Preparation Sheet for FGC -AFSC- FCNL Friends General Conference Central Committee members expectations: 1. Attend the annual Central Committee meeting, usually Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon on the third or fourth weekend in October. This is when all program committees and several administrative
committees meet and when Central Committee adopts its program plans and the budget for the next year.
Both outgoing and incoming appointees are asked to attend these sessions. All Central Committee
members are expected to help govern the organization and assume responsibility for its policies, programs,
financial health, and financial support. 2. Serve on at least one program or administrative committee. These committees meet one, two, or three times a year in different cities (hosted by local meetings) in addition to the Central Committee
weekend. Committee members also accomplish much work in small subcommittees and task groups,
allowing Friends to communicate by telephone and e-mail without requiring travel each time. 3. Attend the annual FGC Gathering of Friends, if possible. In addition to first-hand experience of worship, work, and play with Friends from many different yearly meetings, the Gathering offers a place where
issues of current concern are addressed and action is planned. 4. Keep FGC informed about the needs and concerns of their respective yearly meetings. This is facilitated by meeting with the other FGC representatives in one’s own yearly meeting at least once a
year to discern those needs and concerns. 5. Interpret FGC's purpose, programs and resources to one’s own monthly and yearly meetings. Again, a meeting of appointees is encouraged at least once a year to plan how best to present FGC to the yearly meeting. 6. Consider an annual financial contribution to FGC's operating fund, and invite other Friends within one’s meeting to support the important work of FGC. Participation in FGC generally costs money. The work of FGC is spread over much of the North American continent, and travel distances and costs are a continuing factor for appointees. Most yearly meetings cover the costs of
attending the annual Central Committee meeting. Friends who need help in order to attend other FGC committee
meetings are encouraged first to ask their monthly meetings for financial assistance. However, FGC can provide assistance
with travel costs for many Friends to attend committee meetings. Most Central Committee members find their involvement
with FGC extremely rewarding as the work of FGC strengthens the whole community of Friends.  Philadelphia Yearly
Meeting provides travel support through a new fund maintained by the Interfaith Relations Concerns Group (Carolyn
Terrell - 609-267-7344 - nicky@snip.net). AFSC Corporation Membership info Members are appointed to the AFSC Corporation by yearly meetings and also at-large via ASFC's internal nominating
process. The Corporation gathers only once a year, in early November for  the Annual Meeting. Corporation members
have a vital role in enhancing the relationships between the AFSC and the Yearly Meetings. They are alert to the concerns
of Friends and make known their willingness to communicate ideas, criticisms and expressions of support back to the
appropriate people in the organization.To interpret AFSC work to Friends, Corporation members stay abreast of
developments with the aid of materials from Information Services and use this material to publicize AFSC events and
policies for their Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly Meetings.They can arrange for visits from staff members.  And help in
fundraising is always appreciated! Corporation members are urged to serve on national and regional committees or in other
forms of volunteering, and to encourage others to participate.   Friends Committee on National Legislation Representative info Consists of representatives appointed by their respective yearly meetings. Paid staff presents Quaker views to Congress
and reports activities to subscribers of the FCNL newsletter. Attempts to influence national legislation for improvement of
world conditions in accordance with the testimonies of the Society of Friends. Desires members who reflect PYM thinking
and have expertise on priority legislation. PYM appoints 10 members. These members are asked to attend the annual
meeting, second weekend in November in Washington, DC, however PYM offers no financial support for this. The PYM
group also supports FCNL work within the Yearly Meeting. It meets on an occasional basis. Some of its activities include
providing FCNL workshops at residential Yearly Meeting, maintaining displays, and providing assistance to FCNL contacts
in individual Meetings. PYM Nominating Committee  04/28/2001