Steering Committee has intense, productive session in Chicago

The various committees and interest groups of the QEW Steering Committee worked intensely and productively during their spring business meeting at the Cenacle Conference & Retreat Center in Chicago.

During the first night's introductions, Friends were asked to share one thing they resolved to do in the coming year in service to a sustainable future. One person called attention to the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment Report, which states that the earth's ecosystems are already 60 percent degraded.

In plenary sessions, Friends worked on a written response to FCNL's request for input on its proposed legislative priorities for the 108th Congress. They also learned from AFSC-Philadelphia office representative Angie Berryman how the AFSC has been working to instill democratic principles and eco-justice into global trade and investment activities.

The Sustainability: Faith & Action Interest Group met with Angie later to explore ways that QEW could collaborate with AFSC in the future, similar to the way it has been working with FCNL.

In the Ann Kriebel/San Luis Committee, clerk Susannah McCandless gave a progress report on the development of a legal agreement that would secure the parceleros' interests in their parcels while preventing any future sale of the land except to another land trust with similar aims.

In the Publications Committee, Publications Coordinator Louis Cox demonstrated the new QEW website and received input from the Committee on the draft of a future QEW flyer, Slowing Down to the Speed of Life. He also reported strong sales of QEW's latest book, Earthcare Friends, a Study Guide for Individuals and Faith Communities.

The Outreach Committee reported good progress in scheduling Yearly Meeting visitations, developing Monthly Meeting Contacts, and planning programs for the upcoming FGC Gathering.

The mid-year financial report showed that contributions to QEW are in line with earlier budget projections, and the personnel report indicated that QEW is pleased with the work of the QEW staff.

During free time, Friends took advantage of opportunities to visit the nearby zoos, natural history museums, and conservatories and to watch local and migratory birds in Lincoln Park.

Several Friends also stayed up late for impromptu discussions and to watch a video about Native American spirituality. •

New representative from Western YM brings varied talents and interests to Steering Committee

Marshall Gibson of the Indianapolis, Ind., First Friends Church, Western Yearly Meeting's new representative to QEW, acquired many talents and interests from a variety of career and life experiences.

After graduating from the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Ind., he served as a pastor in a number of Friends Churches.

He later worked for a public housing agency, teaching new tenants such basic skills as handling contracts, getting along with neighbors, and fire prevention. These days he picks up extra income as a storyteller and, yes, as a seasonal Santa Claus!

Marshall developed an affinity with nature while living on an island in Maine as a boy. He also became concerned about the pollution in Maine's Kennebec River.

He say he still has a hard time understanding why more people aren't interested in taking care of the earth. •