American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization committed to nonviolence and social equality. AFSC promotes peaceful policies that respect human rights and the rights of nations to choose their own future. AFSC has played a prominent role in efforts to end racial separation in South Africa and to build peace in Angola. In addition, AFSC has carried out programs in developing countries that help people raise food and improve health conditions.
Quakers, who started AFSC, believe in the equality of all people. In the United States, AFSC works for fair treatment of Native Americans, farm laborers, people of color, gay and lesbian individuals, immigrants, and others who experience poverty or discrimination.
AFSC was founded in 1917 with the aim of caring for civilian victims of World War I. In 1947, AFSC received the Nobel Peace Prize for Quaker relief work after World War I, which ended in 1918, and World War II, which ended in 1945. AFSC is privately funded by individuals from many religious backgrounds. It operates assistance programs in more than 20 countries. The organization’s headquarters are in Philadelphia.
See also Quakers .
