We've started a new blog at www.friendsofcolor.blogspot.com and I would love to get other young Friends around the country to contribute. I can add anyone who wants to write about issues of more diversity and inclusivity (regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, etc.) I won't control what the contributors say, as long as it falls under the guidelines of being "compassionate, critical and constructive" in regards to these issues. Please speak your truth and help it add to the whole Truth.

This blog was started to call attention that some voices are not being heard or acknowledged enough within the RSoF. I myself felt that my opinions were being brushed aside, so this is my peaceful way of rocking the boat.

I really feel that this is important because I see Friends as the gold standard for activism. Now I want to see them be the gold standard for community. If Friends, who say they believe there is the Light of God within everyone, have testimonies for Peace and Community and Service, cannot exemplify people coming together in programmed or unprogrammed worship, then I wonder what RSoF will represent to an increasingly activist, multicultural American society that also works for justice and peace.

How many young Friends have learned how to be friends with people of different races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, sexual orientations and ages? I'd venture to say that a lot of you have learned to see the Light of God in everyone, not just through activism but in your daily lives through friendship. Our generation has crossed a lot of barriers, and I feel strongly that it's our turn to educate others about the often subtle prejudices our elders instilled in us that we've overcome.

In something that I insist is more than just coincidence, the RSoF remains a largely a white European-American society and its numbers are dropping. Yet in the world outside of Friends, our generation is mobilizing like never before. Young people are politicizing and celebrating a society that is trans-racial and trans-gender. In other words, people that acknowledge race and culture and gender bias and strive to be above it. People who want the higher road.

It's important to translate the good stuff within RSoF into modern day language that is welcoming and accessible. Young people still yearn for a spiritual experience, but don't know where to turn when a lot of religious institutions still condemn other religions and certain lifestyles. I think RSoF has a history that will appeal to a lot of young people, and a theology that is pretty open to what young people will bring in.

This is not an issue of proselytizing. This is an issue of participation.

To participate in this discussion: email aeyoung82 AT yahoo DOT com and request to be added to the contributor list.