Government shutdown, DACA, Gaza book tour

Resources to inform and support your activism [afsc logo](   SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 Weekend Reading [AFSC organizer and DACA recipient Itzel Hernandez at a Supreme Court hearing on DACA in 2019.]( Photo: Carl Roose/AFSC Dear Friend, A recent court decision has left hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients facing more uncertainty. [In this essay, AFSC's Itzel Hernandez shares what DACA has meant for her and her family.]( It's a reminder that we must keep urging Congress to provide permanent protections for DACA recipients and all immigrants. Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism: [5 things you need to know about the federal budget—and possible government shutdown:]( Some House members are trying to shut down the government to get more cuts to food assistance, health care, and other vital programs. That’s even though millions of people have already been harmed by the end of pandemic-era benefits. No matter what happens, Congress must reject any cuts to community needs in the federal budget, writes AFSC’s Mike Merryman-Lotze and Rick Wilson. [Exposing a corporation that profits from immigrant detention:]( In Chicago, AFSC is working to shine a light on the horrific human rights record of GardaWorld. The company was hired by the city to set up and operate camps for asylum seekers. Earlier this year, AFSC advocated to stop the city of Denver from contracting with GardaWorld. The company has shown "a lack of transparency and human rights abuses across all of their business operations,” said AFSC’s Jennifer Piper. (South Side Weekly) [“Light in Gaza” West Coast speaking tour (Sept. 30-Oct. 11):]( Last fall, AFSC’s anthology “Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire” brought the voices and experiences of Palestinians in Gaza to the U.S. and around the world. In the coming weeks, we're hosting contributor Yousef Aljamal on a speaking tour through Oregon, Washington, and California. If you’re in the area, please join us for a discussion and to learn more about how you can show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. [Last chance to win a chance to meet Joan Baez—and support AFSC!:]( Joan Baez wants to fly one lucky winner and their guest to New York City to meet her at an exclusive screening of her new documentary “Joan Baez I Am a Noise.” And every entry supports AFSC! The more you donate, the more entries you earn for a chance to win and support AFSC. Tomorrow, Sept. 24, is the deadline to enter! Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible. [DONATE]( American Friends Service Committee 1501 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 United States | [Donate]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram |]( [News]( If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please [unsubscribe](. [Update your AFSC email preferences](