Affinity Groups within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting are small gatherings of Friends with shared experiences or identities. They offer time to connect, share, and learn together in practical ways. Some meet throughout the year; others begin when there is interest. Each group supports connection that fits within the wider life of PYM.
Join us online Friday, November 7, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., as Fall Continuing Sessions begin with Affinity Groups; five breakout rooms will be open, and Friends may move between them as they wish.
Register for Fall Continuing Sessions Learn More About Affinity Groups Event
Affinity Groups Within PYM | Frequently Asked Questions
What are Affinity Groups?
Affinity Groups within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting are time set aside for Friends who share an identity, a life experience, or a role to be in fellowship together. Some call these Peer Groups; others say Affinity Spaces or Role Groups. All names point to the same purpose: helping Friends connect within the larger yearly meeting community.
Why do Affinity Groups matter?
Many Friends find it helpful to in community with others who may understand similar circumstances. In these groups, people compare experiences, challenges, and joys; consider what is working; and offer steady support. Each group helps Friends find one another and strengthens the shared life of the yearly meeting.
When and where do these gatherings happen?
Some Affinity Groups meet regularly throughout the year. Young Adult Friends gathers through the year, and Friends in Business brings together those whose work is or was in the business sector. Other groups arise as needs appear. Past examples include online gatherings for Friends with disabilities and for caregivers. For details, Friends may contact PYM staff at info@pym.org.
What Affinity Groups are Meeting November 7?
Friends of Color, Friends with Disabilities, LGBTQIA+ Friends, Quaker parents, and Quaker grandparents.
What is happening this Fall?
On Friday, November 7, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., five Affinity Groups will meet online to begin Fall Continuing Sessions: Friends of Color, Friends with Disabilities, LGBTQIA+ Friends, Quaker parents, and Quaker grandparents. In the main Zoom room, Friends will share a time of waiting worship for the full two hours to center the evening; participants may move between rooms that fit their experience and return to worship when they choose.
How can Friends join the Friday Affinity Groups?
The same Zoom link serves all of Fall Continuing Sessions. Everyone who registers will receive it, whether joining the full weekend online, attending in person at other times, or only coming for Friday night. For this Affinity Group event, participation is entirely online, which helps Friends join from home or from a distance.
What happens after the Friday gathering?
After the Friday event, some groups may continue to meet. Each group can discern their next step. Some have gathered in person at Annual Sessions or during other events. Parents and grandparents may also connect through PYM Children and Families programs. Friends who feel led to meet more often are welcome to do so and can contact PYM staff for help with scheduling or setup at info@pym.org.
What about Affinity Groups on PYM Connect?
On PYM Connect, Peer Groups continue connection between events. Currently, there is one Peer Group; Friends who identify as LGBTQIA+ can request to join a private group listed under Peer Groups. As interest around PYM Connect continues, more affinity and role groups will form. Friends who hope to see a new group can share their idea in a Community of Practice space on the platform.
How do staff support these spaces?
Staff help convene, communicate, and sometimes participate if they share the identity or role. Care is shared; purpose is clear; the center is the community Friends build together.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to take part in Affinity Groups for the Friday evening online gathering, other gathering may have a cost associated. Friends are welcome to come and participate as they choose. Those who feel moved to support the work that makes these spaces possible may do so in the way that feels right to them.
Friends are invited to join Friday, November 7, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., as Philadelphia Yearly Meeting begins the Fall Continuing Sessions weekend with worship and Affinity Groups. For questions, contact Tara Rubinstein at TRubinstein@pym.org.
