At the recent joint council meeting Philadelphia Yearly Meeting staff shared the revised Child and Youth Safety Policy noting the guidance of leadership, reviews by others, and editing by lawyers. The policy is materially the same as before. [Read more…] about New Child and Youth Safety Policy for Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Youth Programs
At Haverford Meeting, a Friend Shares on Faith & Play and Multigenerational Learning
Erin Lehman serves on the planning committee for the Learning for Life – A Religious Education Thread Gathering. She is a member of Haverford Friends Meeting and is involved in religious education there, including Faith & Play.
“I want people to know the Thread Gathering is not just for families with kids,” Erin said. “It’s about all of us learning more about Quakerism.”
December Brings Together Our Shared Faith in PYM
November opened Philadelphia Yearly Meeting with Friends from across our region gathering for Fall Continuing Sessions activities on Zoom and at Arch Street Meeting House. Friends took part in affinity groups, worship, business sessions, and a multigenerational workshop; Fall Continuing Sessions also welcomed Chris Mohr as General Secretary.
[Read more…] about December Brings Together Our Shared Faith in PYM
A New Resource for Schools: Creating a Playbook for Climate Action in Schools
Ahead of the upcoming climate witness thread gathering, a new resource is now available for Friends working in or with schools. Creating a Playbook for Climate Action in Schools helps educators, students, and trustees plan faithful, coordinated steps toward environmental responsibility. [Read more…] about A New Resource for Schools: Creating a Playbook for Climate Action in Schools
PYM Annual Sessions 2025 Children’s Epistle
The 345th Annual Sessions of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting happened this past July online and at Cheyney University. This children’s epistle records a reflection of the fellowship during sessions and is not meant to serve as minutes. [Read more…] about PYM Annual Sessions 2025 Children’s Epistle
Learning and Action in Five Areas of Climate Care
Creating a Playbook for Climate Action is a tool for Friends and meetings to work in five areas: activism, education, reducing our carbon footprint, finances, and mourning loss & instilling hope. The playbook gives a framework to set goals, share ideas, and track progress.
The playbook connects with Climate Witness: Let Our Actions Speak! Thread Gathering on Saturday, October 25, at Arch Street Meeting House with participation also available online. The day is intergenerational, with workshops and activities for children, youth, and adults. The playbook may not be named in every workshop, however Friends will find that each workshop touches one or more of the five action areas and can be carried into their own planning for themselves or their meeting. [Read more…] about Learning and Action in Five Areas of Climate Care
A Weekend Together for Youth and Families
Children and youth will have space to be with one another during Annual Sessions. Some moments will be simple, and others will be full of creativity and play. The Youth Programs team is putting care into planning a weekend that feels welcoming and joyful. [Read more…] about A Weekend Together for Youth and Families
This May with the Programs and Religious Life Team and Grant Opportunities to Know
This May, there are numerous programs available for Friends across the yearly meeting. Caln Quarter will gather at Camp Swatara from May 2 through May 4, with special programming for middle school and young Friends (ages 18 and under), along with a sizable Young Adult Friends (ages 18–35) group in attendance. The YAF community will also come together for a potluck on Friday, May 9. The following day, May 10, Gwynedd Friends Meeting and the Eco-Justice Collaborative will host a viewing of Citizen George, a documentary about Friend George Lakey, at the Ambler Movie Theater. The Disability and Caregiver Support Groups will continue to meet in May and will hold their final two sessions in June and July. Meanwhile, staff are preparing to launch registration for Annual Sessions, which will take place July 23–27 at Cheyney University. [Read more…] about This May with the Programs and Religious Life Team and Grant Opportunities to Know
This April with the Programs and Religious Life Team and Grant Opportunities to Know
The Programs and Religious Life Team has an abundant month of gatherings ahead, and they invite all to participate this April! [Read more…] about This April with the Programs and Religious Life Team and Grant Opportunities to Know
Young Friends Get Loud (and Stretchy!) in a Workshop on Navigating Disagreements
During Spring Continuing Sessions, at Arch Street Meeting House, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s Young Friends (grades 8–12) led an interactive, intergenerational workshop on navigating disagreement—using humor, movement, and thoughtful reflection. [Read more…] about Young Friends Get Loud (and Stretchy!) in a Workshop on Navigating Disagreements
