Friends Committee On National Legislation

Legislative and educational activities: has two major overall programs which are domestic policy and foreign policy. Fcnl fields an experienced team of registered lobbyists working on capitol hill for peace and justice. These lobbyists work in partnership with people around the country. Through conversations with members of congress and their staff, meetings with coalition groups, and contacts with administration officials, fcnl identifies practical steps that people around the country can take to move federal policy in the direction of the world we seek. Each year, more than 400 quakers and others from around the country gather in washington for an annual conference to discuss fcnl's work, hear from our lobbyists about specific public policy issues, and make decisions about legislative priorities and policies. In accordance with the legislative priorities set by fcnl's general committee, the legislative teams focus on the following issues: (1) immigration and refugee policy; (2) criminal justice reform; (3) energy and the environment; (4) economic justice; (5) native american concerns; (6) election integrity; (7) gun violence prevention; and general topics including: (1) peacebuilding, diplomacy and the peaceful prevention and resolution of violent conflict with an emphasis on the middle east; (2) reduction of military spending and armed interventions; and (3) nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Although all but one of the team members are registered as lobbyists, only a small portion of their work falls into the category of direct lobbying, involving contacting a lawmaker seeking to influence the passage or defeat of legislation. Even the broader definition of "lobbying activities", which includes preparation and planning activities, research and other background work that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and coordination with the lobbying activities of others, does not capture the full breadth of their work. In addition to these lobbying activities, team members: monitor and analyze developments in their areas of expertise; communicate with fcnl constituents and the general public to explain these developments; advocate for general policy changes that are not legislative in nature; engage in education of members of congress and their staff, administration officials, fcnl constituents and the general public; participate in roundtable discussions, panels and seminars; write articles and informational materials; develop messaging strategies and media relationships; write and edit proposals for foundation grants and prepare reports on their activities; and engage in administrative and support activities.

Young adult program: fcnl engages young adults in an 11-month paid young fellows program that provides professional formation as leaders and advocates for a more peaceful and just world. Fcnl hosts an annual young adult lobby weekend that attracts over 350 college students to washington for a weekend of education, lobby training, and meetings in the offices of their congressional delegation.

Friends place provides a welcoming and inclusive community for learning, spiritual exploration, and restoration in the quaker tradition for individuals and groups traveling to washington, dc for education and advocacy on issues of peace building and social justice.friends place also gives opportunities to learn and explore issues of social justice through direct service activities, discussions with community leaders and activists, and visits with marginalized communities in washington, dc and the surrounding area.community and culture: the governance, community, and culture team works to expand and deepen connections, foster a sense of belonging, and create opportunities for growth from a range of perspectives and experiences.