The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) acts in faith to create a world free from war, a society with equity and justice for all, a community where every person’s potential may be fulfilled, and an earth restored. FCNL brings Friends’ spiritual values and testimonies to bear on U.S. federal public policy decisions, guided by legislative priorities. The worsening climate crisis, U.S. complicity in war and humanitarian suffering throughout the world, threats to the foundation of democracy, and more urge Quakers across the country to action here in Washington D.C. and beyond.
To craft the legislative priorities for our lobbying and public education work, the policy committee seeks input from meetings and churches, other Quaker groups, and FCNL staff and governors.
The priorities are intended to be prophetic and values-based, simple and easy to communicate, and still specific enough to provide direction for subsequent actions. Inevitably they will be circumscribed by legislative opportunities, specific expertise, leadings, and available organizational resources used in a strategic manner to allow for the greatest success. FCNL seeks to collaborate across the political spectrum to advance these priorities, which are rooted in the Strategic Plan, values, and Policy Statement (The World We Seek).
Resources for Preparing Your Input
Before you jump in, take some time with the suggested resources at the right. These are aimed to give you more context, help you think through choices, and see what guiding values act as a basis for our work.
Queries:
As a heavily middle-class group, what role should Quakers be taking to speak for justice in our legal system?
In what ways do you see lobbying as part of your faith or spiritual journey?
Have you ever experienced being “wise as serpents, innocent as doves”? What was that like?
How is your personal life a witness to the Light among us? How does this inform what you say to Congress?
FCNL Statement of Legislative Policy (the overarching document stating our discerned convictions and foundation for our work.
Priorities Guidance – pdf file. (the actual process we follow to gain your input, including before and after.
What are the legislative priorities for the current congress (119th)?
Dismantle militarism at home and abroad while reasserting Congress’ role in decisions around military engagements. Champion initiatives to reduce military spending and to eliminate nuclear, conventional, and newly emerging weapons.
Ensure U.S. commitment to international peacebuilding, diplomacy, cooperation, and human rights at home and abroad.
Uphold the community rights and concerns of indigenous peoples, and reform the federal legal and administrative systems to protect tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
Demilitarize our borders and reform immigration policies to protect fundamental human rights for immigrant communities, regardless of immigration status.
Transform our current cruel and unjust criminal legal system into one that is restorative and rehabilitative.
Support gun violence prevention, nonviolent conflict resolution, and community-led safety solutions.
Eliminate poverty, structural economic inequity, and health care inequity.
Strengthen environmental protections and advance environmental justice in the United States and around the globe.
Counter the imminent threat of further climate change and support evidence-based mitigation and adaptive remedies.