Please join us for “Love as Action –  Richmond” on June 14 at 1 pm for silent worship in a public space to give witness to the rising authoritarianism and oppression in the United States.

Diane Bowden (AFSC Liaison), and Beth Morrison, Julia Hebner, and Finn Pollard (Visibility Team), have planned a silent action for Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm in the median of Monument Ave between Commonwealth Ave and Westmoreland St. We plan a one-hour silent witness with signs expressing our concerns. Our request for “Love as Action –  Richmond” to be supported by RFM was approved by our meeting for worship with attention to business on May 17. Peace & Social Concerns Committee also supports this action.

This is the same location where we gathered last year for the John Lewis “Good Trouble” protest. The action is publicly posted, and all are welcome. We will also publicize the event on RFM social media.

We will have some signs available, and handmade signs are welcome. Please communicate a general message of your concerns about our country, with no profanity. Since it is Flag Day, US flags will be appreciated.

• Quakers for Peace and Justice
• Quakers, Silent Witness for Peace
• Love Thy Neighbor, No Exceptions
• Quakers, Quiet Faith, Loud Democracy
• Build Peace with Justice

If you have a political yard sign with metal stakes that you can lend, we will repurpose that to place in the median in the blocks adjacent to the action in both directions. The message on the yard signs will be something like: Quakers Witnessing for Peace & Justice Ahead. We want to help passersby understand who we are and what we are doing.

Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, water and a snack, a hat, rain gear if necessary, and your sign and prepare for an hour of silent protest. The Visibility Team will have water, lemonade, and snacks available under the canopy. We will have a handbill to hand out for anyone who stops by.

This action is in the median of Monument Avenue, a wide two-lane residential street with left turn lanes. Be careful and aware when crossing the street. Parking is on the street, with side streets suggested. You may wish to park at the meetinghouse and walk to the event. There are shade trees but be aware that a portion of the median is in the sun.

If you would like a ride from the meetinghouse to Monument Ave, please one of the organizers. More information will be coming to you through the Newslist & website as we get closer to the date of the action.