QEW’s Fall Steering Committee Meeting & Annual Gathering

Minutes of the Meeting at the Firs Conference Center, Bellingham, Washington

October 8-11, 2009

Click here to see attached reports

Present: Peggy Boyer Long, Jack Bradin, Al Connor, Louis Cox, Kitty Dunn, Bob First, Nancy First, Marshall Gibson, Mary Gilbert, Dick Grossman, Gay Grossman, John Hackman, Ruth Hamilton, Roger Hansen, eric joy, Donn Kesselheim, Mary Jo Klingel, Hollister Knowlton, Barbara Letsch, Sandra Lewis, David Millar, John Payton, Bob Schultz, Allen Stockbridge, Susan Swanstrom, Ruah Swennerfelt, Shelley Tanenbaum, Carolyn Treadway, Roy Treadway, Elizabeth Willey, Stephen Willey, Maia Wolff, Rod Zwirner, and Ruth Zwirner. Also joining us remotely for one or more sessions by Skype were Jim Lynch, Elaine Emmi, and Phil Emmi.

First Meeting for Worship for Business, Thursday, 2009 October 8, 7:15 p.m.

We opened with worship amongst the tall coniferous trees surrounding us at the Firs Conference Center in Bellingham, Washington.

John Hackman reviewed our process for conducting a Meeting for Worship for Business; he encouraged us to speak loudly. John opened our time together with a reading by Wendell Berry.

Though the air is full of singing
my head is loud
with the labor of words.

Though the season is rich
with fruit, my tongue
hungers for the sweet of speech.

Though the beech is golden
I cannot stand beside it
mute, but must say

“It is golden," while the leaves
stir and fall with a sound
that is not a name.

It is in the silence
that my hope is, and my aim.
A song whose lines

I cannot make or sing
sounds men's silence
like a root. Let me say

and not mourn: the world
lives in the death of speech
and sings there.

Introductions and Agenda

Clerk Hollister Knowlton introduced herself. Then each person present introduced himself or herself, giving his or her name, monthly meeting, and yearly meeting. We reviewed our agenda for the business meeting this weekend.

Naming Committee

In order to nominate persons to the Nominating Committee, Steering Committee (SC) named a Naming Committee.

SC Minute 2009.10.01. Steering Committee approved Jack Bradin and Al Connor as members of the Naming Committee at these sessions.

Budget and Finance report – Ruah Swennerfelt

The Budget for FY 2010 includes a reduction of 8.9 percent from FY 2009, accomplished mostly through staff salary decreases. (See Attachment A.) Also, QEW will have less website expenses in the next fiscal year than this fiscal year. Ruah also discussed the profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and comparison over time of contributions. QEW needs about $15,000 additional contributions by the end of October. A grant has been written requesting $20,000 for general expenses plus $2,000 for printing, but we will not know if we will receive the grant until the end of 2009 October. A Certificate of Deposit has been cashed in to help with cash flow, and interest from our investments is lower than a year ago. Considerable discussion of our finances ensued. We noted that QEW needs to consider increases for staff salary in the future.

Nominating Committee – Rod Zwirner

The Nominating Committee presented its proposed slate of nominees for approval.

At large Representatives to the Steering Committee:

• Mary Gilbert (to 2011)
• Carol Ciscel and Allen Stockbridge (to 2012)
• Finance Committee Clerk: Barbara Williamson (to 2010)
• Representative to the United Nations: Jack Bradin (to 2010)

Continuing Counsel Committee (CCC) report – Hollister Knowlton

According to the QEW Bylaws, CCC is responsible for supporting the Clerk, monitoring QEW in ensuring its Vision and Witness and its mission of outreach, and acting on behalf of SC between sessions. CCC members were introduced. CCC is concerned that QEW is experiencing a shortfall of funds. To widen the numbers of people active with QEW, we have set up a QEW E-list with oversight by the Outreach Committee. Since the 2008 November SC Meetings, CCC met once in a day-long meeting in Washington, DC, and had eight conference telephone calls in addition to the meetings during SC. All minutes, once approved, have been sent to SC members by email and posted on the QEW website. CCC has requested that the Finance Committee develop guidelines on allocation of travel scholarship money for Friends who need financial assistance to attend meetings.

What are you hoping for this weekend as the outcome of the business meeting?

Each person present was asked to respond to the query: What are you hoping for this weekend as the outcome of the business meeting sessions and annual gathering? We asked what QEW can and should do. We stressed the urgency of acting in today’s world, pulling QEW together, and finding the Spirit which moves through QEW. We appreciated meeting new people with common interests.

Spiritual Nurturance (SN) Committee – Mary Jo Klingel

Spiritual Nurturance Committee brought forth a proposal to establish a Working Group for "Discussion of Spiritual Experience and Thinking." Several questions were raised, including whether a person might want to attend this working group as well as other working groups and whether this working group might bring others, including some in Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) and other Friends who have concerns about the earth, to come to QEW Meetings. Some changes in wording were suggested. This proposal will be reviewed by the SN Committee and brought back to the Plenary Sessions.

Friends Testimonies and Economics (FTE) – Al Connor

An initial proposal not to continue QEW support of FTE through the Friends Committee on National Legislation ( FCNL) Support Working Group was discussed, but some aspects of the proposal were not clear. The proposal will be considered by the FCNL Support Working Group and brought back to the Plenary Sessions.

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change – Ruah Swennerfelt

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change will propose language on endorsing the statement by Britain Yearly Meeting on Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change and will bring its recommendations back to the Plenary Sessions.

Ruah reviewed the financial contributions by monthly meetings

We closed with silence.

Second Meeting for Worship for Business, Friday, 2009 Oct 9, 1:30 p.m.

We settled with silence. Mary Gilbert helped us center by reading from Getting a Grip by Frances Moore Lappe, pp. 152-154.

Bold Humility

At a party I threw in the 1970s, I recall the line of a comedian friend who cracked everyone up: "Yeah...I once considered going into Lappé’s line of work --- trying to change the world," he said, deadpan, but one problem stopped me. You know, you can go for weeks and not see any change at all!”

Yes, we all laughed, but I realize now my funny friend might have missed the real challenge.

Back then I never would have imagined the world as I experience it today: I assumed that the world would get better (if people listened to me, of course!); or they would get worse. But it hasn’t turned out that way. Things are moving fast in two directions at once: they are getting very much worse and they are getting very much better. The real challenge is staying sane in this both/and world; it is holding both realities.

Helping me is a new kind of humility taking root inside. I can now look at all the positive developments emerging and admit I would have given them almost zero probability of success when I was my children’s age. That’s humbling.

…..All this makes me think twice about any verdict on the future.

It is not possible to know what’s possible…..This is how I now understand humility. Believing we can accurately predict outcomes, as cynics claim to, has become for me the utmost in hubris. And because this is true, we are free. WE are free to act assuming that our action -- no matter how small it appears to us – could be the tipping point setting off tectonic shifts of consciousness and creativity.

Naming Committee

The Naming Committee (Al Connor and Jack Bradin) proposed that David Millar be a member of the Nominating Committee.

SC Minute 2009.10.02. Steering Committee approved David Millar to be a member of the Nominating Committee.

Ad Hoc Committee on Staff Transition – Dick Grossman

Because Ruah plans to retire as General Secretary in 2011 January, QEW has formed an Ad Hoc Committee on Staff Transition, consisting of Al Connor, David Ciscel, Noel Pavlovic, Judy Lumb, Ed Dreby, Hollister Knowlton, Ruah Swennerfelt, Jack Bradin, and Dick Grossman, Clerk. The Committee is charged with exploring all aspects of the transition to a new General Secretary, including financial issues. Several scenarios are possible. Ruah might continue very part time as a bookkeeper while a part time General Secretary to focus on program and meetings might be hired, the treasurer might take on the bookkeeper role as well as pay the bills, or the current General Secretary position might be continued with a new person hired to perform both functions of bookkeeping and program-outreach . Whatever arrangements are made, QEW should involve Quakers with strong Earthcare interests if possible. Decisions on the future of QEW might influence the arrangements of the positions. The Ad Hoc Committee will meet electronically and present a report on possible actions to the QEW SC in 2010 April.

Budget for FY 2010 – Ruah Swennerfelt

Ruah reviewed the proposed FY 2010 budget, emphasizing a reduction in salary and benefits by staff, the cashing in of the certificate of deposit with New England Yearly Meeting pooled investment to improve cash flow, and a potential $20,000 grant. Alternatively, QEW could raise more in contributions than proposed to increase staff salaries and benefits to the current levels or higher. By the Spring SC Meeting, the Finance Committee plans to review staff benefits if funds permit. In addition, future long-term salaries of staff and office need to be planned.

SC Minute 2009.10.03. Steering Committee approved the proposed FY 2010 Budget (as given in Attachment A) with the understanding that QEW crucially needs to increase our support to reach and meet staff needs.

Ad Hoc Committee on the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change – Ruah Swennerfelt

The Ad Hoc Committee brought forth a proposed minute on the actions concerning climate change at the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change. After some discussion of the wording of the minute, we stressed that we need to strengthen our individual, daily actions on climate change.

SC Minute 2009.10.04. Steering Committee approved the following minute:

December 7th through 18th of 2009 our attention will be on the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit as the world's leaders come together to discuss the environmental fate of the planet. Quaker Earthcare Witness joins with Friends World Committee for Consultation – European and Middle East Section and other Quaker organizations by endorsing the climate statement prepared by Britain Yearly Meeting in advance of the Copenhagen Conference. (See below.) We are grateful for the initiative and leadership of British Friends who are providing a catalyst for reflection and discernment among Friends.

A global consensus is emerging on the urgency for action, to implement words and intentions, for all who live on our fragile planet. As the leaders of the world gather at this occasion we call for bold decisions – a 35 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2020 working toward the goal of stabilizing total atmospheric CO₂ from the present 387 ppm to less than 350 ppm. The unlimited resources of human and divine spirit and imagination need to be embraced as we act.

A Quaker Response to the Crisis of Climate Change
Approved by Britain Yearly Meeting, July 2009

The crisis of global climate change represents a supreme test of humanity's collective wisdom and courage. Our immoderate use of Earth's resources violates the entire biosphere, threatening the lives of millions of people and the habitats of thousands of species. Many of the poorest people are already suffering a changed climate; they are asking us all to act.

How has humanity produced this crisis? Our faith response is that prevailing social values have obscured what it means to live authentically on this Earth. In rich European countries we consume more than we need within an economic system that divides us as a society; in much that we do, we cause harm to the planet and each other without enriching our lives.

The Earth is God's work and not ours to do with as we please. We recall Gandhi's saying, often quoted by Quakers: "Live simply that others may simply live." As a Quaker community, we do try to live what we believe, guided by the values of simplicity, truth, equality and peace. Too often we fall short of honouring them. Climate change is challenging us to ask anew what our faith leads us to do.

As individuals and as a community, we are now making the difficult decisions and plans necessary to limit our ecological impact to a sustainable level. With encouragement from one another, we are progressively reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources while stepping up our campaign for wider social change. As a small religious society, we take heart in belonging to a community of faith groups and others working towards the same goals in a hopeful spirit.

We gladly take up our responsibility and call for unprecedented international cooperation to enable the large cuts in global emissions which are required. This will be a difficult road to travel but we are prepared to support decision-makers in taking the radical steps necessary. We appreciate progress made and uphold decision-makers as they navigate conflicting priorities, yet we challenge them to hold faith with the goal and not bend to short-term expediency.

An inequitable global agreement on climate change could lead to forced migrations and serious conflict. Any agreement must put the world's poorest first; it falls to richer countries to bear the greater burden of responsibility for change. The goal is achievable but priorities will need to change: currently, the majority of states commit more resources to warfare than to tackling climate change.

Where we see crisis, we also see opportunity to remake society as a communion of people living sustainably as part of the natural world. By leading the simpler lives of a low-carbon society, we draw nearer to the abundance of peace, freedom and true community. Our faith in common humanity gives hope; love, rather than fear, can still lead us through this crisis.

FWCC Response: Quakers & the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit  

The Executive Committee of the Europe and Middle East Section of Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC-EMES) warmly endorses the Climate Statement prepared by Britain Yearly Meeting [above] for the Copenhagen Conference due to take place in December 2009.

We are grateful for the initiative and leadership of British Friends, who are proving a catalyst for reflection and discernment among Friends more widely... on a topic that continues to provoke debate and controversy. Unity, though not yet complete, is emerging on the urgency for action to accompany words and intentions, in a spirit of solidarity and in the pursuit of justice for all who live on our fragile planet. We recognise that any change needs to start with our own commitment to making drastic alterations to our own lifestyle, whilst bearing in mind that in parts of the Section, particularly in the East, Friends lag far behind in wealth and access to material resources. We hope that individual Meetings around the Section will continue to explore the issues for them, and respond out of their own experience.

Quakers share a sense of awe at the miracle of the biosphere and the abundance of life on earth and are motivated by love and respect for the whole of creation. We are called to invest creatively all the resources we have been given to preserve life and diversity. Failure to stem climate change will increase immensely the suffering of humans and their fellow creatures by making additional areas of the planet uninhabitable.

We hope for bold decisions—as much as 40-percent reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2020, and imaginative, tangible schemes, such as reforestation and much increased use of renewable sources of energy.

We believe that faith plays a vital part in humanity's ability to face up to and overcome improbable odds, especially when it remains inclusive and grounded in the golden rule of compassion: the good which we wish for ourselves, we seek for every being.

Publications Committee – Roy Treadway

QEWs new website is slowly being developed and is nearing readiness for review by the Publications Committee and by the SC.

Spiritual Nurturance Committee –

Minutes on Light Within and eric joy’s spiritual gifts – Mary Jo Klingel

The SNC will continue to season its proposed minutes on recognizing the Light Within all Creation and on recognizing eric joy’s leading and ministry regarding spiritual unification. (See Attachment B.)

Spiritual Nurturance Committee – Working Group for Discussion of Spiritual Experience and Thinking – Mary Jo Klingel.

The SNC presented a slightly revised proposal for this working group. The new working group needs to establish its own clerk and name.

SC Minute 2009.10.04. Steering Committee approved the following Proposal to Establish a Working Group For Discussion of Spiritual Experience and Thinking

We propose to establish a new Working Group under the care of the QEW Steering Committee to serve as a locus for discussion of spiritual experiences and convictions centered on re-establishing and nurturing our relationship with the Earth.

Term: We suggest an initial term for this working group of three years.

Purpose: This Working Group would provide a time and place for exploration of individual and group experiences and convictions that are not mainstream among Quakers, such as the New Story and Native American spirituality. The group would be free to develop whatever projects seem appropriate as way opens.

Membership: Several members of the current Spiritual Nurturance Committee have an interest in the proposed group, which would also be open to anyone in attendance at QEW Steering Committee or Annual Meetings. Prospective members would be advised that participation in the Group would preclude participation in other Working Groups since they meet at the same time. However, interested Friends would be welcome to be on any e-mail lists or receive any other communication that the group produces. The group would choose their own clerk or convener as well as a permanent name.

Budget: We propose no budget allocation at this time, but may schedule up to two conference calls between face-to-face meetings.

Outreach Committee – Susan Swanstrom

Information for yearly meeting representatives will be put on the QEW website. The new QEW E-list will be used to invite many others to become involved in QEW, including using yearly meeting and monthly meeting lists, where possible. Guidelines on the use of list are being developed.

Ruth Hamilton presented the result of the QEW Mini-grants. Ten mini-grants were awarded to Friends Meetings in Decorah, IA, Chapel Hill, NC, Smithfield, RI, Bloomington, IN, Durham, NC, Oak Park, IL, Burlington, VT, Milwaukee, WI; Intermountain Yearly Meeting; and Scattergood Friends School.

The committee proposed that QEW hold its annual face-to-face meetings, alternating between a national meeting every two years in a central location near public transportation in a natural setting and, in between, regional QEW meetings, which would be linked electronically. The Outreach Committee proposed:

In order to reduce our collective carbon footprint, we propose in the future that QEW hold fewer meetings unless they are virtual. Beginning in 2011 we propose holding one annual face-to-face meeting, held every other year in a central location with easy access to public transportation. (Recognizing the transformational potential of our relationship to nature afforded by meeting in or near places of natural beauty, we propose such settings for these meetings.) In the alternate years when face-to-face meetings of the whole are not held, we propose that simultaneous regional face-to-face meetings linked via web conferencing be held to conduct annual business.

We asked many questions. How has this model worked for other Quaker organizations? What regional meetings would qualify? What is the value of getting together face-to-face? Will we all do as much if we do not get together? Are conference calls really as effective as getting together personally? In what many other ways besides transportation can we cut our carbon, such as the food we use? How can we be sure that our face-to-face meetings are really worthwhile? How can we make best use of both virtual and face-to-face meetings? We need time to consider all the issues for QEW with a sound decision on our purpose and goals. The Outreach Committee will involve the SC and all involved in QEW with further seasoning of this proposal and bring a proposal to the Spring SC meetings.

After a short silence, we took a break.

Third Meeting for Worship for Business, Friday, 2009 October 9, 3:30 p.m.

We resumed our Worship for Business with a reading by Mary Jo Klingel from Jennie M. Ratcliffe, Integrity, Ecology, and Community: The Motion of Love, Pendle Hill Pamphlet, 403. p. 28.

It often seems that we are hopelessly trapped in our Promethean project of economic growth, the scientific and technological exploitation of "resources" and endless conflict. The idea that we could create a sustainable future for ourselves and the creatures we depend on seems naïve and frankly impossible to many. Yet the ecological crisis may well be a time of kairos, a time of transformation in which we will experience not only enormous changes in this beautiful planet we call our home, but also the "global revolution in the sphere of human consciousness" that Vaçlav Havel calls for if we are to avoid a worldwide ecological or social catastrophe. Perhaps our only task is, simply, to respond to what Friends call "the promptings of love and truth in our hearts," to turn and keep turning in the direction of an integral life and to love as best we can, knowing that we are not alone, but sustained, however mysteriously and uncertainly, by the wholeness and integrity of the earth, of God and of all that is.

Cards for Absent Friends - Nancy First

Cards for absent Friends were available in the dining room.

Ad Hoc Committee on Purpose – Ruah Swennerfelt

The Ad Hoc Committee on Purpose (Mary Jo Klingel, Mary Gilbert, Hollister Knowlton, Ruah Swennerfelt, and Nancy Halliday) did not complete its work. One Friend reminded us that QEW is not a corporate agency that needs a purpose; instead, we might consider using a set of queries as alternatives to a Purpose or Mission Statements. Others felt what we need is a statement of who we are or where we are going. The work by Ad Hoc Committee on Purpose will continue with a report to the 2010 Spring SC meetings expected.

Seasoning and approving issues between face-to-face meetings

In a sharing session, we considered how QEW can season and approve issues between face-to-face meetings. According to our bylaws, CCC can make decisions in between SC meetings. On political action issues, the CCC can refer related to legislative issues to the FCNL Support Working Group, which is in touch with FCNL. Quaker UN Organization (QUNO) also has knowledge of Earthcare issues, but we do not pass issues to QUNO. We noted that making endorsements on international interests can not be guided by FCNL, and indeed QEW’s interest in public policy may be broader than FCNL, such as in state and international issues. We need to remember that because of our tax deductible status, we do have limitations that we cannot spend more than 20 percent of our budget on political activity. Friends have had a tradition of letter writing and other forms of engaging common work, long before electronic communication. Friends will continue to work on issues outside QEW if QEW cannot make decisions between meetings. Would silent worship before electronic communications be helpful? We recognized that our decisions between SC Meetings should not be made easily and that we need to trust the CCC, perhaps in consultation with SC members, to make wise decisions between face-to-face meetings.

Nominating Committee – Rod Zwirner

SC Minute 2009.10.05. Steering Committee approved the following nominations:

At-large Representatives to the Steering Committee

• Mary Gilbert (to 2011)
• Carol Ciscel and Allen Stockbridge (to 2012)
• Finance Committee Clerk: Barbara Williamson (to 2010)
• Representative to the United Nations: Jack Bradin (to 2010)

General Secretary Report – Ruah Swennerfelt

QEW has grown considerably in the last 15 years, especially in the use of electronic communication. Ruah has been General Secretary for 15 years, feels some burn out, and welcomes new energy and experience in QEW.

SC Minute 2009.10.06. Steering Committee approved noting our deep gratitude to Ruah for her extraordinary work for QEW over the years.

Reports from Yearly Meeting representatives

We asked Friends to give examples of the exciting work being done for the earth by yearly meeting groups. Southeastern Yearly Meeting Quakers and others helped defeat rezoning for the building of an urban war school in Florida and prevented a gas line from being built. In Lake Erie Yearly Meeting, with the assistance of Michigan Interfaith Power and Light, Ann Arbor Meeting reduced electricity use. New England Yearly Meeting helped with translation. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting had the theme of Right Relationship at its annual meetings and is now developing non-violent opposition related to mountain top removal of coal. Wyoming Monthly Meeting is a addressing the role of buffalo by the Bureau of Land Management. Wilmington College has developed a School of Agriculture. Chapel Hill Meeting has also done Earthcare work. Illinois Yearly Meeting notes Bob Wixom's death, complex composting and recycling at its annual sessions, and its purchase of 6.5 acres of land adjacent to the Meeting house where a prairie burn and planting of native species are planned.

After announcements by Ruah, we closed with silence.

Fourth Meeting for Worship for Business, Sunday, 2009 October 11, 9:30 a.m.

We gathered in Silence on a beautiful, crisp autumn morning among the tall trees. A traditional saying by Hopi Elder Grandfather David was presented by eric joy.

how to start the day
rise with the sun
have contact with water ~
water yourself as you water a plant
look for useful work to do

Naming Committee

SC Minute 2009.10.07. Steering Committee approved Ruth Hamilton as member of Nominating Committee.

The Nominating Committee needs an additional member of Nominating Committee. CCC can approve of another member of the Nominating Committee.

FCNL Support Working Group – Rod Zwirner

The proposal from last Spring Steering Committee Meetings about QEW’s support of Friends Testimonies and Economics (FTE) is being withdrawn. Rather, Donn Kessleheim and David Ciscel, QEW’s representatives to FTE, are being asked to report to the FCNL Support Working Group and to other working groups, such as the Sustainability: Faith and Action Working Group, if interested. While FTE is now under the care of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, continuous contact and involvement with FTE are needed.

SC Minute 2009.10.08. Steering Committee approved the following statement:

In order to facilitate communications between Friends Testimonies and Economics (FTE) and QEW, the FCNL Support Working Group proposes that the two QEW representatives to FTE report to the FCNL Support Working Group and any other working groups that request a report.

Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) Update – Bob Schultz.

According to the FCNL, ratification of a nuclear bomb test ban treaty is possible. FCNL is not supporting the current American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Bill in the U.S. House, but hopes that a more prophetic bill will be crafted, possibly in the Senate. Devon Helfrich, Legislative Advocate, is writing a clear, concise summary of the bill, pros and cons, focusing on the Senate bill, while anticipating amendments. FCNL recommends that Friends support the good work of the Obama Administration and not be silent. FCNL has an excellent website that Friends are encouraged to use.

Quaker Institute for the Future (QIF) Update – Shelley Tanenbaum

QIF supports persons working on Earthcare, economics, and values. In 2005 QIF launched the Moral Economy Project, which led to the publishing of the book, Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy, by Peter Brown and Geoffrey Garver. Peter Brown has been involved in outreach in Kenya. The book, Fueling our Future, also published by QIF, gives alternative energy choices or options as a summary of a series of discussions on the east coast. Ongoing are several circles of discernment. Occasional worshipfully oriented research seminars in the summer on selected topics have helped focus the work of QIF and led to some articles in BeFriending Creation. Links with QIF are available on the QEW website. QIF news will also be available on QEW E-news, which is emerging to connect person involved with QEW. QIF is also working with Ed Dreby's concern on the Growth Dilemma to form a Growth Dilemma Network.

Friends General Conference (FGC) Gathering Earthcare Center – Ruah Swennerfelt

Tthe Earthcare Center has grown and flourished at the FGC Gathering since its beginning around 20 years ago when QEW held its meetings in conjunction with the Gathering. Many QEW Volunteers have been involved in the Center, but participation has been dwindling in recent years. In 2009, only a few QEW SC members came to the FGC Gathering. What commitment of staff and volunteers in setting up, manning, and taking down does QEW have? A possible model is for local yearly meetings to undertake part of responsibility for the Center. While the Center is expensive to QEW, it has served as effective outreach for QEW. Plans for the QEW staff transition will need to take into account how QEW will relate to the FCG Gathering.

SC Minute 2009.10.09. Steering Committee approved Ruah’s outlining the costs of FCG Gathering Earthcare Center to QEW as well as the costs of having QEW’s Steering Committee Meetings (currently in Chicago in April each year), as a basis for our continuing consideration of this concern. A report will be made to the 2010 April SC Meetings.

Appreciation of Clerk, Hollister Knowlton

Because Hollister Knowlton has served faithfully and diligently for two years as Clerk of QEW, the SC expressed its appreciation of Hollister’s service to QEW.

SC Minute 2009.10.10. Steering Committee approved noting our deep appreciation to Hollister Knowlton for her strong, diligent, insightful, and tender clerking of QEW for the last two years.

Announcements

The next QEW meetings will be the Spring SC Meetings in Chicago, 2010 April 22-25, and the Fall Annual gathering in Houston, 2010 October 28-31. The Planning Committee for the Fall Annual Gathering consists of Bob First, Joe Morris, Ruah Swennerfelt, Hollister Knowlton, Sally Merrill, and others yet to be invited.

QEW members gathered approximately 3,000 Countdown to Copenhagen postcards. Cards can now be filled out on the Church World Service website until 2009 November 1.

The Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS) has cards that can be signed stating that nuclear power is not the answer to climate change. The cards can be obtained from Jack Bradin.

Bob and Nancy First have organized letter writing to Senators or Canadian officials on Climate Change bills. They also suggest we encourage letter wiring in our own local Friends Meetings.

We took a break to write letters to our elected officials.

Closing Meeting for Worship

After writing letters, we joined in a settled, closing meeting for worship, seeking the Spirit’s guidance for the challenges ahead of our care of the earth.

Roy C. Treadway
Recording Clerk

Attachment A: Proposed Budget of Fiscal Year 2010

Quaker Earthcare Witness 2009 October 8-12

Finance Committee

Line-by-line description of all accounts for the fiscal 2010 budget

(Nov. 1, 2009 – Oct. 31, 2010)—(the far right highlighted column) of Quaker Earthcare Witness

This is to accompany the draft budget

Income

1. Administrative fees – the fees charged to projects that raise their own funds for their work. Currently that is only the Ann Kriebel/San Luis Project.

2. Contributions – whatever we need to balance the budget is put here. This amount is from basic renewal amounts ($35) plus additional contributions from supporters.

3. Finca la Bella money to general fund – When a project spends money on any item (including the administrative fees) it is spent out of the QEW general fund. The money is then moved from the Finca la Bella project dedicated fund to the general fund of QEW.

4. Interest—These are interest earnings from the money market and invested funds.

5. Meetings net of expenses— This is made up of two components that are accounted for separately in the financial statements and then netted in the budget. 1) Meeting registrations – All room, board, and registration fees paid in for attendance at meetings. 2) Meeting spending – All expenses related to meetings (conference center fees, mailings, copies, etc.) This is budgeted for zero since we do not plan to make money on our meetings.

6. Mini-grant funds to general fund—We have received dedicated contributions for the mini-grants and this is the process for bringing those funds into our general fund, with corresponding expenses in the Outreach section of the budget.

7. Publications Sales—All income from selling books and booklets.

Expenses

All Salaries and Benefits

1. General Secretary Benefits-Dental— This is the QEW portion of the dental insurance premiums. (The General Secretary pays 25% of the total premium).

2. General Secretary Benefits-Health-- This is the QEW portion of the health insurance premiums. (The General Secretary pays none of the total premium).

3. Gen. Sec. Payroll Taxes – This represents the matching Social Security and Medicare taxes required by law.

4. General Sec. Retirement Fund –This is the amount set aside quarterly in the Simple IRA which has a maximum of 3% of salary.

5. General Secretary Salary – This reflects no increase this year. Although the General Secretary works on all aspects of the organization, the Finance Committee has chosen to show the salary and benefits in one place on the financial statements. Actually the spread is more like 40% administrative, 40% outreach, and 20% publications.

6. Pub. Coord. Benefits-Dental—This is the QEW portion of the dental insurance premiums. (The Pub. Coord. pays 50% of the total premium)

7. Pub. Coord. Benefits-Health—This is the QEW portion of the health insurance premiums. (The Publications Coordinator pays 50 percent of the total premium)

8. Pub. Coord. Payroll Taxes – This represents the matching Social Security and Medicare taxes required by law.

9. Pub. Coord. Retirement Fund – This is the amount set aside quarterly in the Simple IRA which has a maximum of 3% of salary.

10. Pub. Coord. Salary – The basic salary payments. The Publications Coordinator works about 15% of his time on outreach and 85% on publications and website.

General & Administrative

11. Credit Card Fees – the charges from the bank for the right to accept credit and debit cards for contributions, meetings registrations, and publications sales. The amount varies with the amounts charged each month.

12. Equipment & Maintenance – This includes new hardware, software, and service agreements as well as repairs.

13. General Secretary Travel & Exp. – costs to attend the two QEW meetings and the FGC Gathering.

14. Liability & property insurance – This is liability coverage for all participants at QEW meetings (required by some facilities), general liability insurance, and for $10,000 of equipment.

15. Miscellaneous Expenses – we don’t use this category anymore.

16. Office Supplies – general supplies.

17. Permits and Fees – Michigan corporation fees, miscellaneous small fees.

18. Photocopying – for large copy jobs that would tax the small office copier.

19. Postage – for all mailings and publications. The publications postage is reimbursed by the purchasers.

20. Rent – the amount paid to Ruah and Louis for the office space.

Standing Committees

21. Continuing Counsel Committee – conference calls are free to QEW now.

22. Finance/Development Committee – for costs for the annual appeal letter and remittance envelopes.

23. Nominating Committee – conference calls are free to QEW now.

24. Personnel Committee – conference calls are free to QEW now

25. Spiritual Nurturance Committee – conference calls are free to QEW now.

26. Steering Comm. Travel & Exp. –This is made up of two components, which are accounted for separately in the financial statements and then netted on the budget. 1) SC travel donations – the money contributed by people attending QEW meetings to help others attend. 2) SC travel grants – the amounts asked for to help by those attending QEW meetings.

27. Telephone, Internet, & fax – We receive three phone bills – one for our remote call forwarding, which allows us to have a Burlington number for the eventual day when we open up offices in Burlington at the Friends Meeting, one for phones and high speed internet in the offices, and a cell phone and high speed internet for the laptop used at meetings. We also pay for a fax service which allows us to receive and send faxes on our computer. Ruah and Louis share in the costs of the phone services.

Program & Outreach

28. AK/SL project – the expenses related to the project and administering it. They raise their own money for all expenses.

29. FGC Gathering expenses – the many things needed to make it a success such as posters, videos, displays, etc.

30. Mini grants—this is a proposal to give up to $250 to an Earthcare committee in a Meeting or a Meeting for a project to go green (modeled after the British Quaker Green Action group)

31. Outreach committee – conference calls are free to QEW now.

32. FCNL attendance—reimbursement for our representatives attending the annual FCNL meeting, if requested.

33. Sustainability: Faith and Action— conference calls are free to QEW now.

34. Visitation travel – for all “ambassadors” visiting Yearly, Quarterly, Monthly Meetings, or Quaker gatherings on behalf of QEW. This would include when staff acts as an “ambassador.” Sometimes people cover their own expenses, but we offer reimbursement for their expenses, since we want them there!

Publications and Merchandise

35. BFC Postage – includes actual postage and mailing services from the printer.

36. BFC Printing –the actual costs from the printer.

37. Bulk mail permit – the annual fee from the post office.

38. Flyers printing – the costs from a printer or copy center for printing flyers.

39. Mailing supplies – for boxes, mailing envelopes, tape, etc. Some of the costs are reimbursed by the purchaser.

40. Other Publications Expenses – for those miscellaneous items that come up each year that are not described by the other line items.

41. Publications Coordinator travel – costs to attend the two QEW meetings and the FGC Gathering.

42. Publications committee – conference calls are free to QEW now.

43. QUIP membership and attendance – annual fees for Quakers United in Publications and attendance at the annual meeting for the PC (not attending in fiscal 2007)

44. Web site management – software upgrades, instructional literature and support as needed.  

Attachment B: Report of the Spiritual Nurturance Committee

Quaker Earthcare Witness 2009 October 8-12

Mary Jo Klingel, Clerk

The Spiritual Nurturance Committee acknowledges that we are all on a continuum with many facets of the truth and many varieties of spiritual development. One core of these issues seems to be - what can we unite around and how might we or should we frame our language?

In April, 2009, the Spiritual Nurturance Committee brought forth two minutes.

1. Quaker Earthcare Witness recognizes the Light Within all Creation.

The Steering Committee responded with approval of the following minute:

SC Minute 2009.04.09 Steering Committee approved sending this minute back to the Spiritual Nurturance committee for further reflection and discernment.

Regarding Minute #1, the Spiritual Nurturance Committee will continue to season it.

2. Quaker Earthcare Witness recognizes eric maya joy's leading and ministry regarding 'spiritual unification" which includes Friend's process as a unique and significant gift.

The Steering Committee responded with approval of the following minute:

SC Minute 2009.04.08 Steering Committee approved returning this proposal to the Spiritual Nurturance Committee for further seasoning and clarification. Specifically, we asked the Spiritual Nurturance Committee to discern whether they saw recognition and support of such minutes as part of their role, and if so, to bring back a proposed set of criteria for such recognition and guidelines for how support and care would be provided.

Regarding Minute # 2, Spiritual Nurturance would like to continue to season this minute.

We are not bringing forth any further minutes at this time.