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How are you? I hope you and your loved ones are doing well.
I am writing you from my home office, where I’ve been working for the last six weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As so many of us continue to adjust to spending our days at home and maintaining physical distance, I’ve especially enjoyed reading stories about AFSC alumni. Recently we produced this video from an interview with Norval Reece, a Quaker and civil rights activist. Watching it reminded me how AFSC has stood with communities impacted by injustice throughout many crises in our history—and we continue that work today.
As we explore more ways to connect with each other virtually, I hope the Alumni Network can be a place for you to find community and support in these difficult times and beyond.
With deep appreciation,
Tonya Histand
Alumni Director
Alumni news & notes
Former AFSC staffer Imani Countess writes how the coronavirus could be a catalyst for global thinking in this op-ed for Foreign Policy In Focus.
In 1969, Emily Quint Freeman was a draft counselor with AFSC in Chicago. In her new book, she describes how a pivotal act of civil disobedience sparked a lifetime of exploration, reflection, and resistance.
In this interview, Arthur Kanegis discusses his new movie and how we have the power to save the world.
Alan Horton worked for AFSC distributing relief to Palestinian refugees in Gaza in 1947. He died in February at the age of 98.
Maria Alcivar-Zuñiga, a former intern with the AFSC Iowa Immigrant Right Program, was awarded the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award, which recognizes her leadership, academic accomplishments, and community work with Latinx youth and families in Iowa.
Phillip Berryman published a memoir about living in Latin America as conflict and repression rose throughout the region. Phillip and Angela Berryman were the AFSC Central American representatives in Guatemala from 1976-1980.
Amy Eppler-Epstein and Cynthia Price met at an AFSC workcamp in 1977. Forty years later, they traveled to San Jerardo, CA to visit the cooperative housing community where they worked.
Do you have news to share? Email us today!
Archive dive
In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled to outlaw school segregation, but Prince Edward County, Virginia, closed public schools rather than integrate. PBS recently aired this episode of “The Future of America’s Past,” using images from AFSC’s archives.
AFSC today
Communities across the U.S. are adapting to these changing times to ensure all people are cared for and protected. Check out our COVID-19 resource page for ideas and inspiration for your activism.
Historically crises have been exploited to introduce dangerous policies—right now may be one of these moments. AFSC is working to monitor—and address—rising human rights abuses and restrictions on civic space.
In a major campaign victory, Microsoft announced that it would divest from Israeli occupation.
AFSC New Mexico recently launched the Farm to Food Bank Project to bridge the gap between farmers and food banks.
Kharon Benson, a counselor with AFSC’s Liberation Summer Advocacy Training Camp, is advocating for the release of people from prisons, jails, and detention centers—including his father.
More ways to take action and connect with AFSC
- Join our upcoming Skill Up webinar on how to utilize the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Wednesday, April 29 at 9pm ET.
- Tell your governor and ICE to protect people in prisons, jails, and detention centers!
- While staying home to help minimize health risks, many are also putting their affairs in order. If you are thinking about tackling this important task, AFSC can help. Visit our website to access a complimentary estate planning kit.
Thank you for reading our AFSC Alumni Newsletter! To learn more about our Alumni Network and connect with former friends and colleagues, visit our webpage and Facebook group. You can also email me questions and suggestions.