Friends Committee on National Legislation
 | |
| Formation | 1943 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit corporation |
| Purpose | Peace and justice advocacy |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
Region served | United States |
Executive Secretary | Diane Randall |
Staff | 40-50[1] |
| Website | fcnl.org |
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is a lobbying organization in the public interest founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends. FCNL works for social and economic justice, peace, stewardship of the environment, and good government in the United States.[2]
FCNL has a General Committee of about 220 Quakers from across the United States. FCNL advocates on several issues that are extensions of the Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity, and integrity.[3]
FCNL is a member of Win Without War and Alliance for Peacebuilding, among other working groups and coalitions.
Mission
The organization's mission statement[4] has been in use since 1977 "as a guidance for considering Quaker stances on national legislation":[5]
We seek a world free of war and the threat of war
We seek a society with equity and justice for all
We seek a community where every person's potential may be fulfilled
We seek an earth restored.
Organization
Establishment
FCNL was established on June 12–13, 1943 in Richmond, Indiana by Quakers from 15 yearly meetings.[6] It was preceded by the Friends War Problems Committee,[7] a three-year temporary lobbying organization against universal conscription.[8]
Funding
Two separate organizations comprise FCNL: the FCNL Education Fund and the Friends Committee on National Legislation. The Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit which does not engage in lobbying, and donations to it are tax deductible. The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a 501(c)(4) civic organization which lobbies Congress.[9]
The majority of FCNL's budget comes from individual donations. FCNL is also supported by contributions from Quaker Meetings and churches (including Yearly Meetings and Quarterly Meetings), foundations, bequests and endowments.[10]
In 2015, FCNL had a budget of US$ 8 million and net assets of US$ 25.3 million.[11]
Positions
FCNL's legislative advocacy is based on their policy statement: The World We Seek[4] which identifies the organization's policy positions.
Policy positions for FCNL's work during the 114th Congress (2015-2016):[12]
- Advance peacebuilding and the peaceful prevention and resolution of violent conflict
- Reduce military spending and militarized responses to global and domestic situations
- Promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation
- Support solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate disruption
- Reduce the influence of money in politics
- Address poverty, reduce income inequality, and promote economic justice
- Advance policies that reduce mass incarceration
- Continue our witness and advocacy on Native American issues
- Promote fair, humane and demilitarized immigration policies
Like other Quaker groups, FCNL's General Committee comes to unity on policy and priorities.`
References
- ^ Friends Committee on National Legislation
- ^ http://fum.org/stories-faith-peacemaking
- ^ http://esr.earlham.edu/support/comprehensive-case/the-vine/the-quaker-testimonies
- ^ a b "The World We Seek: FCNL Legislative Policy Statement". FCNL. Retrieved 2016-06-25.
- ^ Abbott, Margery Post (2014). A Theological Perspective on Quaker Lobbying (PDF). FCNL Education Fund. p. 27.
- ^ Wilson, E. Raymond (1976). Thus Far on My Journey. Richmond, Indiana: Friends United Press. pp. 150–155.
- ^ "Friends Committee on National Legislation Records (DG 047), Swarthmore College Peace Collection". www.swarthmore.edu. Retrieved 2016-06-25.
- ^ Snyder, Edward F.; Cooper, Wilmer A.; Klineberg, Stephen L.; Volk, Joe; Reeves, Don (1994). Mullen, Tom (ed.). Witness in Washington: 50 Years of Friendly Persuasion. Richmond, Indiana: Friends United Press. p. 15. ISBN 0-944350-34-8.
- ^ "Friends Committee on National Legislation". projects.pewforum.org. Retrieved 2016-06-28.
- ^ "Our Finances". FCNL. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
- ^ "Consolidated Financial Statements" (PDF). Friends Committee on National Legislation. 2015-06-30. Retrieved 2016-06-28.
- ^ "Legislative Priorities for the 114th Congress". FCNL. Retrieved 2016-06-28.
External links
- FCNL - website.