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The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is a public interest lobby founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends. FCNL seeks to bring the concerns, experiences and testimonies of Friends (called Quakers) to bear on policy decisions in the nation's capital. People of many religious backgrounds participate in this work. FCNL’s staff and volunteers work with a nationwide network of thousands of people to advocate social and economic justice, peace, and good government.

FCNL is a 501(c)4 public interest lobby, not a political action committee (PAC) nor a special interest lobby. FCNL's multi-issue advocacy connects historic Quaker testimonies on peace, equality, simplicity and truth with peace and social justice issues which the United States government is or should be addressing. FCNL seeks to follow the leadings of the Spirit as it speaks for itself and for like-minded people.

Our offices are strategically located on Capitol Hill, across the street from the Hart Senate Office Building and provide ready access to the offices of government. As FCNL works with many groups that share similar concerns, our Wilson conference room is frequently the venue of coalition meetings and meetings of organizations other than FCNL. In all its work, FCNL seeks to promote dialog and cooperation among those with varied viewpoints.

FCNL is governed by a General Committee of 240 Friends, the majority of whom have been appointed by 26 Yearly Meetings and seven national Friends' organizations. The General Committee meets each November to conduct business. (Click here to view photos from the most recent Annual Meeting of the General Committee.) This includes establishing legislative policy and priorities. An Executive Committee and several other subcommittees oversee the program and administration of FCNL between Annual Meetings.

The FCNL Education Fund is governed by a board appointed by the General Committee of FCNL. It is a 501(c)3 organization that exists in parallel with FCNL to support the research, analysis and education for which FCNL is known and respected. (Donations to the FCNL Education Fund are tax-deductible.) Thousands of individuals and organizations rely on FCNL Education Fund’s resource materials for background information on policy issues and legislative details.

FCNL’s Legislative Priorities for the 108th Congress (2003-4) are the following:

Promote arms control and disarmament initiatives, especially the control and elimination under international auspices of all weapons of mass destruction through non-violent means.

Identify, articulate, and promote peaceful alternatives to the "war on terrorism," including United States adherence to international law and participation in multilateral efforts to prevent and resolve violent conflict through institutions such as the United Nations and international courts of law.

Promote a more peaceful and equitable world by shifting federal budget priorities away from military spending and toward funding basic human needs at home and abroad.
Preserve and advance full civil liberties for all persons in the United States, and promote human rights around the world through international institutions and treaties.
Advance the rights and well-being of Native Americans, while assuring cultural preservation and tribal sovereignty.

Remove dependence on oil as a source of violent conflict, injustice, and environmental degradation by reducing United States' energy consumption and encouraging the development of renewable sources of energy and alternative modes of transportation.

FCNL's efforts include Capitol Hill visits, congressional testimony, sign-on letters, and preparation of educational materials, such as the monthly FCNL Washington Newsletter. Through the timely distribution of educational and advocacy materials, FCNL staff help to mobilize people across the U.S. to participate actively in the legislative process. (Click here to view FCNL’s legislative action page.) FCNL has the expertise and flexibility to respond quickly to new initiatives, as well as the patience to work for long-term change.

We hope you will join us in our national advocacy efforts for peace and justice. For information on how to support FCNL, click here.

A copy of the FCNL’s most recent annual report is available upon request (write to fcnl@fcnl.org.) Financial support comes from individuals and churches (about 80%) and from foundations (about 20%). (Click here to view FCNL’s Foundations and Institutional Supporters.) A small endowment and modest reserves are managed using FCNL’s Guidelines for Socially Responsible Investing.