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-- Kurt Cobain
The Quaker Elders at Balby 1656
The Young Friends is a group of youthful members or attenders of the Religious Society of Friends of Upper Susquehanna Quarter. Participation in Young Friends is encouraged for all those between the ages of 14 or a freshman in high school and 18 or a senior in high school. However, membership in a monthly meeting is not necessary for participation in Young Friends (see friends of Friends). Young Friends are cool people who promote individuality and love within the community.
We, Upper Susquehanna Young Friends, are overjoyed that non-Quaker youth want to come to our gatherings. To make sure that everybody is clear on what Young Friends is about, we ask that all new non-Quaker yount wanting to come to a weekend be sponsored by a Young Friend already involved. We also ask that they fill our a special registration form that states what the Young Friends is about. This would include our mission statement and phone numbers of people to contact if they or their parents had any questions. They should recieve a copy of our handbook at their first weekend. We ask that Young Friends only sponsor one friend per gathering. After a designated amount of time the Young Friends group could decide to make a friend of a Friend an honorary Young Friend.
When Young Friends meet together, we strive to foster a Friends community built on caring, trust and love. Our whole Quaker community is based on trust, love and acceptance. But just because you accept something does not mean that you necessarily like or agree with it. At Young Friends there is a wide diversity of tastes, interests and people. It is fine if you don't like or agree with something, but to keep a loving and open environment we need to respect and accept everyone, their ideas and beliefs. If you can accept someone as they are, it will be easier for them to accept and respect you. This will ultimately foster a loving and caring community where all Young Friends can grow to be amazing and beautiful people. When entering a group we give up some of our independence for the better of the group. There are things that would be fine in your own home or when you are under the supervision of your own parents that, to secure the safety and well-being everyone in the group, are not allowed here. We have found that the use of drugs, including alcohol, engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior, and constant testing of the rules breaks the community and the trust of the group, FAPs, and our hosts, the monthly meetings. (see long and short of it).
Inclusion is an important part of any group. Everyone at a Young Friends weekend has the responsibility of making sure that everyone feels welcome and included. We all need to take extra special measures to make sure that everyone, be it newcomer, old timer, or an adult, is having a good time. Remember that newcomers can be shy at first, so give them some room if they need it and just be friendly. To all newcomers, we love to see your bright shining faces. Remember that it can be hard entering a new group, especially one that has been together for a number of years. Hey, don't sweat it: you bring with you new ideas and vision that only you could bring, and after a couple more weekends you'll have your own inside jokes and will probably know most of ours.
When coming to a weekend we all are agreeing to be a part of the group. By entering the group we are agreeing to participate in everything: this includes cleaning, cooking and general work. Everyone needs to pitch in and help out so that no one gets stuck doing everything!
Any Young Friend sponsoring a new person should take special responsibility to see that their friend becomes a part of the community. This would entail introducing them to folks, and checking in with them periodically to see that they are getting along ok.
This book is dedicated with affection and sympathy to all young people...who are going through that long and difficult metamorphosis when they become no longer children and have not yet become adults."
-- Roald Dahl
On Breaking Laws, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
If at any Young Friend sponsored event you break the law, use illegal drugs, or use alcohol, parents will be immediately called and asked to come as soon as convenient to take the Young Friend responsible for such behavior home. Parents: be aware that this could mean a long drive at 3 a.m. in the morning.
On Any Really Stupid Behavior that breaks the trust of the group
The Oversight Committee will deal with such behavior on a case by case basis. Young Friends responsible for such behavior may be asked to leave the event if that is considered appropriate.
Introduction: We are clear that God would have us lead lives of joy and radiance and be good
companions without indulging in customs which are harmful to us or which are annoying or hurtful
to others. The Religious Society of Friends has always laid emphasis on the responsibility of
the individual to act fearlessly according to the light that is given her, though others may
believe and act differently. As medical evidence mounts that tobacco, especially cigarette
smoking, is injurious to health, Friends urge their members to refrain from its use.
There are Young Friends who smoke. This program does not condone the practice.
At the same time we want the program to minister both to smokers and non-smokers.
The following guidelines were created with all of this in mind.
Inappropriate Sexual Behavior will not be permitted at any Young Friends sponsored event. Inappropriate sexual behavior is defined as any behavior that makes any person attending the event uncomfortable. It is assumed that any such behavior will be harmful to the life of the community. Individuals who are uncomfortable with another's behavior are encouraged to first speak to the individuals involved. If this is difficult, they are encouraged first to get support from someone they trust so they may be able to speak out about their discomfort. The YF and FAP members of the Oversight Committee then need to be informed. Sanction: Inappropriate sexual behavior will be dealt with on a case by case basis by the Oversight Committee, with sanctions varying from a request not to repeat the behavior to being asked to leave the event.
Leaving the Group Without Permission or valid reason (example: to save someone from injury) is not permitted. The daytime and nighttime "safety zone" will be announced at the business meeting at the beginning of the event, and posted in written form for all to see. It is the responsibility of all present to be aware of these limits. Sanctions: If a Young Friend leaves the safety zone without permission or a valid reason, they will be asked to leave the gathering, and their parents will be called to come as soon as possible to take them home.
USQ Young Friends Oversight Committee
The Young Friends Oversight Committee is a group of interested adults and YFs from the
Upper Susquehanna Quarter Quaker community (ideally with representation from each Monthly
Meeting) that oversees the USQ YFs program. It meets approximately every six to eight weeks.
This group helps facilitate the YFs continuation in the spirit of the mission statement.
It addresses issues and needs raised by YFs, the Regional Secretary, parents and FAPs.
This committee is composed of adults committed to the program, the Regional Secretary
and the nominated Young Friend members.
At Young Friend gatherings, any FAPs present automatically become members of this committee for that weekend. Young Friends members of the Oversight Committee include the Young Friends Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Recording Clerk, Assistant Recording Clerk, Greeter, Members-at-Large and Floating Members. Members serve for two years and are nominated by members of the Oversight Committee. New members begin their term at the USQ Fall camping weekend (or Fall meeting for business if there is no camping weekend). YFs who are interested in serving on the Oversight Committee should let someone on that committee know of their interest before the fall weekend.
The Clerk of YFs presides as Clerk of the Oversight Committee meetings and the YF Meetings for Business. The Clerk prepares the agenda for YFs Oversight Committee (YFOC) meetings and for YF Meetings for Business. The Clerk may support the YF organizer of a particular weekend to serve as clerk of the business meeting held on the first evening of the event. The Clerk functions as a liaison between YFs and the Quarterly Meeting.
The Assistant Clerk shall preside at business meetings in the clerk's absence, do correspondence for the YFs, and provide support for the Clerk. The Clerk and the Assistant Clerk are encouraged to work closely in all business matters. The Assistant Clerk of the Oversight Committee also acts as co-clerk of the YFOC.
The Recording Clerk is to record the minutes of business meetings and Oversight Committee meetings and is to keep records of activities of YFs. The Recording Clerk can send the minutes to the Coordinator for distribution to the committee members and Quarterly Oversight Committee.
The Assistant Recording Clerk assumes the responsibilies of the Recording Clerk in her/his absense.
The Greeter and Members-at-Large represent all YFs and aid the Oversight Committee decisions. These YFs add life and merriment to the Oversight Committee. These members should greet YFs and FAPs as well as parents who are bringing or picking up YFs. These members should also be attuned to YFs who are new, shy or otherwise having a hard time being a part of the group.
After the amount of time required for the active members of the Oversight Committee has lapsed, these YFs continue to be members of the Oversight Committee as Floating Members. They are similar to the Members-at-Large since they represent the whole of YFs. This position adds the experience of past years to the Oversight Committee and aids in decision-making. A Floating Member also should uphold tradition within the YFs and add Life and Humor to the YFs.
Responsibilites of the Oversight Committee
Eight week pre-event
Four weeks pre-event
Responsible Adult Presence (RAP): YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE !!!
Regional Secretary Responsiblities:
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