Reconciliation Programs News Today

These dedicated efforts from FCNL advocates were crucial in protecting funding for peacebuilding programs that prevent conflict and atrocities worldwide. They worked together to educate Congress on the cost-effectiveness of peacebuilding, share the stories of peacebuilders working around the world, and amplify the impact of critical programs that prevent violence and heal communities.

In many ways, 2023 was a challenging year. Through this, FCNL’s lobbyists and advocates have remained steadfast in their work to advance peace and justice through public policy. We refused to be distracted, and as a result, our advocacy marked real progress. As we look towards a new year and Congress enters the second half of its 118th session, we see the potential for significant legislative victories at the beginning of 2024.

Representative Sara Jacobs will receive FCNL’s Edward F. Snyder Award for Peace this evening during their 80th Annual Meeting, taking place through November 19.

Letters to the Editor for Sept. 30

Sept. 21 was the International Day of Peace. How is the U.S. contributing to peace in the world? Congress is struggling to pass the fiscal year ‘24 budgets. That will almost certainly include the projected $800 billion-plus for the military with bipartisan support. To call this “defense” reminds me of Orwell’s Newspeak motto in his book 1984: “War is Peace.”

Peace-building makes a whole lot of sense

Urge Congress to invest more in prevention

Lawmakers can save lives, prevent suffering, and save U.S. taxpayer dollars by investing in key peacebuilding accounts. Learn more from Hervé Mbouri, a Cameroonian protection and peacebuilding specialist working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Hervé works with Search for Common Ground, one of the largest peacebuilding organizations focused on ending violent conflict around the world.

The congressional appropriations process is one of the most important public policy tools we can use to advocate for the world we seek. Using their insights and expertise, FCNL’s lobbyists have developed a set of funding priorities that span a wide range of programs and issue areas. Cumulatively, they’re focused on a shared set of goals: Bolstering human rights and dignity, alleviating suffering, strengthening diplomacy, and reinforcing our nation’s values and global leadership.

David Vine in his book "The United States of War" describes U.S. wars since our inception — nearly constant war. War has not brought peace. The alternative: Peacebuilding.