E+January+2011

January 25, 2011

7:00 settle in

Discussion with Nikki about how this committee might work with /interface with the Board. (note: In this document, QSLC refers to this current body, not the Board group in formation.)

In the light of the Board rewriting of the school’s by-laws, this discussion is helpful and timely. Nikki shared genesis of changes. Board wanted to have shared more information beforehand last spring. Board retreat held fall 2009, examining role and all committees, with consultant. There was work on an attempt to streamline committees. Also, there was a decision to shift the structure, which would allow more at-large members, but affects relationship with FCE. Boards need a specific set of skills to do their work. In order to make that happen, more slots needed to be opened without making the Board too large. This also helps to increase diversity on the Board. In the new committee structure, school life committee status was in question – standing committee or ad hoc? Decision made to make it a standing committee. The history of the committee was examined – as well as how the Board addresses their charge to tend to the Quaker character of the school. Question remained – should it be a Board committee or a school committee? It was felt that leadership should stay with the school, not the Board, but connection should be maintained in some fashion. Board needs to set up a different sort of committee that will have work that relates to QSLC, but Governance Committee suggests that QSLC cease to be a Board-led committee and become a school led committee. Board open to QSLC input. There was never the intent to come up with a new name for the committee and to impose a charge on it. We are able to define our mission, also our place in the structure of the school, with Mike’s blessing. Board imagines a liaison from the Board committee (on the FCE work) with QSLC. Board group (currently called QSLC – so we can go back to our old name or make a new one) is working on documents that may be needed for the FCE process. Nikki shared some of the queries the Board is currently considering. Queries are being designed to examine all they/we do in the light of Quaker values.

(CL) This is a big question. To put it before only this group, as we are in transition, seems limiting. Should we ask for input from the wider community? There’s good reason to pause and deliberate on why this group needs to be together. Who will lead it? What should be its focus? (JH) This opens a door to reconsider the direction of the group – what are we going to be? (MG) summary We are comfortable with the idea that this is no longer a Board committee. We would like to take some time to consider what it means to be a school committee and what direction we might pursue. We would like the committee to continue to include Board members, as well as all other constituents of the community. Concern: if Board person is not automatically the convener, will anyone step forward to do it? Marsha will continue to convene this year. She would very much appreciate a co-convener.

A review of funding possibilities and potential persons for a Quaker in Residence program:

Information from Karen: //I am writing to you about a wonderful funding opportunity for Quaker education through the Sue Turner Quaker Education Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to support the understanding and practice of Quaker faith in schools, and to support the growth of a "life lived in the Spirit" by members of the school communities. All Friends schools across the country are eligible to apply. Generous funding from// //the Sue Turner Fund through Baltimore Yearly Meeting makes it possible for many Friends schools to attend Friends Council programs and purchase literature on Quakerism and Quaker pedagogy.// //Application Deadline — March 1, 2011// //The Fund is intended to be used for: books, materials, lectures and consultants, workshops and retreats, and programs and activities which help to explain Quaker faith and practice to members of the school communities, to be brought into the schools for individual or groups from the school communities to attend workshops, classes or retreats on Quaker faith and practice and spiritual development and for the creation and distribution of materials related to these issues by members of the school communities.// //For additional information, please click here:// [] //I hope you will consider this great funding opportunity.// Karen Vaccaro Interim Associate Director Friends Council on Education 1507 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 [|www.friendscouncil.org]

Residence program. Jamie and Marsha have been collecting ideas of possible Quakers we might invite (no telling if they would be available or affordable!), which include: Os Cresson - Quaker from Iowa who works with Friends for Afghan and blogs about nontheism and Quakerism (now in New Jersey) Nan Bowles – A North Carolina Quaker who is just beginning to find her ministry of engaging friends in understanding the spirituality of the earth, love of art, has presented in Greensboro, “hippie” Melanie Widener - an artist who leads workshops about art and spirituality (east coast) Deborah Shaw and/or Max Carter, from Guilford College Quaker Center - work with Quaker scholars program (? ask them to come teach in US?) Kody Hersch, a young adult friend with a concern for transgendered people Mary Ann Downey, leads workshops on consensus building (Atlanta) John Scardina, previous head of Westtown, counselor, past QIR at a Quaker school, at LI Friends School this semester Parker Palmer (Courage to Teach, Circle of Trust, out of Washington State) David Boulton Brit - Colin and Kathy South (British Friends that may be able to come over)
 * George Lakey, past director of "Training for Change" which teaches people about non-violent social action (Philadelphia)
 * Dr. Amanda Kemp – leader of the "theater for transformation" group that presented at FGC last summer, Quaker, based in Philadelphia
 * Kevin Lee and/or Gretchen Baker-Smith, who have both been deeply involved in nurturing the Young Friends programs of New England Yearly Meeting (camps, etc.) – great with kids (could we send kids there?)
 * Vanessa Julye, author of "Fit for Freedom, Not for Friendship" a recent book about Quaker history of race relations. (Philadelphia)

• ***exciting possibilities – Marsha will explore these • Jamie will try to frame a vision of what this program might look like – and Kathy will help tweak –maybe get John Ladd to help • Tie to community read – or US summer reading list??

Folk are invited to send "Quaker Moments" in our individual and/or unit lives to Kathy for inclusion in these minutes.

Settle out

Upcoming meeting dates: February 22 March 22 April 26 May 24 (pot luck?)