What is AFSC?
The AFSC is a Quaker-related social action organization
that works to improve the quality of life for all people. Its work
is based on the principle that every person has dignity and worth
regardless of race, income, religion, nationality, physical ability
or sexual orientation.
AFSC was founded in 1917 by American Quakers and others to initially
provide conscientious objectors to war a constructive alternative
to military service, i.e. aid to civilian victims during WWII. AFSC
was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947 for its service and development
work during and following WWII. Download AFSC Timeline (pdf).
Today, AFSC has international headquarters in Philadelphia, nine regional
and more than 40 program offices across the U.S. AFSC also has programs
in more than 25 nations.
The Northeast Ohio office of AFSC was
founded by local Quaker John Looney
in 1971. It is part of the Great Lakes Region of AFSC, which has its
regional office in Chicago. The Akron office became a clearinghouse
of many like-minded local grassroots groups that started-up in the
70’s. The original work of the Northeast Ohio AFSC was the Alternatives
to Violence (ATV) project and stopping the Vietnam War. The ATV work
remained a part of AFSC for the next 15 years. It eventually expanded
and became a separate organization called Peace Grows.
What is the purpose of AFSC?
Through community education, service,
development, advocacy and organizing, AFSC seeks to help individuals
and groups realize their own potential to change social condition.
AFSC also works to change the social, political and economic structures
which cause injustice and militarism.
The Northeast Ohio AFSC has three areas of program work. The Africa
Initiative Program, the Economic Justice and Empowerment Program,
and Peace Response.
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Who is involved
in AFSC?
People of all races, religions, nationalities, incomes
and backgrounds are involved in the work of AFSC.
Program decisions, done by consensus, are made by volunteer committees
composed of those AFSC supports and by socially concerned individuals.
Volunteers also assist staff in implementing program committee decisions
in various communities throughout Northeast Ohio.
Many people support AFSC by volunteering in the office. If you would
be interested in volunteering or doing committee work e-mail us at
LDavis@afsc.org
or visit our
Get Involved page on this website.
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How is AFSC Funded?
AFSC is funded by grants and by generous contributions
from supporters in Northeast Ohio, the U.S. and around the world.
Contributions to AFSC are tax deductible as allowed by law. Contributions
may be sent to: AFSC, 2101 Front Street, Suite 111 - Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221.
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