Manual of Procedure
Advancement and Outreach Committee
The Advancement and Outreach Committee consists of approximately nine members nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting with care to name Friends who are familiar with Monthly Meetings throughout the Yearly Meeting.
This Committee provides tools and resources to local Meetings looking for outreach ideas, for help starting new Meetings, and for ways to help those new to Friends learn about the Religious Society of Friends. The Committee is responsible for the dissemination of useful information about Baltimore Yearly Meeting, its local Meetings, and the Religious Society of Friends. This information is available from the Yearly Meeting website and other Yearly Meeting publications.
The Committee names one of its members to serve on the Sue Thomas Turner Quaker Education Fund Committee for a two-year term.
The Internet Communications Working Group is under Advancement and Outreach’s care. The Growing Our Meetings Working Group (GOMWG) is under the care of Advancement and Outreach.
Camping Program Committee
The Camping Program Committee consists of approximately 18 persons nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting, plus the directors of the camping programs, and the Camp Program Manager, ex-officio.
The Camping Program Committee oversees and coordinates the philosophy, policy, financing, and program emphasis of all Yearly Meeting endeavors in the field of outdoor religious education—seeking to provide for all the various ages and interests of our Yearly Meeting through a variety of camping styles. The Camp Program Manager is responsible for implementing goals, direction, and policy as set by the Camping Program Committee.
The Committee will review and remain familiar with the content of the Youth Safety Policy (Appendix D to this Manual) in order to ensure that the practices of the Committee reflect the guidelines adopted to promote the safety of our youth and youth workers. The Committee will provide any necessary staff and volunteer training and will ensure that programs and events are carried out in compliance with policy guidelines.
The Camping Program Committee advises the General Secretary on employment of camp directors and the Camp Program Manager. The Committee nurtures and supports the directors and staff in the implementation of the outdoor religious education programs and works to promote awareness of the programs within the wider Quaker community.
The Clerk or another member of the Camping Program Committee serves as a member of the Camp Property Management Committee.
Development Committee
The Development Committee consists of five or more members nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting. In addition, either the Clerk or another member of the Trustees and one member of Stewardship and Finance Committee are ex-officio members. Development Committee prepares, guides, and assists in the implementation of fund-raising plans. It is charged with: the creation and subsequent oversight of a comprehensive development plan for Baltimore Yearly Meeting that clarifies the role of Monthly Meeting apportionment; an annual giving program; development policies that address the acceptance and handling of both restricted and unrestricted contributions; and the appropriate uses of Yearly Meeting and Monthly Meeting communication avenues.
The Committee also reviews requests for exceptional, one-time release of the Yearly Meeting mailing list for purposes of financial solicitation and, if it approves, forwards such requests to the next Interim Meeting or Annual Session for final consideration. (Excepted from the Yearly Meeting’s policy restricting such use of the mailing list, and thus from Development Committee review, are the affiliated Quaker organizations Friends General Conference, Friends United Meeting, and Friends World Committee for Consultation).
The Committee guides, supports, and assists the Development Director in the following ways: researching for the Yearly Meeting potential sources of financial support, including individuals and Monthly Meetings; cultivating and requesting support from major donors, including individuals, foundations, and other organizations; establishing regular contact with individuals and Monthly Meetings to promote increased giving to Yearly Meeting; creating curricula for supporting Monthly Meetings in their own fund-raising efforts; and promoting efforts to secure bequests and other deferred gifts. The Committee maintains appropriate consultation with the General Secretary and Supervisory Committee about shared supervision and personnel matters. If there is no Development Director, the Committee undertakes these duties, and others ascribed to that position, as needed.
The Development Committee has oversight of fund-raising efforts that other Yearly Meeting committees may initiate. It assists in the planning and implementation of such efforts and ensures that any fund-raising effort is consistent with the overall development plan. The Committee consults with Stewardship and Finance, Camping Program, Camp Property Management, and Youth Programs Committees on a regular basis to discuss the budgetary process and to promote giving. The Development Committee consults with Trustees for guidance on legal and Yearly Meeting policy issues.
Educational Grants Committee
The Educational Grants Committee is composed of at least six members nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting. The purpose of this committee is to help Friends pursue education by providing grants, which may be applied to undergraduate attendance at accredited post-secondary educational institutions such as universities, colleges, professional, and vocational schools, either full or part-time. Monies and income from the Educational Fund, the Education Endowment Income Fund, and the Fair Hill/Griest Fund, and such other funds as the Yearly Meeting deems appropriate are used to provide post-secondary grants.
Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and the Committee’s assessment of an applicant’s statement of purpose, including consistency with Friends testimonies. The application process is expected to include comments on the applicant’s involvement in the Monthly Meeting and any information that would be helpful in making a decision.
The Committee performs its work according to a policy statement approved by the Yearly Meeting.
Baltimore Yearly Meeting does not make loans to students.
The Committee meets in April to evaluate applications and award grants, and on other mutually convenient dates to discuss other business. The Educational Grants Committee reports to the Yearly Meeting at least once a year on the state of the funds, grants made, and any other business conducted.
Indian Affairs Committee
The Indian Affairs Committee consists of approximately 12 members nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting.
This Committee stimulates interest in and activity concerning American Indians. It cooperates with other Yearly Meetings and other Friends organizations in projects for the benefit of American Indians. It concerns itself with legislation on local, regional, and national levels involving Native American issues.
The ongoing work of the Indian Affairs Committee is inspired by its history. In 1795, Quakers in the northern Shenandoah Valley, following the model established by William Penn in Pennsylvania, set up a fund under the care of Baltimore Yearly Meeting to pay American Indians for lands Quakers had settled. Unable to locate survivors of the natives, the Indian Affairs Committee distributes the interest income from this endowment to organizations which assist and advocate for American Indians.
Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee
The Committee is concerned with deepening the spiritual life of Baltimore Yearly Meeting and of its constituent Monthly Meetings. The Committee carries an active concern for calling forth and nurturing the gifts of the Spirit in the Yearly Meeting. The Committee encourages and supports Monthly Meetings as they recognize, publicly affirm, and practically support those individuals who exercise their gifts in faithful ministry and service.
The Committee assists the Yearly Meeting with programs, retreats, workshops at Annual Session, and during the year as needed. The Clerk of the Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee serves as a member of the Program Committee.
The Committee advises Monthly Meetings on the preparation of the Annual Report of the Spiritual State of the Monthly Meeting in accordance with the guidelines in our Faith and Practice. The Committee receives the approved reports and incorporates them, with concerns and information about events in the Yearly Meeting, into a Spiritual State of the Yearly Meeting Report to be presented for consideration and acceptance at Annual Session.
The Committee considers requests for Yearly Meeting endorsements of minutes of support for members traveling in the ministry outside our Yearly Meeting. Such minutes usually are prepared by the Monthly Meeting in which the Friends holds membership and then endorsed by the Yearly Meeting (See Faith and Practice, Part III, Section B, Sub-section 5,b Minutes for Spiritual Service and, c Endorsements). If there is clearness to proceed, the Committee brings a recommendation to the Yearly Meeting or Interim Meeting for this minute. Minutes endorsed by the Yearly Meeting are expected to be returned to the Yearly Meeting. Ordinarily, the endorsement is for one year.
The Committee maintains the Guidelines for Embracing the Ministry of Friends and supports Monthly Meeting working support groups for these Friends. The Committee maintains a current list of all recorded ministers within the Yearly Meeting.
The following working groups are under the care of Ministry and Pastoral Care:
- Intervisitation Working Group
- Pastoral Care Working Group
- Spiritual Formation Program Working Group
- Women’s Retreat Working Group
- Working Group on Racism
Peace and Social Concerns Committee
The Peace and Social Concerns Committee consists of approximately 12 members nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting.
The Committee recognizes that an enduring peace requires social justice, and that the two are inextricably bound together. Friends’ concerns for nonviolence in international affairs and in the alleviation of situations of tension in society are translated into education and action programs of the Yearly Meeting. The Committee stimulates and coordinates activities of Monthly Meeting Peace and Social Concerns Committees regarding those issues that affect the fabric of society and on which Quaker testimonies can be brought to bear. It serves as a resource to Baltimore Yearly Meeting and its constituent Meetings, gathering and disseminating information.
The Committee also works with Monthly Meetings to address these concerns. It may also bring to the attention of the Yearly Meeting other international and domestic concerns that affect relationships between the economically developed and less-developed countries or the relationship between people with greatly different economic means wherever they may live.
Friends are encouraged to record their personal statements of pacifism by sending signed and dated statements to their Monthly Meetings and to the Yearly Meeting. The names of all persons filing such statements are to be listed in the Yearbook published following receipt of the documents.
The Peace and Social Concerns Committee acts as the conscience of the Yearly Meeting in issues relating to prison concerns and the death penalty. The Committee recommends to Nominating Committee, as appropriate, one person to be approved by the Board of Directors of Prisoner Visitation and Support for a three-year, once renewable term. The Board meets in Philadelphia two or three times a year.
As appropriate, Peace and Social Concerns recommends to Nominating Committee one person for a three-year, once-renewable appointment by the Yearly Meeting, to serve on the Board of Directors of Quaker House, which meets five times a year in various locations in North Carolina.
As appropriate, Peace and Social Concerns recommends to Nominating Committee one person for a three-year, once-renewable appointment by the Yearly Meeting, to serve as a representative to the Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR).
The Working Group for Refugees, Immigrants, and Sanctuary is under the care of the Peace and Social Concerns Committee. The Working Group on Civil and Human Rights of Transgender and Non-Binary People is under the care of Peace and Social Concerns.
Religious Education Committee
The Religious Education Committee consists of approximately 12 persons nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting, and the Clerks of the Religious Education Committees of all Monthly Meetings. The Committee is an avenue through which the Yearly Meeting exercises its responsibility for the spiritual nurture of its young people and adults.
The Committee supports Monthly Meeting Religious Education Committees and First Day School teachers in their work with all age groups. This is done through curriculum planning, resource information, and consultation with committee members, as well as through workshops, teacher preparation programs, and retreats.
The Committee names one of its members to serve on the Sue Thomas Turner Quaker Education Fund Committee for a two-year term.
Sue Thomas Turner Quaker Education Fund
The Sue Thomas Turner Quaker Education Fund Committee consists of one member appointed by the Advancement and Outreach Committee and one appointed by the Religious Education Committee. Such appointments are for two-year terms. Members may not serve for more than six consecutive years. Other members may be co-opted as appropriate. In addition, Rosalind Turner Zuses will serve as convener without a term limit until such time as she is unable or unwilling to continue.
The fund was established in Baltimore Yearly Meeting in 1996 by Howard and Rosalind Turner Zuses in recognition of Sue Thomas Turner’s long support of Quaker education and Quaker values in public education. Its purpose is to support the understanding and practice of Quaker faith in schools and to support the growth of a life lived in the Spirit by members of the school communities. School community members include students, faculty, staff, administration, trustees, and parents. The fund is targeted for, but not limited to, Friends schools under the care of a Friends Meeting.
The fund is intended to be used for materials, lectures and consultants, workshops and retreats, and programs and activities which help to explain Quaker faith and practice to members of the school communities, to be brought into the schools for individuals or groups from the school communities to attend workshops, classes, or retreats on Quaker faith and practice and spiritual development, and for the creation and distribution of materials related to these issues by members of the school communities. The fund would be limited to uses which are in addition to those already funded by a school or committee budget, or to augment funds to enable a use which exceeds ordinary funding.
Applications from schools, meetings, committees, Friends agencies, or individuals for a specific project must be received by March 1. In general, the Committee meets once a year, usually at Spring Interim Meeting Day. The amount of money distributed is a percentage, adjusted as the Committee determines is appropriate, of the value of the Fund at the time of distribution.
Unity with Nature Committee
The Unity with Nature Committee consists of approximately 12 persons nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting. Monthly Meetings not represented on the Committee are invited to select representatives to the Committee.
Recognizing that the entire world is an interconnected manifestation of God, the Unity with Nature Committee seeks to work into the beliefs and practices of the Yearly Meeting the twin principles that God’s Creation is to be respected, protected, and held in reverence, and that human aspirations for peace and justice depend upon restoring the Earth’s ecological integrity. The Committee promotes these principles by example, by communication, and by providing spiritual and material support to those engaged in transforming our relationship with the Earth. It serves as a resource for Unity with Nature concerns and activities of individuals and of Monthly Meetings.
As appropriate, the Unity with Nature Committee recommends one person as a representative and one person as an alternative representative to the Nominating Committee for a three-year, once renewable appointment by the Yearly Meeting to the Steering Committee of Quaker Earthcare Witness. Unity with Nature recommends to Nominating one person for a three-year, once renewable appointment by the Yearly Meeting, to serve on the Board of Directors of the Friends Wilderness Center.
The Working Group on Right Relationship with Animals is under Unity with Nature’s care.
Youth Programs Committee
The Youth Program Committee consists of 16 adults nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting, as well as the Youth Programs Manager, the Young Friends Clerks, and Young Friends appointed by the Young Friends Business Meeting.
The Committee will review and remain familiar with the content of the Youth Safety Policy (Appendix D) in order to ensure that the practices of the Committee reflect the guidelines adopted to promote the safety of our youth and youth workers. The Committee will provide any necessary staff and volunteer training and will ensure that programs and events are carried out in compliance with policy guidelines.
The Youth Programs Committee oversees and coordinates all Yearly Meeting youth programs for junior high/middle school and high school youth, with the exception of the Camping Program and Junior Yearly Meeting. It provides advice and support for the Youth Programs Manager. To this end the Committee does the following: provides a Designated Friendly Adult Presence (FAP) for every Young Friends and Junior Young Friends conference; recruits, trains, evaluates, and mentors adults in the Yearly Meeting who have a leading to work with our programs; supports the Youth Programs Manager in coordinating and communicating with Junior Yearly Meeting and other Yearly Meeting committees involved in youth programs; and provides the Yearly Meeting with access to the approved Junior Young Friends Handbook and Young Friends Handbook and ensures that Yearly Meeting is notified of major revisions.
The Young Friends Yearly Meeting Planners serve on the Program Committee. The Young Friends Nuts and Bolts Committee is nominated and appointed by the Young Friends Business Meeting. To encourage youth to take an active part in the affairs of the Yearly Meeting, the Young Friends Nuts and Bolts Committee Clerk is expected to participate in Interim Meeting. Details of the procedures of the Young Friends Nuts and Bolts Committee and Young Friends Conferences can be found in the Young Friends Handbook, available from Baltimore Yearly Meeting.
Growing Diverse Leadership Committee
The Growing Diverse Leadership Committee is a standing committee that consists of ten people. It includes four nominated by the Nominating Committee and appointed by the Yearly Meeting, a person appointed by the Strengthening Transformative Relationships in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) Working Group, a person appointed by the Camping Program Committee, a person appointed by the Working Group on Racism, and a person appointed by the Young Adult Friends Special Group, plus the following, ex-officio: the Presiding Clerk of the Yearly Meeting and the Clerk of Interim Meeting. The work of the Committee connects with these other committees of the Yearly Meeting and therefore encourages open commucation with them: Advancement and Outreach, Indian Affairs, Ministry and Pastoral Care, Peace and Social Concerns, and also the Working Group on Civil and Human Rights of Transgender and Non-Binary People.
The Committee discerns ways that the Yearly Meeting’s committees, local Meetings, and staff can welcome and encourage participation and leadership among all Friends. There is a focus on cooperating to promote equity, outreach, inclusion, friendship, and wholeness to all persons in order to build an anti-racism, multi-cultural faith community. This includes the encouragement and sustained participation of younger Friends and development of their leadership skills and experiences throughout BYM.
There is a Strengthening Transformative Relationships in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) Working Group which is under the care of the Committee. It is comprised of Core Groups, one for each of four cities within the area which the Yearly Meeting serves. They are composed of young adults and work to extend the camping program to people of diverse backgounds who might not otherwise find it or participate in it.
