American Friends Service Committee
Overview and Mission
The American Friends Service Committee is an expression of the Religious Society of Friends or Quakers. This organization is strongly committed to the values of nonviolence and justice through using the transforming power of love, human and divine. The AFSC draws on using people of many different faiths and backgrounds bringing a rich variety of experiences and spiritual insights. The AFSC believes that there is that of God in each person. Furthermore they see no person as an enemy seeking to address the goodness and truth in each individual. The AFSC work focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of poverty, injustice, and war. AFSC works to relieve and prevent suffering through both immediate aid and long term development seeking to serve the needs of those on both sides of the conflict. Lastly, the AFSC believes that through their experiences they themselves are transformed and see their service as a spirit led journey.[[1]]
History
The AFSC was founded in 1917 to provide young Quakers and conscientious objectors an opportunity to serve those in need instead of fighting in World War I. Following the wars end in 1918 the AFSC extended its work to Russia, where they helped victims of famine and disease; to Poland and Serbia, where they established an orphanage and helped in agriculture rehabilitation; and to Germany and Austria where they fed hungry children. In the 1930's AFSC helped refugees escape from Germany as well as provided relief for children on both sides of the Spanish Civil War. The AFSC took part in the reconstruction of many countries after World War II. In 1947 the AFSC moved their work to India, where they helped resettle refugees who had lost their homes during rioting. In the 1950's the AFSC continued to focus on relieving tensions leading to war such as the disparity between rich and poor and committees committed to programs of social and technical assistance in developing countries. Te AFSC also started holding conferences of diplomats from various nations. The AFSC has also tackled many domestic issues having aligning themselves with Native Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, migrant workers, prisoners, and the poor.[[2]]
