American Friends could learn a thing or two from British Friends about how to do good outreach, I think. At least judging from what I've been hearing about them lately. There are at least two brilliant things they're doing: National Quaker Week and updating their terminology.

National Quaker Week

First, they've created an event called National Quaker Week, which is under way right now. In their own words:

What if there was a week in 2007 where Quakers popped into public view, not once, but many times? What if energy and resources for outreach came together for one big push? This could significantly multiply the impact of our work on outreach. It wouldn't replace regular work on outreach, but it would give the Quaker profile a huge boost.

National Quaker Week, from 22-30 September 2007, aims to do just that. By combining national media work and advertising with local events and activities, the week will raise the profile of Quakers across the UK. "A joint effort on advertising and events throughout the country is a great way of boosting the Quaker profile," says Steve Cappleman, Outreach Co-ordinator, "If people hear about Quakers from a number of sources at the same time, it will hopefully arouse their curiosity."

From a YAF in New York Yearly Meeting

6 black youth in Louisiana are facing up to 15 years in prison for standing up to racism in their school after white youth hung three nooses from the "whites-only" tree in front of their high school.
 
On Thursday, September 20th, Mychal Bell could be convicted before an all-white jury without a single witness being called on his behalf will be sentenced. He has been in jail since December 4th already having done more time than the police officers who shot Sean Bell 50 times.
 
1500 student at Howard University rallied this week to free the Jena 6.
 
There are number of things you can do to make a difference.
 
1. Get on the bus to be in Jena on Thursday, September 20th.  (Buses will be leaving NY on Tuesday night.)  
 
2. Give a contribution towards a bus of Harlem residents, students, revolutionaries and others to be in Jena In order to sell tickets for $25 -100 each we need to raise donations of $10,000 (and this is just to fill one bus).

3. Spread the word.  Wear black on Thursday.  Walk out of school or work.  Send a message: Drop all the charges! Free the Jena 6!

Go to Revolution Newspaper's website, www.revcom.us for updated information on the case.

This is a case that will have a profound impact on society. Our generation has a responsibility to impact it.


2. Tell Your Senators: Vote Yes to Restore Habeas Corpus
 
Contact Your Senators Today
In a few days, the Senate will resume debate on the Defense Authorization Bill, including an amendment from Senators Leahy and Specter to restore habeas corpus. Tell your senators today to vote "yes" on this critical amendment.

 
Make Your Voice Heard
If you are a Working Assets customer, you can also call your senators at 202/224-3121 at no charge.

Christina Repoley

308 Friends from 41 countries, representing many Friends traditions, gathered in Ireland from the 11-19 of August 2007 to fellowship, do business, and consider the theme “Finding the Prophetic Voice for Our Time.” It was a full and rich gathering. In our daily worship we heard messages from seven Friends on this theme. We were presented with the concept of prophecy from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament and early Friends. We wrestled with examples of contemporary prophetic witness and saw that our understanding of the call to prophetic ministry differs nearly as much as our practices and theologies differ. We had interest groups, working groups, singing, worship sharing groups, excursions, and conversations deep into the night.

I felt blessed and challenged by all of the speakers on the theme of prophetic ministry. A few thoughts on the theme that stick with me from the talk by Marion McNaughton of Britain Yearly Meeting:

One does not choose to be a prophetic, it is a calling from God, and often one that is resisted and unwelcome;
Prophecy is rooted in the religious values of the community, it reveals where the community has been faithful and where it has failed to be faithful.

AngelinaI feel really lucky to be alive and in community with Quakers right now, because I can see the glimmers of a resurgence and growing vitality, particularly among young adult Friends. This is true of FGC — with the Youth Ministries Committee and flourishing AYF programs at Gathering — but also individual yearly meetings. My own yearly meeting, Philadelphia, has had a fairly active young adult Friend group for more than two years (admittedly reincarnated from a much longer history). The February conference at Burlington brought together a lot of young adult Friends who are doing similar work all over the country.

All of this growth and good work in mind, I want to put forward yet another way that I think young adult Friends can be (and in many cases already are) working to build sustainable community among ourselves and the greater community of Friends: by being involved, as young adult Friends, in high school Quaker communities as Friendly Presences (chaperones) and workshop leaders.