our programs are listed by region: Africa, Asia, Latin America/Caribbean, Middle East and Europe.

AFSC's international activities are supported and administered by staff based in the Philadelphia office.  If you are interested in employment with AFSC's International Programs, please check the current jobs listing. Information about Philadelphia-based internships and opportunities for youth to gain international experience can be found on the internships page.

For general inquiries about AFSC's international work, contact: idgeneral@afsc.org

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