Diaspora Organizer Gathering

Join us in Washington, D.C. for our third annual Diaspora Organizer Gathering at Friends Place on Capitol Hill! At this event you will learn vital advocacy skills, build relationships within your own community and beyond, and meet with policymakers. Programming and lodging are provided by Friends Place.

This program trains Diaspora advocates to work in their own communities with support from the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) and to organize constituents to lobby Congress. FCNL is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. We approach lawmakers with respect and open dialogue, using listening and personal stories to find common ground, even when opinions differ. We work with a broad group of people who care about the same issues to build positive relationships with federal officials and encourage support from both sides of the political aisle. More information on FCNL’s Theory of Change can be found here.

Ideal participants:

Express a demonstrated interest in working with FCNL to develop organizing efforts to advance peace and nonmilitary responses to violent conflict
Are committed to human rights and diplomacy, and seeking a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world
Are highly interested in learning about the Congressional advocacy process and how to build nonpartisan long-term organizing relationships
Demonstrate a commitment to continued engagement with advocacy and organizing
Commit to attending one Zoom call before the trip, monthly calls after the trip with previous cohorts, and attend regular one-on-one check-ins with the National Field Organizer

Cost of Attendance

This event is free to attend. FCNL will cover the cost of participant travel to Washington, D.C. No tickets or travel reservations are required at the time of registration. This event will provide overnight lodging, 10 meals, and programming.

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Are you currently in school or employed?* In school Employed Neither

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Which of the following would make this event accessible to you? Language translation or interpretation ADA-compliant/ground-floor accommodations Automated transcription Access to a small private space (for lactation, prayer, meetings, etc.)

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Have you lobbied with FCNL before?* Yes No

FCNL will send you periodic action alerts and updates. You can opt out at any time.

Application Questions

Please answer each of the following questions in 100 words or less

Why do you want to be a Diaspora Organizer? What skills do you wish to gain and/or build upon throughout the year to share with your community?

What issue area listed above are you most drawn to? Why?

What previous experience do you have organizing in your community or lobbying on issues? (We welcome all levels of experience!)

FCNL is a Quaker organization committed to advancing peace, justice, and environmental stewardship through diplomacy. What experience do you have in settings where people share differing perspectives, cultures, and viewpoints than your own? How would you approach potential conflict in that scenario?

Please share any additional information that you would like the event organizers to know as they consider your application.