Soon after October 7^th, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) started hosting weekly Action Hour calls. These Friday calls (noon ET, 9 am PT) offer an antidote to the powerlessness, even at times hopelessness, that many of us have felt in the face of the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The calls help to create the empowering context of an “action-oriented community” (see article by AFSC staffer Zoe Jannuzi here). Each week, the calls offer updates from AFSC staff in Gaza, analysis by an invited activist, a script for making Congressional calls right then and there, while on Zoom, and resources for activism. 

“It has been a centering and powerful experience to be with people across the United States every week for almost 9 months now, sharing the difficult news from Palestine but also the ways we can channel that outrage and concern into concrete action,” observed Jennifer Bing, National Director for AFSC’s Palestine Activism Program and lead facilitator for the calls. 

The Rev. Elice Higginbotham agrees. She is one of several UCC PIN steering committee members who regularly join AFSC’s Action Hour. “It is both an inspiration and a good discipline,” said Elice. “AFSC does a great job of building spiritual community without being sectarian. It's very motivating to see yourself on-screen, making your Congressional contacts along with dozens of fellow activists. I keep at it, week after week, even when I'm feeling discouraged. And the volume and quality of resources provided is phenomenal!”

Needing the inspiration and discipline of immersing in an “action-oriented community” each week? UCC PIN recommends AFSC’s Action Hour.  Sign up for alerts about the weekly calls here.

This is a section of the UCCPIN July 2024 E-Newsletter. To read the entire newsletter, follow this link.