Program areas at Friends Committee on National Legislation
Advocacy and outreach: the Education Fund works with a network of some 80,000 people from all over the country to educate, encourage, and train people to be involved in the democratic processes and to educate citizens about public policy initiatives. Through communications (such as newsletters, web site, emails, social media posts, and telephone calls) and travel around the country, the Education Fund trains people in effective and timely advocacy for peace and justice.
Legislative and educational activities: the Education Fund analyzes existing and proposed federal government policies that have an impact on the lives of everyone in the united states. The Education Fund researches and writes about government's role in programs that alleviate poverty and address pressing human and community needs, such as food, housing, health care, Education, and opportunities for meaningful employment. The Education Fund informs congress and the public about the importance of reductions in the overall military budget and in worldwide u.s. military operations and shifting funds to human needs and true human security. The Education Fund supports common-sense reforms of u.s. immigration policy that respects the rights and dignity of all immigrants, demonstrates compassion for families, and protects children, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable persons. The Education Fund seeks to inform constituents about possible reforms in campaign finance laws that would increase participation and faith in our democratic processes, and that could reduce the excessive influence of large political campaign contributions. The Education Fund works to provide information about changes in mass incarceration, reforms in federal sentencing laws and the problems associated with the militarization of local law enforcement. The Education Fund generally works on each of these issues through coalitions with other faith based groups and other partner organizations.the Education Fund educates policymakers in Washington, and works with an informed grassroots constituency of some 80,000 people around the country to strengthen civilian capacities for diplomacy, development, and international cooperation, while curbing and reversing the militarization of u.s. foreign policy.the Education Fund analyzes the federal budget and compares it to the nation's needs. We research the application of current policies in various countries, sometimes by travelling to meet with non-governmental organizations and individuals in those countries. We inform congress and the public about the importance of reductions in the overall military budget and in worldwide u.s. military operations. We analyze and inform on the joint aid, civilian peace building, and regional democracy, especially in the middle east and africa. As a reflection of our values, we promote sustained diplomatic negotiations with all of the countries in the middle east region and sustained u.s. development aid through international organizations.the Education Fund works to promote and preserve tribal sovereignty of indigenous people within the united states. We educate constituents about public policy initiatives that respect their rights, promote their well-being, honor treaty commitments, and foster understanding. The program distributes monthly email updates on federal issues related to native americans. The program serves as an information hub for interfaith colleague organizations.the Education Fund informs congress and the public about the urgency of taking measures to counter global climate change and assist threatened human populations at home and abroad. We promote reductions in u.s. greenhouse gas emissions through regulation and incentives for energy conservation and efficiency, accelerated development and use of renewable energy resources, sustainable agriculture, public transportation, and other effective means. We educate constituents about critical and interconnected relationships of energy, environment, war, military spending, the nation's budget, and the capacity of the united states to meet domestic human needs and to invest in the well-being of vulnerable populations abroad. The FCNL Education Fund is located on capitol hill in a leed-certified green building developed to demonstrate our witness for sustainable energy.the Education Fund, through its quaker nuclear disarmament program, maintains current and relevant information about nuclear nonproliferation, educates congress about that topic, provides a regular calendar of events related to disarmament and nonproliferation issues that is distributed to more than 10,000 policy makers in Washington, dc and around the world, and distributes fact-based analyses of dangers posed by nuclear war.
Young adult program: the Education Fund's work supports the specific program areas described in the other parts of this document by providing educational opportunities about our issues to a variety of constituents. In addition, the Education Fund engages young adults in several programs that provide formation as leaders and advocates for a more peaceful and just world.