Join American Friends Service Committee for a virtual gathering of Friends to discuss what we can do to build a vision of a renewed world. How can we overcome oppression, turn back from further climate injustice, and build a world that is more sustainable, just, and peaceful? Join us for a panel of Quaker climate activists, workshops on key peace and justice issues, and a keynote speech from Winona LaDuke as a part of AFSC’s annual corporation meeting.
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 7 P.M.
Keynote Speaker: Winona LaDuke REGISTER
- Native American land rights activist, environmentalist, economist, politician, and author Winona LaDuke will deliver the keynote session of this year’s AFSC Corporation Meeting. As the Executive Director of Honor the Earth, she works nationally and internationally on the issues of climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice with Indigenous communities.
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 7 P.M.
Guided by the light of our North Star, above and within REGISTER
- AFSC’s Healing Justice Network invites you to learn about the healing-focused vision of our North Star. Led by Lewis Webb, Jr. and Mary Zerkel, the workshop will explore restorative justice, police and prison abolition, and an end to the carceral system. Join us as we journey to a just, peaceful, and sustainable world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Our 90-minutes together will include reflection, interactive engagement, and strategies to take back to local meetings and communities. Facilitators: Lewis Webb, Jr., Healing Justice Program Director, and Mary Zerkel, Chicago Peacebuilding Director
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 12 P.M.
Palestine program highlights
- The youth who work with AFSC in Palestine face many challenges because of occupation and Israeli Apartheid policies. Over the last year the occupation has become more entrenched. Home demolitions and forced displacement events have increased. Gaza was attacked and remains under blockade. Life for many has become harder. During this session AFSC’s staff from Palestine will highlight some issues they are facing on the ground. Their discussion will be complemented by a presentation by U.S. based advocacy staff about how you can take action to end abuses and bring change. Facilitators: Dawood Hammoudi, Palestine Program Director, and Mike Merryman-Lotze, Middle East Program Director
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 7 P.M.
Extractives and forced displacement: A case study of Laguna Larga
- Between the borders of Mexico and Guatemala is a place called Laguna Larga. Its current residents are forcibly displaced due to greed, violence, and environmental injustice. In this workshop, we will use this community’s example to learn about the harm caused by intersections of environmental devastation, criminalization of environmental activism, and unfettered capitalism. Join AFSC staff for a presentation and discussion about these interlocking issues. Facilitators: David Tobasura, Human Migration & Mobility Consultant
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 12 P.M. ET
Restricted space in climate justice activism
- The rights and freedoms of those addressing climate change are shrinking. The challenges and risks facing those supporting and advancing climate justice are linked to the gap between civil society organizations and government policies on climate. This workshop will present an analysis and suggest actions to support climate justice activists as they face a limited space. Facilitator: Bilal Olimat, Jordan Program Manager
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 7 P.M.
Emerging Leaders for Liberation: Demo workshop including how to get involved
- Join our “Community Organizer 101” workshop where we will discuss community organizer basics: What is an organizer? What does an organizer do? How do you gain community engagement? This session is from our Emerging Leaders for Liberation program curriculum where young adults are learning social change skills to implement in their communities. Facilitator: Mariana Martinez, Youth Leadership Institute Director
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 7 P.M.
Panel: Quaker climate activists – Intersections of climate justice and Quakerism
- Moderated by AFSC’s Peniel Ibe, join this panel of Quaker activists who are working at the intersections of climate justice and Quakerism.
Thanks,
Sara White, Clerk of Quaker Relations