Spring program shows QEW Steering Committee is being faithful to its job

By Louis Cox

Have you ever wondered why it's called a Steering Committee? That's because its main duty is to steer the Good Ship QEW as it sails toward the harbor of "an Earth restored." It has to adjust the sails of policy, sound the depths of concern, mind the compass of ecological principles, and keep the lines of Quaker process unfouled.

At the 2006 spring meeting in Chicago, the Steering Commit-tee's program showed it is being faithful to its commission, tending to ongoing projects while adapting to emerging issues.

One of the latest initiatives is that of nurturing QEW's vital relationships with Yearly Meetings. QEW now has fairly broad name-recognition, but there is much to be done to develop working relationships with other Friends groups and to deepen understanding of the spiritual foundation of Earthcare.

There are quite a few Friends who are active in their Yearly Meetings on peace, justice, and Earthcare matters, but not many who are directly involved in QEW work. To narrow this gap, a special grant from QEW supporter Bob Barns was used to cover travel costs and fees to bring 10 Yearly Meeting activists to this spring's Steering Committee meeting.

These guest eco-activists were engaged in two ways: 1) In one long afternoon session, Friends shared in groups of four what they had been doing in their Yearly Meetings to raise up Earthcare as a spiritual concern; what efforts had been successful; what obstacles they had encountered; and what future opportunities they might use to further this concern. 2) Friends formed larger groups based on membership in Yearly Meetings in the same region, to brainstorm about their common needs, interests, and concerns; to identify strategies and programs they might work on together; and to suggest how QEW might support those efforts..

The Outreach Committee distributed a flyer for use by Friends planning to witness for Earthcare at Yearly Meetings and other Quaker gatherings. It provides preparation tips and basic talking points, such as, "If you carry a concern for the health of the earth and its inhabitants, you're already an Earthcare witness; we have resources and networking tools that can help you be more effective."

This was followed by a special presentation on "Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream," a consciousness-raising symposium that seemed to resonate with QEW's goals and principles. It is based on the view that modern society is ecologically dysfunctional, largely because of outmoded beliefs and assumptions. Its aim is "bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet." Directed by the Pachamama Alliance, this touring multimedia program integrates traditional native wisdom, green spirituality, and the new creation story of the evolving universe. For more information, go to www.awakenthedreamer.com>.

The Ann Kriebel/San Luis Committee reported on progress in getting final agreement on a revised easement and covenant for La Bella Farm, a QEW-supported sustainable agriculture and social justice project in Costa Rica. The revisions address needs and concerns expressed by the parceleros for long-term security of the land title, as well as more autonomy for the community to make their own land management decisions.

QEW has considered La Bella Farm to be a valuable laboratory for ecological and social practices that are needed on a global scale, in contrast to prevailing development models that are working against sustainability. QEW-supported work camps and "agri-cultural" exchanges have been well-received and may be repeated.

Under consideration is a proposal for QEW and farm members to undertake joint sustainability projects, such as providing assistance to other agricultural communities in Central America, using innovative "zero-emissions" and permaculture principles.

The Sustainability: Faith & Action Interest Group finalized documents it will use in a unique project called "Men for Men" (M-4-M) to fund vasectomies for Quaker men who want to limit their family size. The group then worked on a new QEW pamphlet, as well as on articles to be submitted to Quaker publications, to promote the M-4-M project.

S: F & A also discussed how it can help strengthen international programs that integrate humanitarian work and peacemaking with environmental stewardship.

The Publications Committee reviewed QEW's new edition of Elizabeth G. Watson's booklet, Healing Ourselves and the Earth, and discussed plans to publish a third edition of Jack Phillips's Walking Gently on the Earth, an Earthcare Checklist, along with a second edition of Earthcare for Children, a First Day School Curriculum. The group agreed the time had come to create a pamphlet or other publication on the subject of global climate change from a spiritual perspective, with due attention to credibility on scientific grounds.

The Finance Committee reported that QEW is good shape fiscally, but urged greater efforts to get supporters to set up automatic monthly deposits and to consider other forms of giving, such as donating appreciated stock and naming QEW in their wills.

The Spiritual Nurturance Committee led discussion of whether QEW is focusing enough on its original goal of deepening our spiritual relationship to the earth. While over time the number of political concerns and academic interests has grown, most agreed that QEW continues to work from a spiritual perspective. However, despite time set aside for breaks, outings, and worship, some reported feeling exhausted by the tight schedule and heavy agenda of this meeting. —It's a rough sea we've been called to sail! •