What is CFSC?

Founded in 1931, Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC) acts on the peace and social justice concerns of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Canada. The outward expression of Quakerism is service. We are guided by a vision of a world in which peace and justice prevail, where the causes of war and oppression are removed, a world in which the whole of Creation is treated with respect and where individuals and communities are freed to reach their fullest potential.

A short history of CFSC

CFSC was established in 1931, when there were three corporate bodies of Friends in Canada. Read a brief history of our 75+ year journey.

Who are the Quakers?
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) arose in England 350 years ago, under the leadership of George Fox and Margaret Fell. Friends upheld that there was an Inner Light or “that of God”, in every human being. They denied “all outward wars and strife, and fightings with outward weapons for any end or under any pretense whatsoever”. The promptings of love we find within are the source of our Quaker commitment to human rights, global justice, prison abolition, sustainability and peace.

Our work and witness today
CFSC continues these traditions, assisting projects in support of Friends’ concerns through the

• Quaker Peace and Sustainable Communities Committee
• Quaker Aboriginal Affairs Committee
• Quakers Fostering Justice

Work of CFSC committees includes:

• educational work on peace, environmental issues, restorative justice, Aboriginal rights, Quaker testimonies and witness, peacebuilding, economic alternatives, and international development projects;
• support of effective small-scale projects overseas and in Canada that help build sustainable communities as well as address Quaker concerns, such as peace in the Middle East and in Africa;
• engagement with governmental and other decision-makers on issues of concern, such as international trade agreements, human rights, corporate responsibility, militarism and war, Aboriginal land and treaty rights.

Where concerns meet, CFSC works with other Quaker service agencies and within the Canadian ecumenical social justice community.

Relationship with supporters
“Seeing what love will do” means that Quaker work is rooted in relationships, be they with communities in Africa or with our supporters at home. CFSC depends principally on the generosity of individuals. Quaker Concern, our quarterly newsletter, brings news of our activities to 3,000 donors and supporters. Quaker Star Sustaining Donors also receive our Annual Report.

CFSC also receives support from Quaker Meetings and, occasionally, from foundations. When objectives coincide, CFSC may receive matched funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). All donations are receipted for income tax purposes.

CFSC Internship - engage your passion this summer! (January 2010)

Applications for the summer Internship (1 May - 31 August) are due 1  February 2010!  Read why Young Friends have found the internship  valuable, and what it can do for you. The application package is available here. Before applying, we encourage you to e-mail CFSC General Secretary, .