There is so much happening in the realm of social justice, environment and world emergencies. keep informed and act according to our Quaker values? The following organizations can help you take timely steps to address various issues according to our Quaker testimonies. Subscribing to get their updates. American Friends Service Committee: https://www.afsc.org/about-us Friends Committee on National Legislation: https://www.fcnl.org/ Virginia Interfaith Center on Public Policy: https://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org
“The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light within each person, (they) nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions. (They) work with people and partners worldwide, of all faiths and backgrounds, to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.” They offer several workshops to increase our knowledge and develop skills to act. In addition to these activities, they work directly with populations in need.
FCNL seeks a world free of war and the threat of war, a society with equity and justice for all and a community where every person’s potential may be fulfilled. They lobby members of our national legislatures on issues related to Middle East and Iran, Nuclear Weapons, Peacebuilding, US wars and militarism, gun violence prevention, Just Immigration, Justice Reforms and Native Americans. They will keep you up to date on upcoming legislation so you can communicate with your legislators most effectively.
Richmond Friends Meeting is affiliated with Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP),” a non- partisan coalition of 25,000 members, including 750 houses of worship, 1,000 clergy of all faiths, and people of goodwill, ten chapters (and growing!), many partner and affiliate organizations, most of the judicatory leaders in the state, and activists in every House and Senate district in Virginia, all working for a more just society.” Just as FCNL helps us make our efforts effective on a national level, VICPP helps keep us informed about current legislation initiatives.
Virginia Interfaith Power and Light: https://vaipl.org/ RFM supports VIPL, a local branch of national organization which is dedicated to bringing together faith communities to “mobilize a religious response to climate changes through energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energies. Similar to the other organizations they can help keep you reliably informed, on current legislation and local initiatives. Let co-clerks, Ellen or Rhonda know if you have another non partisan organization which you count on to provide information for action.
REVISED REQUEST! We will gladly accept “artsy” objects, not just personally made items by Friends! Do you have some pieces of artwork that you are ready to get off your hands? Would you like to donate some of your items to Richmond Friends for an art sale in May 2023? Donations would be collected by Peace and Social Concerns and the proceeds will go to World Central Kitchen. At this time, we are trying to see if there is enough interest in such a sale. Please send an email to rhondaligon@gmail.com to let P&SC know if you would be interested in participating in such an event by December 15. THANKS!
Please join Peace and Social Concerns for a program on gun violence prevention and advocacy on Zoom, October 20. 7:30-8:30. The Buffalo and Uvalde mass shootings this summer led us to invite Lori Haas, formerly with the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence and now with the Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, to present to meeting on this difficult and important topic. Lori will give a presentation and there will be plenty of time for questions and reflection.
Next week, Virginia Interfaith Power and Light will kick off off their Climate in the Pulpits, in the Minbar, & on the Bimah with our Climate Revival on September 13th from 6 – 9 PMVirginia Interfaith Power & Light! The statewide event is happening in four congregations across Virginia and is welcome to all faith - in Richmond we will gather
The featured speaker is Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, a denominational leader, climate activist, author & public theologian. Hundreds of churches are reading his 2018 book, Climate Church, Climate World. In 2018 he retired as the leader of the 350 UCC churches in Massachusetts. He currently serves as Special Advisor on Climate Justice to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
Creation Is at a Turning Point. Climate scientists have made clear the urgency to act on climate now. Our window to prevent worldwide irreversible damage is swiftly closing. This is our kairos moment. It is the right time, and as people of faith, it is our time to prioritize our tradition’s religious teachings to care for the earth and our neighbors. Join us for this statewide kickoff, and commit to getting the message out to your congregation this Fall!
This is an opportunity to deepen our sense of urgency about the climate crisis and learn more about how our faith values encourage us to act on climate. This year, Climate in the Pulpits, in the Minbar, & on the Bimah will take place from September 1st to November 30th.
Our Testimony of Equality is challenged by recent attempts and acts to suppress the right to vote for everyone. The Center for Progress will present a free, online screening Suppressed and Sabotaged: the Fight to Vote, Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 8:00pm ET. The film will be followed by a panel discussion.
If you are interested, you can find more information and register to view the film at
