As promised, I wanted to share some observations and relevant factoids from this past weekends arrangements committee. First off, I wanted to express my fondest gratitude for everyone who made time in their busy schedules to participate in the important work of drafting a schedule for 2015 IMYM. Secondly, I was blown away by the ability of people with very different priorities who in some ways represent conflicting interests, and their willingness to come together and find compromise, ensuring that everyones voice was heard and respected. Finally, I am in total awe of how the SYFs are able to not only function during this period of grieving, but give meaningful and relevant input into the functioning and structure of our meeting. Moving forward, I would like to see the YAFs become a more distinct and coherent group. From talking to people this weekend, and participating in the google group conversation, I feel that folks would both enjoy and benefit from spending more time together in fellowship and play. While I do not wish to dramatically alter our engagement with the general gathering, I feel that we would benefit from having our own schedule, that would be listed on the 2015 agenda. This would not only make it easier for people to plan their week out in advanced but it would also provide much needed structure for newer Friends and SYFs who are transitioning into the YAF group/community. Along these lines, I propose that we meet with Diego as a group during the Thursday evening campfire. I know that the campfire/poster session are long standing traditions, but in light of Diegos willingness and enthusiasm to speak with us, I would ask you to consider his offer. After hearing him talk over Skype, my feeling is that there is much wisdom to be gained through working with him. Additionally I would like to set aside a few hours on one of the early days for some kind of outdoor activity. Elizabeth had the idea of going rafting which sounds like wonderful way of getting to know each other better under the care of nature. If this proves too expensive and or time consuming then something like a brisk hike would be a worthy substitute. Over the course of the upcoming weeks, I will be corresponding with Diegos daughter Kylin, in order to learn about the work theyve done with younger Friends at PYM. I am very curious as to how other Meetings have dealt with the issues regarding YAF identity in relation to the larger Quaker community. I hope I am not overstepping my bounds as clerk, and welcome any feedback or well-meant criticism. Im also open to changing the time of our meeting with Diego if YAFs feel that there is time slot that works better. I encourage everyone to share their voice either here or on the google listserv, as this is a great opportunity to continue the discussion of where we see ourselves going in the future. Hoping this week finds you well. In Friendship, Jon Rex
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 21:12:31 +0000
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