Summer 2005 • V ol. 86, No. 2 • A Publication of the American Friends Service Committee QuakerAction

World Social Forum shows that another world IS possible

In Newark, immigrants get legal aid and much more

Speaking tour inspires the next generation of Africa activists

Cambodian villagers improve their food and economic security

www.afsc.org

What’s new Summer 2005 on afsc.org QuakerAction V ol. 86, No. 2

Join our email newsletter FEATURES We’ve recently reformatted our monthly email newsletter to better inform you about our current 3 Imagine actions and resources. World Social Forum shows that another www.afsc.org/email/ world IS possible Find Youth and Militarism resources 4 A family feeling Find information In Newark, immigrants get legal aid and about what’s much more true and false in

military recruit- Foss Terry ing, conscien- 7 Putting all the options on the table tious objection, P A G E SI X

AFSC ????? AFSC and military recruitment the military’s access to our schools, and more. www.afsc.org/youthmil/ DEPARTMENTS Support Israeli conscientious objectors 8 Currents AFSC’s Faces of Hope campaign has information about jailed Israeli News from around AFSC conscientious objectors and ways you can help support them. 10 Words from Our Sponsors www.afsc.org/israel-palestine A China workcamp volunteer All about economic justice continues a family tradition Terry Foss Terry From one page, you can now fi nd resources, action alerts, and more PAGEP A G E ELEVENE L E V E N 11 Focus on Missouri about our federal budget priorities, Speaking tour inspires the next international debt, maquiladoras, trade pacts, and other economic generation of Africa activists justice issues. www.afsc.org/economic-justice

On the cover 12 Worldview: Cambodia A monk in Sre Ambel, Cambodia, at Cambodian villagers improve their the Center for Moral Education, food and economic security tends to saplings donated by AFSC. The monks in Sre Ambel work with Khmer Ahimsa [Khmer Nonvio- 13 Recommendations lence], which grew out of an AFSC Staff picks: Tips on movies, books, initiative to address village violence. and music to expand your horizons Ann Morrell Part of the group’s focus is to PAGEP A G E TWELVET W E L V E inspire monks to become educa- tors, mediators, and peacemakers 14 Just Among Friends in their communities. See related A message from AFSC General story on page 12. Secretary Cover photo: Jim Wasserman

Who we are Editor: Willie Colón Reyes National Offi ce The American Friends Service 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1403, Tel: (215) 241-7000 Quaker Action Consulting Editors: M’Annette Ruddell, Published by the Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker John Treat, Tony Heriza Southeast Region Great Lakes Region Pacifi c Mountain Region American Friends organization that includes people of 92 Piedmont Ave., N.E. 637 S. Dearborn, 3rd Fl. 65 Ninth Street Service Committee various faiths who are committed to Design: Gerry Henry Atlanta, GA 30303 Chicago, IL 60605 San Francisco, CA 94103 www.afsc.org social justice, peace, and humanitar- Design Consultant: Middle Atlantic Region Central Region Pacifi c Northwest Region ian service. Its work is based on the David Gerratt/Nonprofi tDesign.com 4806 York Road 4211 Grand Avenue 814 N.E. 40th Street belief in the worth of every person Baltimore, MD 21212 Des Moines, IA 50312 Seattle, WA 98105 Photography: Terry Foss and faith in the power of love to New England Region NY Metropolitan Region Pacifi c Southwest Region overcome violence and injustice. E-mail address: [email protected] 2161 Mass. Avenue 15 Rutherford Place 980 N. Fair Oaks Avenue Cambridge, MA 02140 New York, NY 10003 Pasadena, CA 91103 Imagine World Social Forum shows that another world IS possible

Imagine a sea of more than 200,000 In January, dele- celebratory, united voices marching for gates from AFSC trav- social justice, humane economic change, eled to Porto Alegre, and peace. Brazil, to participate in Imagine 3.5 kilometers full for six days with workshops and panels (2,000 in the fifth WSF. This all). was AFSC’s fourth Imagine collaboration between trade year participating in unions and workers, religious and secular the gathering. peace groups, indigenous peoples from AFSC delegates at- Latin America and Asia, African move- tended strategy ses- ments against the debt, student groups, sions on various issues and women’s organizations. and networked with Imagine that another world IS possible. partner organizations. Imagine the World Social Forum. AFSC led three work- shops: some of the systemic biases it seeks to confront. he World Social Forum (WSF) • Peace and Social Justice Movements For example, there is under-repre- is a vital manifestation of the on the Global Stage: Building Power sentation of Arab delegates from the diversity and strength of the through Strategic Nonviolence T Middle East, indigenous peoples, and international peace and justice move- • Faith and the Future: Can Organized groups from Africa. One of the ways ment. It began in 2001 as a response to Religion Play a Constructive Role the WSF is addressing these issues is by the World Economic Forum, an in the Struggle for the New Global holding the WSF in countries other annual meeting of governmental and Reality? than Brazil. corporate leaders that endorses free • The Impact of the Recent U.S. In 2004, the WSF was held in market policies and promotes corpo- Election on the Peace and Justice Mumbai, India. The 2006 WSF will rate globalization. Movement take the form of decentralized, region- Since then, the WSF has become an al forums, and in 2007 it will be held annual event that brings together grass- AFSC delegates also presented on on the African continent. roots movements, unions, NGOs, panels led by other groups, discussing Currently, many are discussing campesino (rural worker) groups, and issues such as migration, nuclear weap- whether the forum should continue as others to develop and share a peoples’ ons, U.S. military bases, and water a “space for debate” or develop into an alternative to corporate globalization privatization. organized movement for change. and militarization. In addition to the workshops, AFSC delegates attended strategy ses- However, as AFSC’s General Sec- sions on programmatic issues retary Mary Ellen McNish, who such as U.S. military bases, mi- attended this year’s forum, explains, gration, water privatization, “No matter what happens … the ener- the global antiwar movement, gy that drew 150,000 people to engage Israel/Palestine, and debt can- in these important issues will prevail Sunanda Ghosh cellation. Many of these ses- and the WSF will be a force to be reck-

(bottom) oned with in the future.” t; sions focused on organizing global campaigns and actions.

Arnie Alpert;Alper Photos: (top) Water rights activists The WSF does have room to (top) prepare for the 2006 World Water Forum; grow and is working to address (bottom) AFSC delegation at the 2005 Photos: Photos: the ways in which it replicates World Social Forum opening march.

3 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action A family feeling In Newark, immigrants get legal services and much more

BY WILLIE COLÓN REYES

lanca Molina’s dedication to her migrated from throughout the world, work defending the rights of consultations with drop-ins, and pre- BU.S. immigrants is fueled by a pared for the frequent presentations mix of compassion, altruism, and first- about immigrants’ rights and immigra- hand experience—she was once an tion law that they’re asked to give. undocumented immigrant herself. Then there were the reams of pa- Blanca, originally from El Salvador, perwork required for each case. The came to the AFSC Immigrant Rights forms sound like a highway system Program in gone mad: I-90 (Replacement of Green Newark, New Card); I-360 (Special Immigrant Juve- Jersey,Jersey, iinn 11991991 nile); I-821 (Temporary Protected Sta- because she Esther Chavez (seated) helps day laborers tus); I-765 (Work Permit); I-485 (Ad- solve a problem. needed help justment of Status to Permanent navigating the • Community outreach and education Resident); and on and on. maze that is to immigrant groups I, for one, was ex- the U.S. immi- • Legal counseling and representation hausted. Yet, according gration sys- to low-income immigrants to several staff members, t e m . S h e • Educational meetings on immigration this was a slow day. stayed on as a laws and immigrants’ rights As attorney and pro- Blanca Molino, legal • Community organizing and assistant/community volunteer, was gram director Amy Got- organizer hired as a com- leadership development tlieb noted, the office’s munity organizer, and is now both an With 13 staff members, the program level of activity reflects organizer and legal assistant for the pro- is also part of AFSC’s nationwide Proj- two factors: the tremen- gram. ect Voice, which works with immi- dous need and the few AmyAmy Gottlieb, “I get very emotional when I think grant-led organizations and their allies lawyers who want to do program director about the relationships between the to influence the national agenda for this work. people here and their families back immigration policy and immigrants’ “The stakes are so high,” Amy said. home,” Blanca said. “They can’t go rights. “We make a mistake and deportation home.” Small wonder that the uninitiated can be the consequence.” Blanca’s emotion about the people can get overwhelmed after spending a she tries to help was echoed during in- day in the program’s bright, new, sixth- Aggravations abound terviews I conducted with other staff floor offices on Newark’s bustling Frustrations are similarly high. and volunteers, some of whom also Market Street. On the morning of my visit, Mar- came to the program as clients. I lis- During a visit this past April, I guerite Marty, a staff attorney, had to tened to them carefully. It sounded like watched and listened as the office rush to the nearby offices of the U.S. they were talking about family. buzzed with nonstop activity and con- Citizenship and Immigration Services. versations in Spanish, English, and One of her clients had encountered un- A range of services French. The program’s lawyers, legal expected problems during a routine Established in 1988, the regional assistants, community organizers, and hearing. When Marguerite returned, program, based in Newark, provides she was shaking her head in disbelief.

Terry Foss Terry volunteers juggled constant phone calls an impressive range of services, “I talked to a supervisor who said,

hotos: hotos: (including calls to a new legal hotline), P including: appointments with clients who’ve im- ‘You have to understand, we don’t

4 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action know the law. We don’t do readyready fforor hherer aasylumsylum hhear-ear- too many cases like this [im- ing.ing. TheThe wwomanoman ccameame ttoo migrant victims of domestic thethe UnitedUnited StatesStates toto escapeescape abuse]’,” Marguerite re- herher abusiveabusive husbandhusband andand counted. “So I gave her a waswas initiallyinitially ddetainedetained atat thethe copy of the law.” ElizabethElizabeth center.center. The problem is com- Despite her dire situa- pounded when dealing with tion,tion, tthehe woman’swoman’s casecase Blanca Muňoz (left), volunteervolunteer and EstherEsther Chavez, community organizer, prepare for a government agencies that won’twon’t bbee eeasy,asy, eespeciallyspecially leadership training. now require proof of legal withwith a ssystemystem tthat’shat’s sstackedtacked status such as the Depart- againstagainst iimmigrants.mmigrants. One of the newest members of that ment of Motor Vehicles, MargueriteMarguerite MarMarty,ty, “The political climate family is another Blanca—Blanca staff attorney noted Philippe Weisz, the after September 11 is Muñoz. I listened as this Blanca, who’s program’s managing attorney. He extremely hostile to immigrants,” from Honduras, told me her story. works primarily with immigrants seek- Danielle said. “Many people with “I heard about AFSC from a friend,” ing asylum or facing deportation, and legitimate cases are considered suspect she said in Spanish. “I called to ask if immigrant children who have been or thought to be lying.” this place really existed. It seemed like abused, abandoned, or neglected. a dream, too good to be true.” “If immigration officials don’t know A familiar story Blanca, now a member of one of the their own laws, state officials certainly Later in the immigrant-led committees organized don’t,” he said. “How many people are day,d a y , EstherE s t h e r by the program, was volunteering in falling through the cracks, denied ser- Chavez,Chavez, oneone ofof thethe the office. She was working with Esther vices, when they legally could and program’sprogram’s tthree-hree- to prepare for a 20-hour training that should be OK?” communitycommunity orga-orga- will help develop a new group of im- Meanwhile, Danielle Bolden, a staff nizers,nizers, calledcalled meme migrant leaders. attorney who works with immigrants toto thethe receptionreception It all sounded very familiar. detained at the Elizabeth (New Jersey) desk.desk. SShehe wwasas ccov-ov- Willie Colón Reyes is the editor of Detention Center, voiced her own dis- Danielle Bolden, eringe r i n g forf o r thet h e staff attorney Quaker Action. appointments. She spent the morning office’s multitask- helping a Middle Eastern woman get ing wizard of a receptionist, Myrna Hernandez. Three men were standing nearby. “We also have day laborers who come in with problems involving their employers,” Esther said, motioning to the men, who looked distressed. “We try to help them out. That’s another aspect of the work.” Myrna Hernandez, the office’soffice’s multitaskingmultitasking Indeed, it’s impossible to capture all wizard of a receptionist.

that the program does in 900 words. The beautiful quilt (page 4, top) waswas creatcreateded But the feeling behind the work—it and donated to the Newark offi ce by M’Annette Philippe Weisz,Weisz, managing attattorneyorney comes back to family. Ruddell of the Development Department.

5 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Putting all the options on the table AFSC and military recruitment

BY MARY LORD

ar has a human face. The faces of children and fami- Wlies caught in a crossfire or trapped in a besieged town. These are some of the victims of war. Warriors also have a human face— faces of young men and women few of whom expected to find themselves in Iraq. When we look into the faces of the U.S. soldiers now in Iraq or Colom- bia or any one of hundreds of U.S. mil- and women, the military does not lead basic training that the military is a job itary bases around the world, it is right to advanced job training, or money for you can’t quit. to ask what brought them here—indi- college, or the American dream. It is a “Do You Know Enough to Enlist?”, vidually, personally into this place. road to an American nightmare of bro- AFSC’s brochure for young men and While for some it is a love of coun- ken promises, misrepresentation, and women considering the military, gives try that includes military service, for often outright lies from military recruit- a short checklist of questions and many young people, the military is the ers desperate to meet quotas. advice. Volunteers and AFSC offices only path they see that can take them Even if they escape the death and have distributed tens of thousands of from poverty to college, advanced job injury that can come with war, fewer copies in English and Spanish to training, and a career. Studies show that than 35 percent of soldiers get any schools and centers where young peo-

oss 33 percent of men and women enlist in money for college. In fact, bureaucratic ple hang out. We respect the decisions y F err the U.S. armed forces to fund their rules can let the military take the mon- Terry Foss Terry T young persons make about their lives, education. Another 34 percent of men ey the soldiers themselves put into their but it is important they are informed (bottom) and 31 percent of women enlist for job college account. choices. training. For too many the promised

Connie Houde; For too many, enlistment is perhaps advanced job training in computers or A real choice (top) the only road they see to the American mechanics turns out to be infantry It is not the sons and daughters of

Photos: Photos: dream. training. Young people, who are told the privileged who go into the But for many of byby recruitersrecruiters ttheyhey cancan alwaysalways leaveleave tthehe military. The schools the recruiters go these young men ArmyArmy ifif theythey don’tdon’t likelike it,it, findfind outout inin to are poor rural and inner city

6 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action schools. The neighborhoods are poor neighborhoods and immigrant neigh- Youth & Militarism resources borhoods where both documented and undocumented immigrants are prom- AFSC’s “Do You Know Enough to Enlist” ised U.S. citizenship in return for mil- brochure has helped tens of thousands of itary service in Iraq. young people answer questions If we want to make sure that young such as: people have an informed choice, a real choice about military service, we need Will enlistment help me achieve my goals? to reach out to the same schools Am I trying to escape my own problems? and neighborhoods visited by the Am I willing to give up control? recruiters. For nearly 20 years AFSC’s Youth Am I willing to kill and be killed? and Militarism Program has challenged Do I have other options? the military recruiters and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Brochures are available in Spanish and English. A new poster, “Ten Points to (JROTC) programs. For many years Consider Before You Sign a Military Enlistment Agreement,” produced in conjunc- we were one of very few programs tion with the Syracuse Cultural Workers, is also available. around the United States working on “counter-recruitment.” Order copies or get a downloadable version from the Youth and Militarism Program Now the movement is spread- at www.afsc.org/youthmil/resources or by calling (215) 241-7176. ing. More organizations, including the powerful voices of military families and Photos: (top, page 6) Members of Iraq vets, are getting involved. This For more information about AFSC’s Veterans for Peace at a “No Child Left June, AFSC will again host the third Youth and Militarism Program, including Unrecruited” event in Albany, New annual national training conference on the June conference on counter-military York. (bottom) Scenes from the June counter-military recruitment work, recruitment work, log onto www.afsc. 26, 2004, counter-military recruitment bringing together activists, vets, and org/youthmil. conference in Philadelphia. educators who want young people to have a real choice.

Mary Lord is AFSC’s Assistant General Secretary for Peace and Conflict Resolution

7 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Currents

News from around AFSC

◗ PEACEBUILDING AND DEMILI- Nearly 1,000 people TARIZATION marched behind this flag- Waging peace on the draped coffin in downtown second anniversary of Chicago as part of the the Iraq War March 20 second anniver- sary event sponsored by Responding to AFSC’s call to United for Peace: Faithful “Stand for Peace,” untold Citizenship. Chicago AFSC thousands turned out across was a catalyst in forming the country on the second this faith-based coalition. anniversary of the Iraq War. Anchored by the Eyes Wide Open exhi- reported that “52 people in a town To date, more than 80,000 people have bit in Los Angeles and a United for Peace with one traffic light is a lot.” In Show viewed the online Wage Peace movie, and Justice rally at Fort Bragg, North Car- Low, Arizona, the 11 people who gath- more than 45,000 have signed the Iraq olina, more that 250 events took place, ered for a midday vigil on March 19 Peace Petition, and 35,000 are wearing drawing enthusiastic support from Olym- reported that smiles and waves far out- the Wage Peace bracelet. Learn more pia, Washington, to Key West, Florida. weighed negative reactions. at www.afsc.org/wagepeace. Organizers in Cherry Valley, New York,

migrant workers in Thailand who were tioning the constitutionality of execut- ◗ HUMANITARIAN affected by the tsunami but who have ing minors. “With this decision, the ASSISTANCE been discriminated against in aid United States takes a major step toward After the tsunami distribution. joining the twenty-first century,” said After responding to the December 2004 More information is available online Tonya McClary, director of AFSC’s Criminal Justice Program. “The U.S. Asian tsunami with emergency aid, AFSC at www.afsc.org/tsunami. is now in recovery mode. Supreme Court has confirmed that executing youthful offenders is indeed Continuing our partnership with the ◗ CRIMINAL JUSTICE a cruel practice.” Indonesian organization Society for Juvenile death penalty Health, Education, Environment, and abolished! ◗ ECONOMIC JUSTICE Peace (SHEEP), the focus is on East Aceh, SOS! Campaign calls for a moral an isolated area that has not received much On March 1, the U.S. Supreme Court budget assistance. We are helping 10 local organi- outlawed the execution of juvenile zations with access to food and medical offenders. The majority in the 5-4 This winter and spring, AFSC’s SOS! aid and to get aid workers out to remote decision sided with the coalition of (Save Our Services) Campaign called on villages. We also are directly supporting civil rights groups, religious denomina- Congress to adopt a “moral budget” that the rebuilding of livelihoods. tions, legal organizations, and medical reflects justice, equality, and opportu- associations urging the court to strike nity. Organized by AFSC’s Economic Relief efforts have expanded work to down the juvenile death penalty. Justice Program, the campaign

Photo: Mario Quezada Photo: Thailand where AFSC works with sever- The AFSC and others filed an amicus has yielded concrete results and strength- al agencies that are assisting Burmese brief with the Supreme Court ques- ened faith-based organizing on a

8 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action TAKE ACTION

Join the call for peace with justice in Colombia From May to October, the U.S. Congress will make decisions about our government’s military aid and overall policy to Colombia. Some elected offi cials are aware of the problems, including recent incidents of violence in AFSC-supported peace com- AFSC General munities where residents reject violence SecretarySecretary MarMaryy Ellen by all armed actors. Congress needs to McNish (at micro-micro- learn more and insist on a debate leading phone) calls forfor a to new policies. moral budgetbudget at a Philadelphia rally Now, as this process begins, your voice organized byby AFSC can have a special impact.

Terry Foss Terry and community Your calls and emails will be part of a national and state level. The SOS! Campaign will continue nationwide effort to call for an overhaul through November 6. For action alerts of U.S. policy to Colombia. There is no Anticipating that the fiscal year 2006 fed- military solution to this confl ict. Our policy and resources, including special eral budget would cut safety-net pro- needs to support a negotiated settlement, resources for faith communities, log grams such as food stamps while extend- not more warfare. onto www.saveourservices.org. ing tax breaks for high-income Call or email your elected offi cials. (Call households, the SOS! Campaign began the Congressional Switchboard at (202) on February 7, the day the president pre- ◗ Y O U T H 225-3121 and ask to be connected to sented his budget to Congress. Seattle program fosters your senators/representatives.) Ask tomorrow’s leaders for change your elected offi cials to rewrite policy to An AFSC-sponsored toll-free number Colombia so that it supports a political generated more than 16,000 calls to Con- The student group Riseone, part of the settlement. gress in three days and helped lessen the Community Justice Program in Seattle, Recommend that your elected offi cials severity of proposed Medicaid cuts. conducts bimonthly counter-military read “Blueprint for a New Colombia Policy,” recruitment at Chief Sealth High School AFSC staff and supporters nationwide available at www.afsc.org/colombia. distributed thousands of postcards call- and did a workshop at the annual MLK ing for a moral budget. Day celebration. Their goal is to con- Contact the Latin America/Caribbe- tinue to do workshops on militarism an Peacebuilding Program for how to In West Virginia, briefings by AFSC’s throughout the area. From March 16- become more involved: 1501 Cherry Rick Wilson yielded significant press 21, twelve program members attended Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102; e-mail: [email protected]. coverage, and collaboration with the the anti-racist organizing conference of state AFL-CIO helped convince the leg- the People’s Institute for Survival and islature to pass a resolution opposing Beyond in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Social Security privatization. In Penn- program also is planning the annual sylvania, AFSC and the Pennsylvania Tyree Scott Freedom School, a nine-day Council of Churches organized a “faith summer event to train new anti-racist leaders” letter signed by 72 clergy and community organizers with a focus on lay leaders. Graciela Martinez and ages 16-24.

Martin Cuevas in Visalia, California, cir- ACIN culated Spanish-language SOS! fliers and For more information, contact program Scene of destruction in the peace director Dustin Washington at (206) 632- built community awareness through a community of Toribío. weekly radio show. 0500, ext. 14.

9 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Words from Our Sponsors

In the bones A China workcamp volunteer continues a family tradition

BY M’ANNETTE RUDDELL environmental The earnest young Quaker… the compassionate nurse… education. a chance meeting in the chaos of Craig’s volun- World War I in France… teer group held a Science Fair Day hile it may sound like a where demonstra- movie plot, Craig Shaw tions using solar Wsays that’s how his mater- cookers and pro- nal grandparents really met. Henry ducing dyes from Dearden and Marion Craig were among native plants were the first who volunteered for the big hits. “units,” largely staffed by Friends, that Reflecting on provided medical and humanitarian eraleral ChineseChinese graduategraduate studentsstudents inin thisthis uniqueunique experience,experience, CraigCraig says,says, assistance in Europe during the war. Xiaoshicun (“Little Stone Village”) in “While excited about the progress of Their service began a family tradition eastern Hunan Province. the project, seeing the flow of informa- and connection to AFSC. AFSC’s East Asia Quaker Interna- tion among the participants, and the That tradition was continued by tional Affairs Representatives, James wonderful sharing at a very human lev- Craig’s parents, Mary (known as and Wu Na Reilly, have a strong con- el, for me the most satisfying aspect of Mardy) and Mark Shaw. They both nection to the community because it is China Summer was seeing how rural volunteered for the Friends Ambulance the home village of Wu Na’s family. China works. Just being part of a small, Unit in China, with Mark arriving in She and James developed the plans for vital community added a significant di- 1946 and Mardy two years later. They China Summer along with local activ- mension to my understanding of the were married in China. ists. In addition to AFSC, Westfield country.” Craig “inherited” the Friends Meeting (New Craig also notes that he strongly felt family interest in China Jersey)Jersey) aandnd PPhiladel-hiladel- the support of his parents as he volun- and studied Chinese his- phia Yearly Meeting teered with AFSC. And he was aware, tory in college, eventu- are involved in recruit- too, of the heritage his Dearden grand- ally getting a PhD in ing volunteers to go to parents gave to him. Chinese literature. He Xiaoshicun. “AFSC has been a constant thread now teaches Chinese lan- A major long-term in our family,” Craig says, “and I am guage, and works as a goal of the project is grateful to have been of service in such translator and freelance editor on books greater educational opportunities for an important project.” related to China. young women, who typically attend M’Annette Ruddell, whose family also has Through a family friend, Craig classes only through junior high a long-time connection to the Service found out about the AFSC-sponsored school. Committee, is Associate Director of summer workcamp in China. His ini- In the past several years, the work- Donor Marketing for AFSC. In 1948, her tial inquiry evolved into an assistant camps have rehabilitated an abandoned father, Dick Ruddell, met Mardy Shaw’s director position where his language building for use as a community educa- ship in Shanghai. skills were especially useful. In 2004, he tion center for language classes, a Photos: (top) Craig Shaw (front row, left) joined other U.S. citizens (ranging in library, and computer center. The vol-

JamesNaand Reilly Wu with workcamp participants; (bottom)TheThe age from 16 to more than 70), five unteers taught English and there project promotes greater educational Photos: South Koreans, two Japanese, and sev- has been an increasing emphasis on opportunities for young women.

10 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Focus on St. Louis Advocates of hope Speaking tour inspires the next generation of Africa activists

This past February, AFSC-St. Louis because our families are poor,” he said. American youth; and we broke bread staff member Anyango Reggy helped “The government was then told by the and fellowshipped with Quakers and organize an 11-city, 36-college campus IMF [International Monetary Fund] to other friends. speaking tour, Life Over Debt: Africa in cut spending on services like health care This trip renewed my hope in the the Age of Global Apartheid. The tour and education so they no longer pro- future of the continent that I love so helped increase awareness and inspire vide these services for free. Education much and have dedicated my life to young people to organize around the is no longer a right; it is a privilege of serving. The future of Africa is bright issues that most affect the African conti- the few.” as a new generation of well informed nent: HIV/AIDS and international Nomasonto Mthimkulu, Coordina- and empowered young people commit debt. tor of Youth for Work in South Africa, their lives to her liberation. Below, Anyango shares her thoughts shared that her brother died last year on what she calls “…one of the most because her family did not have enough A virtual tour memorable experiences of my life.” money to purchase much-needed med- Find out more about the recent icines to save his life. Africa speaking tour online by FSC’s Africa Peacebuilding “Our family members are dying listening to organizers from six Afri- Program has a proud 20-year because there are pharmaceutical com- can countries talk about problems Ahistory of bringing activist panies in the West that care more about and solutions on their continent. Go speakers from various parts of Africa making profit than saving people’s to www.afsc/africa-listen to U.S. communities. This year, the lives,” Nomasonto said. tour was led and organized by youth These youth activists urged audi- from six countries in Africa. ences to challenge detrimental U.S. gov- I had the opportunity to travel with ernment and corporate policies. “There three of the speakers. They represent a is an emergency situation in Africa new wave of freedom fighters at the today, a crisis that the world is not pay- forefront of the struggle for economic ing attention to,” John Bomba said. justice and peace building on the Afri- “We know the world cares about can continent. human suffering because we saw it dur- ing the recent tsunami disasters. Africa Stories of struggle needs us to advocate on her behalf.” Jean Claude Nkundwa, a youth peace trainer from Burundi, spoke Anyango Reggy (right) and Nomasonto A memorable experience Mthimkulu during a stop in Philadelphia. about dropping out of school in the After 28 very intense days on the middle of his university studies because road, I reflect on one of the most mem- education is no longer affordable for orable experiences of my life. the average young person in Burundi. Young adults were energized and John Bomba, the National Coordi- inspired to organize around Africa’s nator of Zimbabwe-based Student’s most pressing issues; connections were Against Privatization, was born in made between African youth and nyangoReggy

A 1980, when Zimbabwe gained indepen-

: : African-Americans as we recognize our dence. He is part of the generation deep historical and social connections. (bottom) ; known as the “born frees.” After inde- Countless African immigrants were pendence, every child had access to challenged to stay connected with their John Bomba (left) and Nomasonto TerryFoss

: Mthimkulu (center) talk toto a wwomanoman books, meals, and a packet of milk. homelands. Solidarity and cultural

(top) from Nigeria about the need for debt “This meant a lot to most of us sharing was achieved with Native cancellation. Photos:

11 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Worldview: Cambodia Bread and peace Cambodian villagers improve their food and economic security

45-minute boat ride from the with monks, to inspire town of Sre Ambel, Cambo- them to become educa- dia, will land you in a village tors, mediators, and A peacemakers in their along a brackish river where houses are perched on stilts, fishing nets hang from communities, as they porch beams to dry in the sun, and were in the past. giant clay jars catch and store fresh rain- Concurrently, the water for drinking. AFSC Integrated Sus- In the lowlands, saltwater tides flood tainable Livelihood Pro- the fields, and families struggle to grow gram (ISLP), led entirely enough rice for survival; inland, the by Cambodians, is help- Cardamom Mountains are covered in inging villagersvillagers inin ruralrural CambodiaCambodia regainregain TheThe pprocessrocess ooff ssharingharing rresources,esources, forest but threatened by logging. Tra- lost farming skills and restore the Cam- cultivating land, and learning from ditional trades and agricultural tech- bodian tradition of sankahak kasekor or one another has yielded something niques, once taught from one genera- “farmers helping each other.” previously absent and yet most essen- tion to the next, have been lost due to Farmers are rebuilding dams to keep tial to sustainability: a cohesive com- the disruptions of violent conflict. out the saltwater tides that destroy the munity in this remote corner of Cam- Here on land once considered rice crop. To bridge seasonal rice short- bodia. Khmer Rouge territory, villagers today ages, farmers can borrow rice from a are working to restore their commu- community rice bank and repay in-kind Challenges ahead nity and their livelihoods and protect at the end of the season, when their own This area, once isolated by terrain precious natural resources for future crops are harvested. ISLP introduces new and conflict, is now opening rapidly generations. seeds and better cropping techniques to to outside forces. New roads and port help farmers improve yields. development are bringing increased Restoring tradition ISLP and villagers also are developing traffic into the area. Illegal logging and Khmer Ahimsa [Khmer Nonvio- cooperative natural resource manage- commercial trawlers threaten local lence], now a Cambodian nongovern- ment in order to claim and protect vil- livelihoods, and attendant disputes mental organization, grew out of an lage livelihood resources. Volunteer fish- have erupted in violence. Tensions AFSC initiative to address village vio- ery and forestry patrols prevent illegal over land use between villagers, envi- lence. Khmer Ahimsa staff help com- and destructive harvesting, protecting the ronmental groups, and foreign inves- munities rebuild their meeting houses communities’ future. tors are compelling Khmer Ahimsa and traditional self-help associations, For labor and transportation, few and ISLP to take a role in conflict me- restoring a positive sense of self-reliance animals are sturdier or more reliable than diation to protect the fragile environ- into fragmented villages. It also works the water buffalo. mental, economic, and social balance To help the poorest and most vulner- in the region. able families, ISLP has introduced water The past few years of dealing with buffalo “banks.” Groups of four families adversity and finding solutions has are loaned two water buffalo to jointly strengthened these communities and care for and whose labor they share. prepared them to face what may be Together they plow fields, haul fire- their greatest challenge yet. wood, and lend out the work animals in exchange for goods and services. The first two offspring are given to two families, Photos: (top and bottom) VillagersVillagers in a and two new families are brought in to remote part of Cambodia are building a cohesive community. Photos: Ann Morrell Photos: share.

12 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Recommendations Staff picks Tips on movies, books, and music to expand your horizons

In an era of media explosion—and time BOOK practical arguments to change public scarcity—how do we choose what to opinion and, ultimately, public policy. watch, read, or listen to? In this issue, Over the Highest Ed Nakawatase, Philadelphia AFSC staff from around the country Mountains: A share tips on books, movies, and music Memoir of Unexpect- Confessions of an Economic Hit Man that expand their horizons, inform their ed Heroism in France by John Perkins work, and help them make sense of the during World War II A New York Times bestseller,bestseller, thisthis bookbook world. by Alice Resch exposes the entrapment of poor develop- Synnestevedt FILM/VIDEO ing countries in a debt cycle that allows The book gives a vivid the North to keep a comfortable control ROMERO picturepicture ofof whatwhat itit waswas likelike toto livelive underunder over their policies, and includes the This fi lm movingly Nazi occupation in France. Alice, who startling revelation that there really are portrays the life of served as an AFSC representative in “economic hit men” being hired by the Archbishop Oscar France, shares her efforts to help hun- U.S. government to fulfi ll this mission. Romero of El Salvador, dreds of people, under threat of arrest Jessica Walker Beaumont, who was killed by the and death, to escape into the relative Philadelphia, and Martha Yager, military 25 years ago. safety of Switzerland and Spain. New Hampshire Raul Julia brilliantly Jack Sutters, Philadelphia plays Romero, a cham- (Note: Available from AFSC Literature Resources MUSIC pion of the poor and of Unit. Call (215) 241-7048 or log onto www.afsc. org/resources.) Greg Brown (numerous recordings) human rights. As tunes go, Iowa’s own Greg Brown is Josefi na Castillo, Austin The Fifth Sacred Thing tops. Although most of his songs aren’t by Starhawk political, all delve into the depths of what HOTEL RWANDA it means to be human—how we relate to When hearing about the Rwanda mas- This work of fi ction presents a picture of others, God, ourselves, and our planet. sacres, very little is said about the apathy a country in the future ruled by greed, Jon Krieg, Des Moines shown by the so-called super powers supported by religion, and bolstered toward humanity outside their sphere. by violence. Set against this are com- Loretta Lynn, Van Lear Rose The movie traces the roots of dissen- munities of people deeply committed Loretta’s Grammy-winning latest is a sion between the Hutus and Tutsis to to nonviolence and a humane world. A wonder, with terrifi c songwriting and Rwanda’s former colonizers and prompts great story, full of wonderful concepts, it that unmistak- soul-searching refl ection. presents true pictures of what it costs to able voice. Never Shahina Malik, Philadelphia live nonviolence. one to hide her Maria Pappalardo, Philadelphia emotions, retreat DOWNFALL into victimhood, Bury the Chains Covering the last ten days of the Third or take herself too by Adam Hochschild Reich, Bruno Ganz is remarkable as seriously, Loretta the fuehrer. The fi lm reminds us of the This in-depth look at the anti-slavery Lynn just keeps inevitable tragic consequences when struggle in the British Empire, from the moving into fresher, riskier territory. good people remain silent as arrogant late eighteenth century to the end of the Kay Whitlock, Missoula, Montana government offi cials embark on foolhardy slave trade in the 1830s, is viewed as the imperial adventures. fi rst modern human rights movement. British abolitionists (disproportionately Stay tuned for more staff picks in the Max Obuszewski, Baltimore next issue of Quaker Action. Quaker) combined moral outrage with

13 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Just Among Friends Acts of conscience A message from AFSC General Secretary Mary Ellen McNish

…yet there was in the depth of my “Several times in the last strung together one by one mind a scruple which I could not get months I have given volun- that change our world— over; and at certain times I was teer time to assist with the sometimes more quickly greatly distressed on the account.… staging of the ‘Eyes Wide than we would have expect- To refuse the active payment of a tax Open’ traveling exhibit spon- ed. The spirit in which he which our society generally paid was sored by the American writes also reminds me that exceedingly disagreeable, but to do a Friends Service Committee. we must never forget that thing contrary to my conscience … I pray in the conviction conscience must be at the appeared yet more dreadful. thatthat oourur ppolicyolicy mmakers’akers’ eeyesyes aandnd hheartsearts rootroot ofof allall wewe do.do. can and will become wide open to the Whether it is in refusing to fund John Woolman 18th Century Friend death, suffering, economic havoc, and war, resisting military service, or call- environmental destruction being ing for government policies that protect I can’t begin to tell you what the wreaked, and that the present disastrous the vulnerable and the stranger, we encouraging mail I receive from so course of our nation be corrected. must resist being drawn down to the many of our supporters means to me. “My decision comes with testing and level of personal animosity. It is in our I recently received a copy of a letter that struggle. Uneasy with putting myself reason and conscience that we are made a Quaker supporter sent to the Internal in noncompliance with the U.S. tax in God’s image, and it is in using these Revenue Service. In his letter, he system, I must nevertheless do what I in love and humility that we grow into writes: can to comply with God’s law, which the Spirit of God. “…I find myself unable, in con- is the higher law.” science, to voluntarily pay the military This friend’s witness reminds me portion of my tax liability. that it is often individual prophetic acts

REFLECTIONS A legacy of justice Remembering Archbishop Romero

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador wrote to President Jimmy Carter in February 1980, urging him not to send militarymilitary aid because it wwouldould only sharpensharpen the repression of thethe SalvadoranSalvadoran people. RespondingResponding toto that repression, AFSC’s Central America staff,staff, Angela and Phil Berryman,Berryman, organized a U.S.U.S. religious leaders’ delegation to San Salvador that arrived on March 22.

TheyThey attendedattended ArArchbishopchbishop Romero’sRomero’s SundaySunday mass where he acknowledgedacknowledged their presence. In his homily,homily, he particularlyparticularly addressed soldierssoldiers and police saying,saying, ““YouYou are killing youryour brbrothersothers and sis- ters.ters. God’s law,law, ‘Thou shalt nonott kill,’ should preprevailvail overover anyany givengiven byby man. It is time toto recoverrecover your conscience and obey it. I implore you, in the name of God: stop the repression.” es

chiv TheThe nnextext eevening,vening, ArchbishopArchbishop RomeroRomero wwasas aassassinatedssassinated wwhilehile ssayingaying mmass.ass. TThehe AAFSCFSC ddelega-elega- tiontion wentwent toto thethe hospitalhospital wherewhere hehe waswas takentaken andand waswas presentpresent whenwhen hishis deathdeath waswas announced.announced. AFSC Archives Ar That night they met with U.S. ambassador Robert White and expressed their concerns. (bottom) right; Although he oftenoften receivedreceived death threats, ArchbishopArchbishop RomeroRomero said, “If theythey kill me, I will

Anne Wright; Anne Wright; W arise in the Salvadoran people.” Twenty-fi ve years later people from around the world

(top) remember Romero’s legacy by committing themselves to work for justice in El Salvador

photos: and across the globe.

14 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Resources

HIP Program Manual: Empowering British counterparts who were helping refu- Youth through Confl ict Resolution gees fl eeing from Poland into Russia. Con- and Community Building Show your true colors structive Spirit includes dramatic fi rst-hand Creating a community of youth who have narratives of their courageous adventures. the communication skills to cooperate Let everyone know you support Softcover, 232 pages. $16.95 with each other to build a better world is AFSC with these attractive items: a powerful way to foster peace. AFSC’s The Intrepid Help Increase the Peace Program (HIPP) Tote bags $10 Quaker: One Man’s revised manual has new and updated Quest for Peace activities to teach confl ict resolution, raise The memoirs, speech- awareness about social issues, and guide es, and writings of you in how to start a HIP Program in your long-time AFSC staffer area. $30 per copy plus $6 shipping for and board member the fi rst copy. To order, send a check to Steve Cary reveal lead- AFSC, P.O.B. 73008, Washington, D.C. ership and philosophy 20056 or call Kathryn Liss, HIPP National that mirror the Quaker Coordinator, at (202) 299-1052 experience in education and peace work in the latter half of the twentieth century. Hard- The Wall cover, 337 pages. $20 Cannot Stop Our Stories: Diaries from Hats $10 Putting Dignity and Rights at the Palestine 2000 Heart of the Global Economy – 2004 Written by an AFSC This collection of Working Party on diary entries is, in Global Economics, part, the result of Putting Dignity AFSC’s Quaker ex a m i n e s t h e Palestinian Youth global economy Project diary writ- through the lens of ing project. The project allowed young And show your support human dignity and women and men to register what hap- economic rights. It pened around them in their daily lives, for peace with reflects Quaker cope with negative and traumatic feelings WAGE PEACE Bracelet $2 v a l u e s a n d and experiences, and refl ect on a world principles relevant with conflicting cultural demands and to a just economy, as well as the AFSC’s opportunities. Softcover, 293 pages. longtime experience in economic justice $20 work. Paperback; 118 pages. $7

We Felt Their Kindliness: An Ameri- can Family’s Afghan Odyssey 1949 – Building from the Inside Out: Peace 1951 Initiatives in War-torn Colombia In 1949, Rebecca and Osborne Cresson This vivid, often- and their two children moved to Afghani- moving booklet presents stories stan. For two years, while teaching and Unless otherwise noted, order all homemaking, they recorded the scene and testimonies of items on this page through around them in words and pictures. Pro- Colombians work- ceeds benefi t AFSC Afghan projects. Soft- AFSC’s Literature Resources Unit ing to fi nd a non- cover, 253 pages. $20 1501 Cherry Street violent resolution Philadelphia, PA 19102-1403 to the long-running civil war in their Constructive Spirit: Quakers in Phone: (215) 241-7048 (or toll-free Revolutionary country. Softcover; Russia 1-888-588-2372, ext. 2) 32 pages. Avail- Fax: (215) 241-7275 or order online able for free down- In the chaotic load at www.afsc.org/colombia. Print cop- a f te r m a t h o f at www.afsc.org/resources i e s : $ 5 . Order from the Latin WWI, the newly- America/Caribbean Peacebuilding Program, formed American 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA, Friends Service 19102; e-mail: [email protected]. Committee sent a team of six wom- en to join their

15 l SUM MER 2 0 0 5 l Quaker Action Build a Future for ... Every year, bequests from our supporters allow AFSC to Peace undertake peacemaking work in some of the world’s most difficult regions. Right now in Beijing, Bogotá, and Jerusalem, Quaker International Affairs Representatives are playing important roles in addressing some of the world’s thorniest regional conflicts. At the Quaker United Nations Office, staff have played a valued role for more than 50 years. All of this is possible, in part, because of Friends and supporters like you who remember AFSC in their estate planning. To learn more about AFSC values all becoming a bequests, whether large “Friend“Friend forfor the Future”Future” call or small. Together, these Mike Valoris gifts ensure the stability of our GiftGift Planning offi ce at of AFSC’s ongoing 1-888-588-2372,1-888-588-2372, eext.xt. 3, send witness for peace, justice, an e-mail to and human dignity. [email protected]@afsc.org, By naming AFSC in or check the box your will or trust or as a beneficiary of your retirement on the enclosed reply account, you can reduce estate taxes and continue your envelope. commitment to Quaker service. Best of all, it’s quite easy.

Photos: top right: Palestine, Terry Foss; top left: China Summer Work Camp, Jaime and Wu Na Reilly; bottom right: Colombia, Rachel Chandler-Worth

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID American Friends QuakerAction Service Committee 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1403

SUMMER 2005 V ol. 86, No. 2