AFSC New Mexico launched the Farm to Food Bank project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Core-Visual / AFSC
Dear Friend,
On July 29, 1970—over 50 years ago—the United Farm Workers signed a contract with grape growers in California, ending the first grape boycott. While farmworkers made their call that was heard around the world, AFSC staff joined them in the boycott and supported the families of striking workers.
This is one of many examples of how so many in our AFSC alumni community have taken courageous paths and demonstrated what true caring can do. It’s inspiring to know you and be a part of this group.
With deep appreciation,
Tonya Histand
Director of Public Engagement
Alumni news & notes
Stephen McNeil worked in AFSC’s San Francisco office for decades. Before retiring, he last served as AFSC peacebuilding program director in the Bay Area. Earlier this year, Stephen fell and suffered a head injury and passed away on June 18. AFSC staff and alumni made this video to play for him while he was in the hospital.
As a student at Middlebury College, Steve Early became active in the student movement against the Vietnam War. He went on to serve as the Vermont field secretary for AFSC from 1971 to 1972. Steve recently published "Our Veterans," which explores the physical, emotional, social, economic, and psychological impacts of military service and the problems veterans face when they return to civilian life.
Hazel Lovett and her husband, Jim, joined AFSC in 1948, traveling to the Henan Province in China, where they helped to run a hospital. They spent three years in China with AFSC. Hazel passed away on April 17.
Ched Myers, who worked for AFSC in Pasadena, recently co-authored "Healing Haunted Histories", which addresses the continent-wide theft of Indigenous land that made possible the establishment of the United States and Canada.
Wendy Visscher was born in Germany in 1925. When she was 14, her family fled Germany for the U.S. just days before the start of World War II. As an adult, she was drawn to Quakerism, where she organized work camps and was very active with AFSC. Wendy passed away on June 16.
In the 1980s and ’90s, Willie Brown III was clerk of AFSC's New England Regional Executive Committee as well as serving on the Board and other administrative committees. He passed away on May 31.
Do you have news to share? Email us today!
Updates from AFSC:
Economic Activism
Following a two-year campaign led by AFSC calling on General Mills to stop making Pillsbury products on stolen Palestinian land, the company announced in June that it had divested its Israeli business altogether.
Gaza Unlocked
Our updated website shares an inside look at everyday life for Palestinians living under the blockade in Gaza. And in August, Haymarket Books will publish “A Light in Gaza,” a compilation of stories from Palestinians in Gaza edited by AFSC staff.
New Mexico Farm to School Project
AFSC New Mexico’s Farm to School project brings fresh, healthy food into schools while supporting local farmers. The project is a model to inspire others and emphasizes supporting beginner farmers in training.
Archive dive
After serving with AFSC in Europe during World War II, O. James Fox was sent by AFSC to photo-document the redlined area around Flanner House in Indianapolis. Learn more about his work and see his photos here.
More ways to take action and connect with AFSC:
- See highlights from our work in the 2021 annual report!
- Review these tips on how to stay safer at a protest
- New! Find local events on our events page.
- Are you interested in receiving life income while supporting AFSC? A gift annuity is easy to arrange. Reach out to GiftPlanning@afsc.org or visit us online.
Thank you for reading our AFSC Alumni Newsletter! To learn more about our Alumni Network and connect with former friends and colleagues, visit our webpage and Facebook group. You can also email me your questions and suggestions.