Baltimore Yearly Meeting Workshops 2007

Please indicate your choices in the workshop section of the registration form. Our workshop leaders have worked diligently to prepare a meaningful experience for the participants. They count on our attendance. If you find that you cannot attend the workshop you registered for, please tell the workshop leader directly or through a Program Committee member (with the red dots on their nametags.)

Workshops are open to everyone unless otherwise noted. The notation "YF" indicates that the workshop has been designed especially to include Young Friends.

1. Engaging Diversity and Difference

Through worship sharing, use of role play, responses to images and stories, we will explore our responses to difference and listen to each others’ experiences. We will examine how our Quaker testimonies could inform our attitudes about and behaviors toward those different from ourselves. Informed by faith and experience we will seek to understand the forces which underpin and sustain racism among friends so that we can more effectively address these behaviors in ourselves and in others. Limited to 16. YF

Leader: Jean-Marie Prestwidge Barch is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, currently serving Valley Monthly Meeting as Recording Clerk and both the monthly meeting and FGC in various forms of ministry and counsel and with the FGC Traveling Ministries program.

2. Biblical Archaeology and the Psalms

Explore the Psalms using information from Biblical archaeology. What can these finds tell us about the lives of those who wrote and worshiped with the Psalms? Can archaeology help us understand some of the references and images used in the Psalms? YF

Leader: Betsy Meyer of Sandy Spring Meeting is a member of the Biblical Archeological Society of Northern Virginia.

3. Friendly Adult Presence Workshop

This two-day workshop is for BYM Friends who want to volunteer as a Friendly Adult Presence (FAP) at Young Friends and Junior Young Friends conferences and for current BYM FAPs. Current FAPs are encouraged to participate to support newer FAPs as they become more familiar with the challenges, nuances, and unique community experiences of BYM Youth Programs. Our goal is to share our spiritual stories with one another, thereby understanding the gifts of each FAP and the support needed for every volunteer to be a healthy, happy, and well grounded elder in the YF and JYF communities. We will review the FAP application and explore questions that arise.

Leader: BYM Youth Programs Committee

4. Conflict Resolution as a Spiritual Path

This workshop will introduce participants to a way of looking at conflict resolution as in inside job: an opportunity to look at what we bring to conflict and how we can shift our perspective to enhance our ability to come to mutually satisfactory resolutions. The workshop will be experiential. Limited to 20.

Leader: Kathryn Liss is the Director of Youth Empowerment through Conflict Resolution at AFSC and long time mediator.

5. Unity Among Friends When They are in Dissension

This is a two day workshop inspired by the current dilemma among Friends who disagree with Friends United Meeting’s (FUM) policy on sexual ethics. We will look at important times in history when certain Friends such as Lucretia Mott and Alice Paul were in severe disagreement with their Meetings over issues of conscience. Did they decide to leave Friends? Did they try to reform it from within? On Friday we will look at current issues in 2007 such as BYM’s interaction within FUM. Is harmony among Friends our ideal? Do we want unity at any price among our diversity? Do we glean further Light by remaining in dialogue with those who disagree with us? How do we remain faithful to the Divine? Limited to 25. YF

Leader: Minga Claggett-Borne was born as a member of Third Haven Meeting on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and has been a member of Cambridge Meeting, MA, for 20 years. She has a minute of concern from her Meeting to travel to discuss the sexual ethics policy among FUM Friends.

6. Vignettes of Living

A workshop focused on self-exploration and sharing with others. After introductions and time for centering, particpants will each write a description of some incident in their lives—a vignette, a small story, a snippet of one’s experience. Each person will then be invited to share their vignette with the group and receive feedback regarding what the incident reveals about the person who wrote the story. In an atmosphere of respect and tenderness, this process can contribute significantly to self-understanding and clear thinking which provide a fertile ground for nurturing seeds of hope. Limited to 15. YF

Leader: Clarisse Harton is a member of Richmond Meeting.

7. The 35% Solution

If 35% of the U.S. population reduces its personal energy requirements using the recommendations in this workshop, we can reduce our nation’s emissions to the level that the Kyoto Protocol targeted while individually saving money. Limited to 30. YF

Leader: Barbara Williamson is a member of Richmond Meeting and clerk of Quaker Earthcare Witness.

8. Restoring Meaning and Purpose to Your Life

Whether you’re questioning where you life is headed or struggling with the uncertainty of troubling times, this workshop will help you –to discover new possibility in your life, connect with your inner values, examine your limiting beliefs, simplify your life and create the life you may only hope or dream about today. Limited to 30.

Leader: Joanie Yanusas-Maughmer is a graduate of the internationally recognized Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and is currently completing her professional coaching designation, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) with CTI.

9. The Painted Gourd

Let your creative juices flow. Join artist Holly Coia for a three-day gourd painting workshop. Participants will choose a large Lagenaria gourd that has been thoroughly dried and will last forever. These hard-shelled gourds are the size of a pumpkin with a smooth light brown surface, just perfect for painting. The first day we will soak, scrub, and sand the gourd to prepare it for painting. We’ll make sketches and plan our decoration. Gourds will be painted the second day, then touched up and clear-coated on the third day. Materials fee is $15.00. Limited to 20. YF

Leader: Holly Coia is an art teacher and a member of Dunnings Creek Meeting.

10. Islam: An Introduction for Friends

The BYM Religious Education Committee will offer an introduction to Islam to be led by a Muslim. It will be another part of an ongoing memorial to our late Friend, Tom Fox. In his peace work, Tom was friendly toward, and a student of, Islam, while maintaining his clear Quaker identity. During his captivity, many fruitful contacts between Friends and Muslims were made. Building on these contacts, we hope to follow Tom’s example in a small way, and make a contribution to better education and understanding among BYM Friends of this important world religion. YF

Leaders: Marc and Susie Conaghan. Marc is the Director of the Muslim American Public Affairs Committee, the major Islamic organization in North Carolina.

11. Fortifying Hope with Spiritual Discipline

We’ll present two or three Friendly spiritual disciplines [study, prayer, perhaps simplicity] and describe ways Friends can use them to help discern “right action.” We’ll describe action taken by Friends and non-Friends [2006 Nobel Peace Prize-winner Muhammed Yunus, and Bangladeshi entrepreneur Iqbal Qadir] who’ve transformed hopes/visions into prosperous, peaceful, and lifegiving reality. Friends will be released to be good stewards of their hopes/visions. YF

Leader: Michael Cronin lives in Washington DC with his wife Ellen, both of whom have been active in BYM for more than 25 years.

11.A A Quaker Missionary -- oxymoron or what?

What is mission work, and who is a missionary? Why are these words so loaded? Is liberal Quakerism inherently anti-missions? What do the Bible and early Friends teach about missions? Is there a distinctively Quaker approach to missions, drawn from our testimonies and traditions? The Graces will weave together stories from their own work with reflections from Biblical and Quaker sources to address the critical questions that contemporary liberal Quakers are asking about our involvement in missions.

Leaders: Eden and & James Grace serve as Friends United Meeting Field Staff (euphemism for missionaries) in the Africa Ministries Office, Kisumu Kenya. They are members of Beacon Hill Meeting, New England Yearly Meeting.

12. Unity Among Friends When They are in Dissension

See Thursday’s listing.

13. Friendly Adult Presence

See Thursday’s listing.

14. Vision Setting

A vision is a big, bold, picture of a future possibility that inspires you to make it happen. Learn how to create a compelling vision that can guide your life to new heights. In this workshop, you’ll learn the difference between goals and visions, see the unlimited possibility your life holds, discover what inspires you in life, create and live from the positive energy of a personal vision. Limited to 30.

Leader: Joanie Yanusas-Maughmer. See Thursday’s listing.

15. Walking our Talk: Diversity in Our Meetings and Becoming more aware of Our Cultural Blinders

Why do white people/Friends sometimes ‘feel defensive when talking about race’? And what can we do about this? This workshop will consider these questions. We will look at actions already developed or proposed by the BYM Working Group on Racism Among Friends as well as work done to date within Monthly Meetings. We will then look at what further actions Monthly Meetings— and individuals—can take, so that we more readily see racism when it occurs and feel more able to confront racism wherever we encounter it. YF

Leader: Elizabeth DuVerlie is a member of Stony Run Meeting and a member of the BYM Working Group on Racism Among Friends, an experienced facilitator, a mediator, and an advocate for social justice, including confronting oppression and discrimination, because these separate us from each other.

16. The Quran: An Introduction for Friends

This workshop will describe the history, structure, teachings, and place of the Quran in Islam, with time for questions and discussion. This will be conducted by a Muslim. YF

Leader: Marc & Susie Conaghan. See Thursday’s listing.

17. There is a Spirit That Delights to Do No Evil: Quakers & the Making of Public Policy

FCNL’s advocacy connects historic Quaker testimonies on peace, equality, simplicity, and truth with peace and social justice issues which the federal government is or should be addressing. FCNL’s recent lobbying accomplishments include encouraging Congress to challenge the direction of U.S. policy in Iraq; lobbying to protect civilians in Darfur; leading the effort to block the development of a new generation of new nuclear weapons; and working to reduce U.S. dependence on oil that is critical cause of violent conflict in the world today. Joe will share how FCNL works with its local supporters to have maximum impact in the halls of Congress. YF

Leader: Joe Volk is Executive Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

18. Eco-Justice: Social Justice for the Environment

Eco-Justice is about trying to address the inequities that result from human settlement, industrial facility siting and industrial development. The eco-justice movement has educated and assisted communities in organization and mobilization to take charge of their lives, their communities and their surroundings. Eco-Justice is a way of trying to address power imbalances, lack of political enfranchisement, and redirect resources so that citizens can live in healthy, livable and sustainable communities. This workshop will talk about the components of ecojustice, groups that participate in eco-justice work, and how Quakers can use the principles of eco-justice to address social justice inequities. YF

Leader: Barbara Williamson is clerk of Quaker Earthcare Witness and uses eco-justice models in working with minority communities in the mid-Atlantic and Southwest regions of the U.S.

19. Nurturing the Mustard Seeds of Spiritual Gifts

According to the apostle Paul, each member of a faith community is endowed with one or more specific spiritual gifts for service in that community. Using images from nature, passages from scripture and more recent spiritual writers, and exercises in mediation and writing, participants will attempt to label their latent or burgeoning spiritual gifts, envision themselves exercising them more creatively in their Meetings, and identify ways they might nurture these seeds into flourishing plants. YF

Leader: Caroline Pelton is a member of Goose Creek Meeting and is a high school English teacher in Loudoun County (VA) Public Schools.

20. Modern Slavery Where We Live

Imagine being locked in your own private prison. You do not speak the same language as your subjugator. You are forbidden to talk with anyone on the outside. You are often fed leftover food of the children you watch while completing around-the-clock household cleaning. You have never been paid for your labors. This scenario describes the working conditions of many domestic workers in the Washington, DC, area. Joy Zarembka will share her experiences helping those who are literally enslaved in the homes they clean and discuss what we can do about it. YF

Leader: Joy Zarembka holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Yale University and currently works in Washington, DC as the Executive Director of Break the Chain Campaign at the Institute for Policy Studies, an organization working to end modernday slavery and human trafficking in the United States.

21. Taking Minutes

This is a workshop for people who want to explore what is expected of the “recording clerk” in a Quaker meeting or committee. We will talk about what is supposed to go in the minutes, how to get it all down, how the clerk and recording clerk can work as a team, and why the recording clerk’s job is so important. Come bring your questions and your experiences to share. YF

Leader: Deborah Haines has a long-time interest in the art of taking minutes and has served as recording clerk for BYM annual sessions during the past three years.

22. The Light in the Understanding and Experiences of Early Friends

In this workshop, we will explore the insights of George Fox, William Penn, Margaret Fell, Elizabeth Bathurst, and other 17th century Friends as to the nature of God, Christ, Light, and Spirit, their relations to one another and to the witness of the historical Jesus, and any other questions we feel led to explore relating to 17th century Quaker theology and how it translates to our own time. YF

Leader: Stephen W. Angell is Professor of Quaker Studies at the Earlham School of Religion.

23. The Painted Gourd

See Thursday’s listing. This is a three-day workshop.

24. Transforming Obstacles

No matter how clear our life vision, or how firm our intention, obstacles from our life experience always threaten our ability to live the life of our dreams. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to recognize the face you present to the world (personality), discover the genuine you underneath (soul), understand the nature of that which blocks your progress (beliefs, assumptions, defenses), and identify tools for transforming your obstacles into allies. Limited to 30.

Leader: Joanie Yanusas-Maughmer. (See Thursday’s listing.)

25. Nurturing Peace and Reconciliation among Friends and Others in the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Friends will learn about the grassroot projects of Friends Peace Teams’ African Great Lakes Initiative (AGLI) and its Quaker partners in East and Central Africa. Through discussion and worship sharing, we will reflect on the stories and personal testimonies of those from local African communities who have participated in AGLI-sponsored workshops that focus on alternatives to violence, and healing and reconciliation. Our process will include sharing our own testimonies to peace and what we might learn from the profound experiences of personal witness among our African neighbors. Readings and quotes from AGLI publications (available at the Annual Session) will be shared. YF

Leader: Linda Heacock, an embraced Friend from Richmond Meeting, has made two trips to Kenya since 2005 to conduct Alternative to Violence Project Workshops.

26. Islamic Art & Culture: An Introduction for Friends

This workshop will describe the rich variety of art and culture shaped by the religion of Islam, with time for questions and discussion. YF

Leaders: Marc & Susie Conaghan (See Thursday’s listing.)

27. Applying the Skills of Deep Listening to the Experience of Cultural Racism and Elitism.

We will use worship sharing and the skill of “becoming the other” to explore how we have been cut off from our love for each other by cultural racism and elitism. A structure for deep listening will be provided in which what is heard is interiorized and responded to in the light. The workshop will include attention to Martin Buber’s concept of “inclusion” as the deepest form of empathy.

Leader: Maryhelen (Mel) Snyder is a birthright Friend and practicing therapist who has specialized in structures and skills for deep listening.

28. Simplifying our Possessions: Downsizing our Homes for Retirement

A major barrier to many Friends as they consider moving to a retirement community is the bewildering task of appropriate disposal of their unneeded possessions. Although there may be great appeal to living simply in a material sense, many of us are daunted by all the things we’ve accumulated in the course of a full life. In this workshop, a panel of Friends who have recently downsized their living arrangements or helped their parents to do so will share insights from their experience. YF

Leader: Eric Thompson, a member of Stony Run Meeting, is a social worker with the University of Maryland Medical System specializing in the concerns of older adults.

29. The Man in the Iron House

What is the condition of Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate #89637-132? Why do Amnesty International and two Baltimore Monthly Meetings consider him a “political prisoner” who should be immediately and unconditionally released? What happened at Wounded Knee, SD, in the 1890s and in the 1970s? What happened at the Jumping Bull Ranch on June 25, 1972? What was COINTELPRO? What has been the progress in investigation of seventy murders on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation thirty-five years ago? Why did I nominate a man convicted of the shooting deaths of two FBI agents for an Honorary Degree from Haverford College? YF

Leader: William Miles is active in the concern for Indian inmates in state and federal prisons and is the agent of Eagle Speak Society in their effort to gain accommodation for Sweat Lodge practice for Native American devotees at Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, MD.

30. The Pigment of your Imagination

How do you explain the meaning of black and white to someone who is blind, in essence, indisputably colorblind? Where does white end and black begin? Joy Zarembka visited four countries to interview families with one black parent and one white parent in various geographical locations to explore the concept of race worldwide. By combining vivid anecdotes of her travels, historical background, and oral histories from mixedrace families, she examines the notion of race and identity to better understand the vastly different interpretations of racial identity in different parts of the world. YF

Leader: Joy Zarembka was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to a Quaker Kenyan mother and a Quaker European- American father and has researched interracial families in Britain, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica.

31. Nurturing the Seeds of Peace

Even in the midst of conflict, hatred, and cruelty, there is hope for a better way. In October 2007, the Women’s Peace Exchange will meet with women from Palestine, Israel, Great Britain, and the U.S. to share our stories, begin to heal, and rekindle hope for peace. It’s through sharing our stories that we come to know one another and care about each other; listening to others’ stories enables us to “walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in each person we meet.” The 2007 gathering will build on BYM’s 20 plus years of involvement with Women to Women for Peace (formerly known as Mothers for Peace). Come to the workshop to learn more about the project, to share your story, to join the healing that has begun, and to nurture the seeds of peace. YF

Leader: Bronna Zlochiver has been part of a worldwide network of women working for peace. The Woman’s Peace Exchange, which has been active in BYM for more than 20 years.

32. Building a Covenant Community within our Meetings

The covenant community is one in which God calls us to gather together. Our primary bond is to God, so our crises and celebrations are given as opportunities for healing, reconciliation and witness. Do we live in covenant community? Do we weep or rejoice for it in times of trouble or joy? Do we feel the soul of our community as the individuals within it struggle or are ill? Using Biblical reference as well as contemporary Quaker writings, we will explore together what defines covenant community, and indeed if this is what we desire of our Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly Meetings. We will experientially share how covenanting might strengthen our meetings. YF

Leader: Linda Wilk has been an active member of Friends’ communities for over 25 years and brings her experience and interest in pastoral counseling, Quaker process, and God’s presence in the ongoing Meeting to this workshop.

33. New Initiatives for Peace and Social Justice by AFSC.

Jointly presented by the AFSC- Washington Public Affairs Office, and the Middle Atlantic Regional Office of AFSC, this workshop will feature short presentations on current work of AFSC, and discussions of how Friends may become more involved on an international, national, regional , and local level. We expect that this workshop will be interactive – we want Friends to work with us on achieving AFSC’s priorities for peace and social justice. YF

Leader: R. Aura Kanegis, Director of Public Affairs and the AFSC Washington office, and W. Clinton Pettus, Director of the Middle Atlantic Office of AFSC.

34. Hope as a Strength and a Continuum

Are you a glass half empty or glass half full type of person? Regardless of how you answer that question, there are practical ways that we can all increase our level of hope & optimism. This presentation will review the latest Positive Psychology research on hope and optimism, including Explanatory Style and Defensive Pessimism. We will also explore the concept of “Meliorism” or the belief that things can be better. We will explore & practice various techniques and exercises that are shown to increase hope. YF

Leader: Tasha Walsh is a member of Maury River Friends who, through her own work, uses Positive Psychology research to help individuals and organizations fiind their own “P.O.W.E.R (Positive Options We Evoke Regularly) to thrive.

35. The Painted Gourd

See Thursday’s listing. This is a three day workshop.

36. Life Events as Seeds of Transition

Session will include a discussion of life events that influence choices or changes in a person’s life journey. Participants will be invited to discover their own seeds of transition as they consider topics such as religion, health, aging, and mentors in relation to choices or changes they have made. Reflection and sharing will be encouraged.

Leader: Peggy McMaster is an educator who presents workshops on issues of economic class and has been researching transitions or life changes.