Who Are The Quaker Lobbyists?

The longest running cause lobby in Sacramento

The Friends Committee on Legislation (FCL) is a non-profit action group (established by Quakers in 1952) that works to bring more compassion and social justice into government by influencing law-making in the State Capitol. As a "lobby of conscience," FCL is charged with reminding legislators of the worth of every person, regardless of social standing, ethnic or religious background. We urge government to encourage individual and community transformations, and reject the idea that problems can be solved by violence.

FCL's legislative advocate in Sacramento proposes and drafts legislation, testifies before committees, monitors state agencies, conducts research and lobbies legislators and others in the state government. Staff also visits with meetings and other groups to stay informed about concerns of Friends and supporters. Articles about current legislative issues appear in the FCL Newsletter, published ten times each year.

The Friends Committee on Legislation recognizes that people who develop an awareness of each other's politics and passions can build bridges of understanding. Because many people seem to have forgotten the common good, FCL strives to establish a sense of shared purpose, to help our elected officials remember there is a we beyond the me.

The policies that guide the Friends Committee on Legislation are based on the Quaker beliefs that there is that of God in every person, that each person is endowed with worth and dignity and that the social, economic and political aspects of life should be conducted with utmost concern for the individual.

FCL actions on particular bills are guided by Statements of Policy adopted by the Statewide Executive Committee. Seeking to follow the leadings of the Spirit, the FCL speaks for itself and for like-minded Friends.

The FCL is a non-profit corporation, but because it a legislative action group, it is not tax exempt, and donations to FCL are not tax deductible. The FCL Education Fund supports research and education efforts in connection with FCL's work, and can accept tax deductible donations.

FCL policies address the following areas:

Recent FCL Legislative and Program Activities

• Reform Our Prisons

• Use More Alternatives to Jail and Prison

• End the Death Penalty

• Prevent Youth Violence

• Juvenile Boot Camps?

• Assure All People Free Exercise of Their Faith

• Assisted Dying -- a policy under study by the FCL Executive Committee

  The Staff, The Committee, The Supporters (you)

A list of California Legislative Resources A survey of California attitudes toward the death penalty FCL Education Fund web page

Education Fund Inventory of Violence Prevention Programs