THESE POLICY PRIORITIES WERE APPROVED AT THE FCNCL GENERAL COMMITTEE ANNUAL MEETING, OCTOBER 5, 2024.
Health and Safety of All North Carolina Residents
Led by the Quaker testimonies of Equality and Community we call for legislation that will improve individual health, including mental health, and safety of all residents of North Carolina. We support the rights of individuals in consultation with their doctors to full access to medical care and decisions without stigma or legal repercussions.
We also recognize that many of the gaps that currently exist in health and safety fall disproportionately on marginalized populations.
We support:
- expanding healthcare coverage to all, including continued closure of the Medicaid coverage gap and improvements in NC healthcare systems and staffing;
- protecting choice in reproductive health care;
- expanding paid family leave for public employees;
- protecting coverage for gender affirming care in line with doctor recommendations;
- supporting regulations that restrict access to firearms and improve gun safety;
- promoting food justice and food security;
- protecting the health and safety of workers, the homeless, and undocumented immigrants.
Environment
Led by the Quaker testimony of Stewardship for the Earth and in support of the Piedmont Friends Yearly Meeting Minute on Climate Change, we support the vital protection of our earth and healthy biosystems through the promotion of clean energy and clean air and water, taking care not to disproportionately burden vulnerable communities in the pursuit of these goals.
We Support:
- addressing of the climate crisis by: stimulating greater investment in renewables and other non-fossil fuel energy generating sources, pension fund investments in clean, sustainable energy, enhanced public transportation, and protection of NC coastal communities;
- improving air and water quality and protecting waterways by imposing restrictions on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs);
- cleaning up polluted waterways and water supplies (e.g., coal ash, PFAS (forever chemicals)) and holding responsible corporations accountable;
- protecting ecological systems (e.g., wetlands);
- strengthening systems for recycling and composting;
- enabling localities to impose environmental protections (e.g., tree protection, restricting plastic bags).
Education
Led by our testimonies of Equality, Integrity, and Community, we value the importance of education in realizing the inherent potential of all people.
We Support:
- legislation that ensures equal access to constitutionally required quality public education with additional funding for pre-K through college for all residents;
- instruction which centers integrity and truth-seeking, provided by qualified staff; and infrastructure that ensure the mental and physical health, safety, and dignity of all involved;
- state curriculum standards for public, charter, and private schools developed by educational experts that are inclusive of all NC residents and that include a racial justice lens;
- full funding for public schools as opposed to funding of private school vouchers;
- local school boards that are representative of the whole community.
Democracy
Stemming from our testimonies of Integrity, Equality, and Community, we recognize that a strong democratic process with inclusion and respect for all is a central foundation for living in the free world. We advocate for a strong democracy including an open, transparent government, and citizen input throughout the legislative process.
We Support:
- voting rights that provide equity to all citizens, including access to early voting and assurances that all votes will be fairly counted and reported;
- true democratic reforms of our still flawed election system
- non-partisan redistricting to address problems in gerrymandering;
- efforts to enhance the peaceful resolution of conflicts, with respect for those with whom we disagree;
- civics lessons on our democratic processes as a secondary school requirement.
We reject all efforts to undermine the democratic process
Criminal Justice Reform
Led by the Quaker testimonies of Peace and Equality we support a justice system that treats all persons with equal dignity and respect.
We Support:
- elimination of cash bail for low-level crimes;
- elimination of the death penalty;
- enhanced police training in racial equity and a no-hire list for officers who harass people of color;
- creation of response teams to address mental health and non-criminal emergencies;
- creation of a uniform code of prisoner rights including fair sentencing, fair wages and education in prison;
- increased resources for community re-entry programs;
- legal protections for the homeless and the mentally ill.