Planning Meeting 6:00–9:00 pm, Monday, November 3, 2014
A New Expression of Quaker Witness & Spirit-Led Service for Young Adults On Sunday, October 5, 2014, FMC approved of serving as the Host Meeting for a Quaker Voluntary Service (QVS) House in the Boston area. This will make Boston the third city to host a QVS House since the program’s initial launch in Atlanta, GA, in 2012.
Based on Quakers’ long-standing practice of living our faith, QVS offers young adults the transformative experience of engaging in service and social justice work while living together and practicing Quaker simplicity, worship, and decision making. Volunteers are placed in full-time professional positions in agencies and organizations that offer support to marginalized individuals and communities, and that work for social change.
In order to make this a reality in the Boston area for August 2015, the planning phases are underway. Help is needed, and gladly welcomed! Although there will be a local paid coordinator, we will have many opportunities to work on this project. For example, the program will need spiritual nurturers for the Volunteers, curriculum planning and training help, site placement ideas and connections to organizations, help finding and furnishing a local house, and fundraising and welcoming activities.
If you are interested in being involved with this project in any capacity, please come to the next planning meeting on Monday, November 3, at FMC from 6:00–9:00 pm. Ross Hennesy (QVS Assistant Director) and Noah Baker Merrill (QVS Board member and NEYM Yearly Meeting Secretary) will be sharing their wisdom and experience as we make our first planning steps.