North America: United States

In the United States, AFSC advocates for economic and social systems grounded in nonviolence and shared security. We work to build power with communities in the U.S. and around the world who are impacted by violence and oppression. We act to defend immigrant rights with legal services, training, human rights monitoring, humanitarian relief, immigrant-led organizing, and advocacy. We strive to promote healing–instead of punishment–in the U.S. criminal justice system. And we support just economic priorities and policies, challenge corporate abuse of human rights, and advocate for increased access to basic resources. 

Civic space during the pandemic

During Black Lives Matter protests, CIVICUS expressed solidarity with protesters, defending the right to peaceful assembly and condemning violent police force and calls to deploy the National Guard to crush demonstrations. CIVICUS stated concern over the arbitrary arrests of thousands of protesters and members of the press.

During the presidential election in 2020, voter suppression was a crucial issue. It became evident that the myth of voter fraud poses a significant threat both to protecting access to the ballot and public confidence in the election system. This has alarming implications for democracy.

Source: https://findings2020.monitor.civicus.org/americas.html. For more information, read CIVICUS Monitor’s comprehensive report.

Learn more about AFSC's work and Quaker partners in the United States:

• AFSC key issues  
• Where we work 
• The Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in New York works with policymakers at U.N. headquarters on peacebuilding and the prevention of violent conflict, focusing attention both on the long-term drivers of sustainable peace as well as the importance of peace, justice, and inclusion approaches in crisis and crisis response.
• The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a U.S. national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship.