New April Newsletter for Young Adult Friends, and Families, in NYYM!

Now you know! A newsletter for Young Adult Friends, and Families, of New York Yearly Meeting April 2013 Greetings Friend! Spring is finally here!! As we move into the Spring and Summer I want to let you know about all sorts of things that are going on.  I know there is a lot of information in these newsletters.  I am trying to find a way of getting the information that people want, to the people, without overwhelming Friends with Information.  The problem is that people have different needs and interests.  Feel free to look at the list of the contents below, and skip to the part that speaks to you. April 5-7 is Spring Sessions in Locust Valley, NY.  That is on Long Island.  I highly recommend this weekend.  (see my description in the list of where I will be traveling) It is a great way to see what happens in the Yearly Meeting business and committees. At Powell House on May 10-12, there will be a weekend especially for families.  This is an opportunity for families to spend time together.  We will be looking at our Quaker Practices, and how we can use them and learn from them at all ages.  Together we will be exploring stories, songs, role playing and art to create a literal and figurative tool box to help us use our Quaker tools in our families, lives and communities.  We will be looking at tools like Centering/worship, Queries, discernment, and holding someone in the light.  We will work together as a multi age group.  Please see www.powellhouse.org for the listing.  There is a discount for people attending this event and there is financial aid. SAVE THE DATE!!  MAY 31-JUNE 2!!  Young Adult Concerns Committee and the Spiritual Nurture Working Group are sponsoring a weekend on SELF CARE AND SPIRITUALITY.  The weekend will be held at Casowasco conference center, in the Central Finger Lakes.  Luke Jones, Anne Pomeroy and Gabi Savory Bailey are facilitating.  This is a family friendly weekend and child care will be provided.  This weekend is for 18- 35 ish year olds.   The fee is still being negotiated, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Finally, I would like to let you know about a very special program that is held at Pendle Hill, in PA, this June. The Young Adult Friends Conference, is organizing a 6 day conference, Continuing Rev_l_tion: Be Brought Low and Back to the Root Young Adult Friends Conference on Simplicity June 14 - 19, 2013.  There is a massive discount for room, board and programs.  There is also funding from NYYM to help you attend.  Friends ages 18-35 are welcome.  Please look here, http://www.pendlehill.org/yald.  This promises to be a very rich opportunity to be with other Young Adults from all over North America, and across the branches of Quakerism.  I attended part of it last year, and was very glad I did! Do you have something you would like to share with YAF and Families in NYYM?  I would welcome photographs, artwork, poetry, essays, haiku, meaningful quotes and passages, you name it! In Peace, Gabi Savory Bailey Young Adult Field Secretary, NYYM—nyym.yafs@gmail.com IN THIS NEWSLETTER What is YACC? Where has Gabi been? Where is she going? Upcoming conferences at Powell House and Pendle Hill Internship opportunities Spotlight on a committee, Advancement Committee YAF Spotlight on Jenny Pronto, Adirondack MM/ Ithaca MM/ Brooktondale Worship Group What is going on with other YAF and Families in NYYM? What is YACC?   The Young Adults Concern Committee (YACC) is a committee of NY Yearly Meeting.  It is the committee that oversees the Circle of Young Friends (CYF) and the retreats they plan.  YACC also plans the CYF activities for Summer Sessions each year.  This committee is one way that Young Adults can find voice in the Yearly Meeting.  YACC meets regularly throughout the year on the internet, and also in person at Summer Sessions, and one other annual meeting. Currently sitting on this committee are: Lucas Braun- Old Chatham MM, Rosie Stillman—Montclair MM,  Audrey Jaynes—Montclair MM,  Jenny Pronto Adirondack/Ithaca/Poplar Ridge MM,  Anthony Smith—New Brunswick MM, Alanna Badgley—Poughkeepsie MM, Barbara vonSalis (coopted member) Brooklyn MM.  If you have any questions, ideas or concerns please contact a member of YACC.  You can also contact me to put you in touch with YACC.  Are you interested in getting involved with YACC?   Contact me at nyym.yafs@gmail.com. Where has Gabi been?  Where is she going?  Here are some of my plans for the future.  Please note:  these are subject to change, and I will try to keep people updated as possible.  March 2 Meetings for Discernment- Brooklyn MM March 17 Albany MM. April 5-7 Spring Sessions, Locust Valley, NY (That is on Long Island).  Truth be told, I love Spring Sessions.  It is a low commitment way to see what is happening in the Yearly Meeting.  I get to catch up with People that I have not seen since Summer, or Fall.  I get to dabble in the committees, and Coordinating committees with no commitment to joining.  I do not have the same expense as summer sessions, and less time commitment, but I still walk away connected to the wider Quaker Body.  Also, I get to stay with other Friends who I may or may not know yet, for Free!  I LOVE staying with Friends and seeing them at home, and getting to know them.  It is another gift of travelling, and knowing each other in different ways.  If you have not been to Spring Sessions, please consider going.  Financial Aid is available. April 12-14 Adirondack MM, Glens Falls, NY There will be a gathering of YAF and Families on Saturday evening.  On Sunday anyone in the area is welcome to worship at 10:30.  I am hoping to bring the message to worship.  If you have never experienced a programmed worship, this would be a great opportunity. April 26-28 Farmington Scipio Spring Gathering, Pan Yan, NY.  This is a GEM of a gathering.  I never knew it existed!  What fun for individuals and families!  It is held at a camp in the Central Finger Lakes.  Anyone is welcome.  There is time to worship, fellowship, and sessions on different things.  I do not know what this year is.  There is a great Youth Program.  My whole family loves it.  I have met wonderful people there.  Camping is available.  If you live in Farmington Scipio RM, or want to see what I am talking about, PLEASE consider going.  There are usually a good number of YAF there, as well as families.  Kids love it! May 10-12 Leading a Family Weekend at Powell House  This is a Powell House opportunity for the WHOLE family. During this weekend we will look at what tools Quakerism gives us as families and individuals to help us in our daily life.  Through story, art, role playing, discussion, small groups, worship and active participation of people of all ages, we will be exploring tools like holding someone in the light, worship/centering, simplicity, clearness committees/discernment and others.  We will create a “toolbox” that families and their members can use. There will not be childcare at this weekend, as the children will be part of the sessions with the adults.  There will be time for parents to talk about their experiences as well.  More info is coming!   I am so excited for this opportunity for families to do meaningful Quaker work together!  My 2 year old will be there!  Will you and your family? May 31- June 2 Self- Care and Spirituality, We've all been busy, whether it's with work, school, family, life, every one of us is under strain. As Friends we are often found in service, to our community, to others, to the world, but in our dedication we may forget or lose the time to service ourselves. How do you nurture yourself? Come take a weekend where neediness is encouraged, relax with friends, eat, sleep, and self-obsess a little. We will focus on self care as a manifestation of divine love. As we cherish the gift of life our spirituality deepens. We will delve into the relationship of faithfulness and care of self. Setting aside common teachings that care of self is selfish we will consider how it is integral to our faith journey. Cost:  Casowasco will charge us $150 per person.  Through the generosity of some NYYM committees we are hoping to reduce that charge to as low as $70 pp, if needed by the individual. If you can afford the full amount, or more than $70, that will allow more people to get reduced funding.  Funding is also often available from Monthly and Regional Meetings.  Please do not hesitate to contact Gabi Savory Bailey about ways to access various funding sources. Registration will open on April 10, 2013.  Please visit this link to register after April 10.   http://goo.gl/oepUl You can also visit the event page on Facebook for updates. https://www.facebook.com/events/369921166454062/ Please contact Gabi Savory Bailey, NYYM Young Adult Field Secretary, at nyym.yafs@gmail.com or Luke Jones lj82@cornell.edu with any questions or concerns   July 21-27 Summer Sessions, Silver Bay.  This is the annual NYYM Sessions held at Silver Bay on Lake George.  It is a residential gathering for people of all ages where we do our YM business, fellowship, speakers, Junior Yearly Meeting, committees, interest groups, swimming and activities, and worship.   There will be much more information coming up soon.  If you love Summer Sessions, tell people!  If you want to know more, contact me for information. Nyym.yafs@gmail.com. Would you like me to come to your Meeting, or Region?  Would you like someone to support the work that is already being done there?  I am eager to travel to do a program, support an existing program, or simply sit and listen.  Contact me at nyym.yafs@gmail.com   Upcoming Powell House  and Pendle Hill weekends  www.powellhouse.org Women's Weekend, A weekend just for women! April 12-14, 2013 Annie Patterson, Rise Up Singing Our souls long to be fed and nurtured, but our lives are often so busy and filled with outward noise that we forget how to listen to the deepest place within our hearts.  Singing can take us right there - to that innermost place that cries out to be held and loved. Writing our thoughts, without judgment, can lead to a place of deep healing within us. This weekend is all about women, taking time to feed and nurture our spirits and enjoy being together in the process! Come prepared to sing and worship together, and devote some time to listening to our inner voices through writing. We will spend much of the weekend singing songs from Rise Up Singing. We'll meet in small groups for shorter, but just as rich, time to write together on Saturday afternoon. Annie Patterson has played a central role in helping to create a quiet revolution of group singing in the US and abroad. She is co-creator, along with her husband Peter Blood, of the iconic songbook, Rise Up Singing, now it its 22nd year. Rise Up Singing has sold over a million copies around the world. A member of Mt. Toby Meeting, NEYM. Quakers & Shamanism April 19-21 Tara Lindsay, Kate Smith, Brian McGuire and Kelli DeFlora. Anthropologists, archaeologists, historians, and psychologists have all studied shamanism whose origin dates back centuries. Practiced throughout the world, but most especially in Asian, South American, and Native American cultures, shamanic practice does not replace individual religious disciplines and traditions but transcends them and brings practitioners face to face with what it means to be "spiritual." In addition to quiet time for reflection and time in nature, the weekend will include three key components of Shamanic practice. The Shamanic Journey is a way of finding answers, information, healing and knowledge, as well as guidance or help with one’s personal life. Through drumming, rattling, and smudging, the facilitators will provide "an opportunity to open yourself to receive the wisdom of the universe and live in a more connected way to the earthly and heavenly forces that are guiding your life." The Fire Ceremony is an active and uniquely potent ceremony designed to give participants the opportunity to make significant changes in their lives. Focused on the work of the South, of release, this deeply experiential ceremony utilizes deep drumming and focused movement to create a supported, intentional space for growth and transformation. The Healing Circle, as its name implies, is an oasis of healing modalities encouraging participants to slow down, reflect and take better care of themselves. Through the sound of singing bowls, the scent of essential oils, the healing touch of Reiki, the cleansing smoke of smudging, this ceremony is a quiet, yet tangible, invitation to purify your energy field. Upcoming Family Weekend May 10-12     This is a Powell House opportunity for the WHOLE family. During this weekend we will look at what tools Quakerism gives us as families and individuals to help us in our daily life.  Through story, art, role playing, discussion, small groups, worship and active participation of people of all ages, we will be exploring tools like holding someone in the light, worship/centering, simplicity, clearness committees/discernment and others.  We will create a “toolbox” that families and their members can use. There will not be childcare at this weekend, as the children will be part of the sessions with the adults.  There will be time for parents to talk about their experiences as well.  More info is coming!   I am so excited for this opportunity for families to do meaningful Quaker work together!  My 2 year old will be there!  Will you and your family? Upcoming Pendle Hill weekends www.pendlehill.org Apr 21 - 28, 2013 The Refuge of Awakening: A Seven-Day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat Mary Grace Orr, assisted by Anne Briggs This retreat will be a time of silence, with periods of sitting and walking practice, opportunities to talk about your own practice, and formal presentations.   The Nonviolent Atonement May 10 - 12, 2013 Michael and Lorri Hardin Using the work of René Girard, Michael Hardin has articulated a nonviolent paradigm for the atonement. Explore questions such as: Is God violent? Was Jesus’s death a demonstration of God’s love?   Return to Communitas, the Love-Awakened Community May 17 - 19, 2013 Ken and Katharine Jacobsen Early Christian communities and early Quaker communities were socially and culturally diverse groups of people, surprisingly knit together by the power of divine Love into communitas – new and Love-awakened relationship with one another and with the world   Come Away and Rest Awhile May 31 - Jun 2, 2013 John Calvi Relax your mind and body, renew your spiritual connection, and gather a deeper sense of your own goodness and wholeness in this gently paced retreat.   Writing the Children’s Book You Hold in Your Heart June 9 - 13, 2013 Becky Birtha Is there a children’s book or story you’ve longed to write, perhaps begun, or maybe just carried in your heart for years? There are funds available to help make conferences possible!  PLEASE contact me, Helen Garay Toppins (office@nyym.org) or the clerk of your Monthly Meeting to find out how to get financial assistance.  Questions about Transportation?  Let’s talk.  I bet there is a solution! Internship possibilities   American Friends Service Committee http://www.afsc.org/internships Each year, the AFSC welcomes more than 100 fellows, interns, apprentices, and young volunteers across the globe. Like the AFSC, these advocates believe that there is worth in every person and that love can overcome violence and injustice. The AFSC’s programs develop leaders for social change. They build bridges of understanding and active alliances among young people – and communities – of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Spotlight on a Committee: Advancement Committee  It seems fair to say that there has been a significant shift in focus and activity for The NYYM Advancement Committee over the last 5 years.  While the committee continues oversight of several funds in support of meetings and ministers there has been a proactive move to a new emphasis on the support of active ministries throughout the YM. The 4th Advancement Consultation is scheduled for September 13-15, 2013 and will gather Friends who are active in prophetic ministry and also Friends who are active in the Elder/Companion work that is vital to those ministers.  It has become clear to the committee and others in the YM that if we are to keep to our charge as outlined in the YM Handbook we must do far more than distribute funds.  From the Handbook: Purposes and Objectives 1.              to disseminate widely an awareness of the faith, practice and testimonies of Friends and to encourage their observance by monthly, quarterly and regional meetings and by members of the Yearly Meeting. 2.              To reach out to seekers 3.              To knit Friends and Friends meetings more closely together To encourage outreach and growth in existing meetings, to undergird and strengthen weak meetings, and to help new worship groups. These objectives will best be realized through active prophetic and pastoral ministries. The Advancement Committee is committed to identifying and supporting ministries across the YM and that include Friends of every age group. Interested??  Contact co-clerks Don Badgely don51249@aol.com or Mia Kissil Hewitt at hewitthome@comcast.net Spot light on a NYYM Young Adult Friend: Jenny Pronto, Adirondack MM/Ithaca MM/ Brooktondale Worship Group (editor's note:  Jenny is also a member of the Young Adult Concerns Committee. Also, of interest to some, is that Adirondack MM is a Programmed, Pastoral Meeting, in Glens Falls, NY, one of several Pastoral Meetings in NYYM.   Interested to know more?  I will be visiting there on April 12-14.  Are you available to join me?) How did you come to Quakerism and why did you stay? I was born into a second generation quaker family, and I found as I grew up that the principles matched my principles and aligned with the way I wanted to live my life – simply and meaningfully.  What Quaker work have you done, or do you do? I have done quaker work in the area of stewardship to our earth.  I feel a deep spiritual connection to the earth and what it provides to us, and I feel it is an honor to work toward protecting our resources for future generations.  The more simply we choose to live our lives, the more we gain in connection to the earth and what it offers.  It truly is a “gift to be simple”! What is a gift of Quakerism for you? I love the silence – it offers so much in such a simple manner.  Something that is essentially lost in our culture – having a time set aside each week in my life where I can be still and focus is the greatest gift, and has only gotten more meaningful to me as my life has gotten more complicated. What is a challenge of Quakerism for you? A challenge right now is for us to find a community to join in consistently.  We have attempted to start a small worship group for families, but attendance is sparse.  I hope for myself and for my son that he can grow with the similar quaker-based experiences I had in my youth – as it’s so enriching and great to be part of a community. What did you do wish for Quakers and Quakerism in the future? I hope that in the future, Quakerism and its ideals are able to shape our society and our culture, because I feel we have so much to offer while we ask nothing in return.  People everywhere are so needing peace in their lives and I hope myself and my quaker community can offer this to the world.   What’s going on with YAFs and families in the Yearly Meeting?   15th Street MM- Friends under 40 (anyone is invited) meet once a month after Meeting for Worship, choose a local eatery (inexpensive preferably) and walk to lunch.  It is a very informal gathering, for fellowship and food. Brooklyn MM- Young Adult Friends meet for a potluck once a month at the home of one of the YAF from the meeting.  There is time for food, worship and fellowship.  At least once a year there is also a gathering in the old Quaker cemetery in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, for a picnic, and sometimes worship.  They also organize hikes, and other excursions outside of the city. Ithaca area MM -- YA Friends gather once a month at Burtt House, a property owned by Ithaca Monthly Meeting, in Ithaca, NY.  They have a potluck and fellowship. Rochester MM family worship--This is a monthly opportunity for semi-programmed Worship for people of all ages. Brooktondale Worship Group--This group is under the care of Poplar Ridge Monthly Meeting.  They meet the first Sunday of the month at either the home of one of the members or at a community center.  People of ALL AGES are welcome. The format will be very simple. It will start with a query, prayer, scripture, poem or song to help lead us into worship together.  Then we will sit together and share as led until 5PM.   NJ/AFRM family worship and potluck--This fall, five families with children ranging from 18 months to high school age, met for worship sharing, a potluck and fellowship.  We had the worship sharing in the nursery, all we welcome to participate.  The younger ones of us popped in and out.  It was a great opportunity to meet other families, and get to know each other a little better.  We hope to do it again. All Friends Regional Meeting Arts Day--All Friends Regional Meeting experimented with forging and nurturing friendships among Friends across the region and generations by conducting an Arts Day at Chatham Summit Monthly Meeting one late Saturday afternoon and evening in April of 2012. It was a resounding success with 48 children and adults attending, many of them young families. Artists from various meetings oversaw mini-workshops in sculpting, fabric construction, origami, book-cover making, and beaded jewelry making.  A show and tell, potluck and singing finale capped off a very enjoyable arts day. One parent said she felt like she had been on vacation and a child asked if we could do it every week! Canal Friends Worship Group, Princeton, NJ--Meet weekly, Tuesdays,  7 pm, at the home of Margaret and Christopher Webb.  Starts at 7 for dessert and fellowship followed by a period of worship.                                                                                                                                Have something great happening in your neck of the woods?  Let Gabi know!  If you have questions, or are interested in any of the opportunities listed above, contact Gabi Savory Bailey (nyym.yafs@gmail.com) and I will get you the information.  There is good stuff happening in our Yearly Meeting, Let’s hear it!!    friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Do you have ideas for this newsletter?  I love feedback!  Do you have photos, drawings, stories, news items, jokes, quotes?  Send 'em over! nyym.yafs@gmail.com Inhale Love. Exhale Gratitude  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Opportunities abound!

There are so many opportunities coming up for Young Adult Quakers!  Here are a couple, then a description of each, lower down.  Please consider them, they are brought by deeply faithful and engaged Friends.  I will continue to post them here as things come up!

Peace,
Gabi

• Pendle Hill June 14-19, Continuing Rev_l_tion: Be Brought Low, and Back to the Root -- A Young Adult Friends Conference on Simplicity www.pendlehill.org/yald

• Quaker Voluntary Service www.quakervoluntaryservice.org is accepting applications for all 3 of their houses!  Apply by March 15!!!!

YALD: YOUNG ADULT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Dear Friends,

Pendle Hill is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity from June 14-19, 2013 for all young adult Quakers in North America.  Continuing Rev_l_tion: Be Brought Low, and Back to the Root -- A Young Adult Friends Conference on Simplicity will be a powerful, action-oriented six-day gathering offered at Pendle Hill in Wallingford, PA. This is the second year of this amazing new conference series, and it will be held at Pendle Hill from June 14-19, 2013.  We hope you will share the following information and attached flyer with all young adults in your community.

We invite all Young Adult Friends (ages 18-35) to be a part of this six-day conference designed to strengthen a networked generation of awakened and effective spiritually grounded change agents.  The program will include inspirational speakers, workshops and trainings, worship and worship-sharing, fellowship, discernment of gifts and ministry, service and direct action.  We are calling all young adult Friends who feel a movement in our generation to create the world we believe is possible.  At its core, this conference is about providing the foundational skills and training to inspire revelation -- or revolution -- as we strive to live into Spirit-led relationship with ourselves, our communities and the earth.  

We are currently accepting applications at www.pendlehill.org/yald.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified within 2-3 weeks of submitting their application.  Program fees are $300 per participant.  This year, we have a special “Bring a Buddy” discount for individuals who register before April 1, 2013!! Apply now, and encourage a F(f)riend to apply too – if they apply, you will receive $50 off your conference cost.  This discount only applies to full-time participants; more details can be found on the application.  Please note: there will be scholarships available for participants who need support, and interested individuals should consider asking their monthly/yearly meetings or communities for financial assistance.

More information about the conference can be found at www.pendlehill.org/yald.

Please share this opportunity with everyone you know, and encourage those with interest to apply.  Any questions or inquiries should be directed to ehiggs@pendlehill.org.

In friendship, 

Emily Higgs

Conference Coordinator

QUAKER VOLUNTARY SERVICE

OVERVIEW

QVS has launched our pilot project in Atlanta, GA, one house of seven QVS volunteers. We will open houses in Philadelphia, PA and Portland, OR this year. All three projects are under the spiritual care of Friends meetings and churches. Please check out our locations pages to find out more information about each city. QVS is open to young adults who are interested in living in intentional Quaker community, experiencing Quaker worship and process, and openly engaging questions of faith and service in the world. QVS volunteers live together in simple community, immersed in Quaker spiritual practices. QVS volunteers are placed in full time positions in agencies and organizations that offer direct support to marginalized individuals and communities, and that strive to transform unjust structures. Volunteers receive shared housing, living expenses, food and transportation allowances, a small personal stipend, health insurance and training and support from QVS.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

QVS welcomes applications from young adults between the ages of 21-35, who are US citizens, and who are self-motivated, mature, and stable. Volunteers should want to grow in the areas of spirituality, justice, community, and simplicity/sustainability. Volunteers often find themselves in new and unexpected situations, so flexibility, openness, and a sense of humor are essential.

QVS is open to persons from all spiritual traditions. However, there is a strong expectation that you will engage in regular Quaker worship and practice, so volunteers who are not Quaker should be interested in exploring and learning about this faith tradition.  QVS does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, creed, culture, disability, economic class, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Because of the nature of the work and community life, applicants are requested to be in good physical and emotional health.

Here they are! The survey results you have all been holding your breath to see!

Hello Friends!  

I am almost at the 2 year mark for this work.  I cannot believe that!  It has been a time of reflection.  I have finally summarized the results of the survey I conducted from September 2011- October 2012.  Please feel free to circulate this and talk about it.  

This is all based on the data I collected from 151 Young Adult Friends in NYYM.   These are Their words and experiences.  

I am excited about where we will take this information.  

Peace to you all, 

Gabi

I conducted this survey as the Young Adult Field Secretary  (YAFS) for New York Yearly Meeting (NYYM). 

·      I collected 151 responses from September 2011-October 2012. This does not, at all, cover the entire population of Young Adult Friends in NYYM at this time. The responses represent MANY opinions and experiences, and should not be used to categorize all Young Adult Friends (YAF), the opinions of the Young Adult Field Secretary or NYYM. 

·      I administered the survey to those who 1. Identified as a Young Adult Friend (I also explained the traditional ages of 18-35, I did not ask their age, but allowed them to self-identify) and 2. Who wanted to take the survey.  I carried this survey as I traveled through NYYM. 

·      There are responses from each of the 9 Regions of New York Yearly Meeting.  There are not responses from each meeting.  If Friends are interested I can provide a further breakdown of responses from each region.

·      In as many cases as I was able, I handed the survey to the participant, and got it back the same day. I had a 100% return rate when I did it in person.  I emailed the survey to Many Young Adult Friends (YAF) and when I sent it out, my return rate was extremely low.  I only received about 4 this way.  I carried the survey with me through my travels in NYYM, larger and smaller gatherings.  Some surveys I conducted one on one.

·      Not all the fields on the survey were filled out for each survey. Many questions were left unanswered.  Some people answered with multiple answers.

·      If you have questions, would like to participate in the survey, or would like a copy of all the data, graphs of multiple choice answers, and responses to the queries I posed, please contact Gabi Savory Bailey, Young Adult Field Secretary, nyym.yafs@gmail.com.

Note: People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%. Likewise, not everyone answered every question, so the number of responses is not always equal to the percentage of the total of individuals surveyed.

Summary of findings

Plus Interesting facts, things that might surprise you, and queries that we can consider as a result. 

Please note:  The analysis of the data is still evolving and cannot be wholly summed up by me alone.  This is the beginning of a process of knowing each other better, serving each other better, and supporting the Young Adult Friends and Families of NYYM better.  There are more data than I have noted here, and can supply a copy of all the data if Friends are interested in more details.  I have discerned for myself the most pertinent pieces for this report.

·      27% of those surveyed were in the 23-26 age range.  The next largest group was 22% in the 27-30 age range.  This is notable because I often hear an assumption that YAF are College age, or transitioning out of college.  Both of these age groups are out of the college range.  Only 21% of those surveyed responded that they are in the 18-22 year age range.  Leaving 79% of those surveyed as older than 22. 19% of those surveyed identified as being Young Adult Friends, or having a young family, and yet were older than 35. This struck me as important.   This means that it is more likely that these YAF are settling into a job path, family life, or settling geographically.  It is also possible that they are establishing long-term relationships, and families.  The fact that 49% of the YAF I surveyed are in between 23-30 challenges the notion that all YAF are transient, and without permanence in their life.  I have heard this mentioned as a reason why YAF are not able to participate in the life of a Monthly Meeting, or the Yearly Meeting.

I see this more as a challenge to ask ourselves how we can serve them differently. Does this mean that we might do well to look at the life stage that people identify with (college, single, married, homeowners, job established, job seeking, parent, for example) as much as their age?  Would these associations with Life stage, rather than numerical age, help us to better identify needs and ways of supporting the individuals?  How does this information change our idea of who is a Young Adult Friend?

·      It is also notable that the age of YAF who attend Circle of Young Friends, or Young Adults Concerns Committee has traditionally drastically declined after age 24.  This statistic is anecdotal, as there were no data taken on it, but the Young Adult Concerns Committee has found this to be the case in their conferences and Committee. So, again…

How can we identify and nurture the needs and gifts of this age group differently, so that they are visibly involved?  How early in the life span should this work begin, so that the decline can be avoided?

·      Only 20 individuals of those surveyed said they grew up in the meeting where they now worship/belong 83 did not.  72 responded that they grew up as Quaker, 76 did not grow up Quaker.  This is significant because we tend to be more aware of the YAF who grew up in our Meeting.  We tend to know how old they are, roughly, and have some idea of how much they do or do not know about Quakerism/Quaker process.  If 50% did not grow up as a Quaker, I wonder how effective our Religious Education for Adults is, and if the YAF know about the structure of the Yearly Meeting, the committees, the larger Quaker world, and the conference possibilities that are available.  Many people I spoke with said that they felt “new” for a very long time.  Many noted how long it takes to feel involved, and how hard it is to break into existing social groups.  

How do we nurture new attenders, and support their understanding and involvement in the Religious Society of Friends?  Do we assume that because someone attends several times, that they have the information to learn and navigate Business Worship, Regional and Yearly meeting, committees, and all of the other information we take for granted?  How readily is that information available to all attenders and members?

·      28 of those surveyed said that they were members of a meeting where they regularly worshipped.  64 said that they were attending a meeting regularly, but were not members.  9 responded that they were members, but do not attend regularly.  There were a lot of “other” responses.  These might include how they would like to, but time does not permit, or how they haven’t found a meeting, or how they just moved, or any number of responses.  A question that comes from this is  

How do we talk about and understand membership?  What are the ways our Meetings inform attenders about membership, and the process?  How do our Meetings get to know newcomers? What attracts attenders?

·      46 people responded that they found their meetings on the Internet, 64 through Friends and Family and 5 responded that they saw the sign on the Meetinghouse. 15 said that they have known nothing else. This raises important issues about how we are visible in the world. 

What information is on the Internet about our Meetings?  Do we have an electronic presence?  Do we want one?  How do we share who we are and what we believe? 

·      14 people responded that they have had experiences that have left them disinterested in worshipping with a meeting. 32 responded that they did not.  Not everyone answered this question, obviously, but if people are having unfavorable experiences, and leaving with no one finding out why, this could be a place of exploration. 

      How do we know how the other attenders and members experience our Meetings?              Is there a way to check in with other people, so we can be aware of conflicts,     concerns, dissatisfactions, before people leave?

·      33 people surveyed said they have children.  I think this is significant because families are not always considered when people are looking to the needs of YAF.  It is clear from the long answer questions that there is considerable need for support and nurture of parents. 

This issue is in need of great, and urgent, consideration.  

·      52 responded that they had attended Powell House Youth Programs.  98 did not attend the Youth Program.  40 responded that they attended Junior Yearly Meeting (JYM), 104 did not. This is significant.  Before this survey it was the assumption by many that the Young Adults of the Yearly meeting were largely Powell House graduates.  In fact, many of those I spoke to do not even know about Powell House, or the youth program, JYM, or the existence of the Yearly Meeting.  This represents many of the YAF who came to Quakerism as adults. It is common that those who were active in Powell House as youth, or in JYM, are more visible at the Yearly Meeting level, simply because they grew up there and are known there. 

How do we get to know those YAF who did not grow up in the Yearly Meeting?  How do they get their information?  How do we design programming that will fill their needs?  Who are we missing because we do not know their gifts and needs? Are we consistently tapping the YAF we know through these programs, and contributing to burn out, when there are many other YAF who have a wealth of gifts we do not yet know?  How are our youth programs educating and involving youth, so that when they transition to Adulthood, they know what is happening, who to talk to, how to be involved, and WANT to be there?

·      The top 4 reasons people gave for not attending Quaker conferences and sessions are Cost (43 respondents), distance (38 respondents), Lack of information and time (22 respondents each).  Only 12 responded that they are not interested in the topics.  These are each very important to consider. 

How can we address these concerns, so that those who want to attend can?  How can we disseminate information about events, financial aid, and opportunities more easily so that people can know what is available and how to be able to attend? 

·      The information about Committees is complicated.  It is harder to quantify the information.  Of those who participate on committees, there were many favorable responses, the highest number of responses were that they feel heard and respected, Feel good about their work, feel satisfied, feel their gifts are well used. (21, 17, 17, 12 respondents respectively.)  There were 13 that responded that they felt they were asked because of their age.  Only 2 said NEVER AGAIN. 11 responded that they know why they were asked to do this work.   4 noted they have no idea how they got there. 10 responded that they feel overwhelmed.  We have an opportunity to encourage conversation about the work that we do on committees.  64 people said they did not participate because of time. 32 responded that they do not know what they are led to do. 31 responded that they were intimidated.  35 do not want to sign up for too much. 31 responded that they do no know what is available.  Only 15 said they were not interested. And only 4 responded that they had a bad experience, 5 that are burned out from committee work.  This appears encouraging and is an area that I see as addressable. It is encouraging that people are largely staying away because of concerns about time and over commitment, vs having had bad experiences.  

How do we let people know what work is being done at a yearly, Regional and Monthly Meeting level?   How do we convey the work being done on committees? How do we talk about our experiences?  .  What forums exist for us to communicate about our committee experience?  How is committee work perceived? 

·      When I asked how I can serve YAF best the answers pretty evenly distributed, but a few things stood out.  55 People said they wanted me to get them information. Others wanted local opportunities to gather with other YAF, and wanted opportunities for conferences and to get involved.  24 responded that they wanted me to help them discern their gifts.  16 wanted me to sit and listen.    15 wanted me to explain things like membership, meeting for business, committees etc.  These are significant needs.  It speaks that the hunger is there.  It tells me that this is an individual movement.  It is a movement based on personal relationships and Spiritual Friendships.  The road to including everyone and growing involvement on all levels is in the one-on-one Opportunities.  Our strength is knowing each other, being gathered together.  People want to know more.  They want to be connected.  This gives good information that there is much that can be done at a Monthly Meeting level. 

The question is how do Meetings understand their role?  Are there opportunities for fellowship, and learning?  How do we discern, name and nurture the gifts of those in our Meetings?  Are YAF looking to their meetings as places where this spiritual work can be done? 

I asked several long answer questions on the survey: 

• What do you see as needs for YAF in NYYM? In your experience, what particular gifts do YAF have to offer the rest of NYYM?
• Where are you Spiritually hungry?  For what do you yearn?
• What is something that you have experienced, done or attended in Quakerism that made a positive impact on you?  How did it impact you?
• What is something that you have experienced, done or attended in Quakerism that made a negative impact on you?  How did it impact you?
• Is there anything else you would like the YAFS to know?
• What are some themes/topics that you would be interesting to you?

The answers to these queries were varied, and are not easily summed up here.  If you would like to read them I can provide you a copy if you email me (nyym.yafs@gmail.com) They provide a narrative that is extremely important, and that has rarely been heard.  There are strengths, needs, hopes, and disappointments.  It is an act of faith to ask people to speak openly.  It is an even bigger act of faith to actually speak one’s experience.  It is the biggest act of faith to listen openly, take in what is being said, and to respond lovingly, and openly.  This listening is ideally done with the expectation that we will necessarily have to change, grow, and know each other better as a result.  There are many deeply committed, faithful, and active YAF in our Yearly Meeting. The news is not bad; in fact, the life that is in these responses is impressive.  These responses show us that there is a hunger for MORE.  There is a desire to be heard, seen, connected, and engaged.  People long to discern what their gifts are and how to deepen their experiences.  There is a deep desire to include and engage families and all people, regardless of age. I hope that we can examine the assumptions that are held by each individual about age and Spiritual experience. 

How often do these assumptions hold us back and keep us from engaging in the deep way that we yearn to?  Do we assume that someone’s interests, experiences, theological beliefs and yearnings will be different from our own because of their age?

I am deeply grateful to all the Young Adult Friends who opened up to me.  I am honored to have been able to participate in this deep listening.