Dear Young Friends, parents, family members, and Friends across our region:
I write to you today with two significant updates regarding the Young Friends program.
First, after a period of personal reflection, I have discerned that I will be transitioning out of my current role as the Teen & Outreach Ministries Coordinator after Sessions this summer. I’ve been grateful for the many connections that I have made through this service and have come to the realization that this position is not the right fit for my particular gifts and leadings. In my remaining months of service, I hope to pave the way for a steady transition and to complete the program year with joy and presence.
To identify the next coordinator, a search committee is being formed and a search will begin in May with the hope of being able to introduce the new coordinator by Sessions. If you have questions or comments regarding the search, please contact Program Director Nia Thomas ([email protected]) or Yearly Meeting Secretary Noah Merrill.
Kenzie Burpee, who often coordinates Young Friends retreats with me during the school year, has decided to graciously assist the new coordinator for the 25-26 school year in order to aid in a smoother transition.
During a recent meeting that I had with Resource People (the adult volunteer staff for the Young Friends program) there was both acknowledgement of how challenging the long stretch of transitions has been for Young Friends and at the same time much gratitude for the resilience and opportunities to serve and grow together that have arisen through these changes.
With that tenderness and invitation in mind, there will be a time for reflection at the upcoming Young Friends Spring retreat at Framingham Friends Meeting during May 2nd-4th. Conversation and care will continue at Sessions this August 1-6.
Secondly, I write to share with you another update. Based on strong feedback from Young Friends (and some parents, too), we will be adapting our approach to the Young Friends programming at Sessions this summer. Because of the leading Young Friends have expressed in recent months, at Sessions this year we will spend less of the day away from the wider Yearly Meeting in Young Friends specific programming. Instead, Young Friends will have the opportunity to spend time in “placements” based on areas of interest. These placements may include participating in the “adult” programming (workshops, business meeting, etc) or in a service role (helping with Junior Yearly Meeting, or with the bookstore, registration, the tech team, the office, and more). The focus of the Young Friends specific program will be on reflecting on these multigenerational experiences and how they relate to Young Friend’s lives. There will still be dorm space specifically for Young Friends and Resource People as well as time for long-cherished traditions.
The details for the placement program are still being worked out and we are looking forward to receiving input from Young Friends and families on this plan. There will be a time at the upcoming Spring Retreat to offer feedback on these changes. If you aren’t able to attend the retreat and still wish to chime in you can email me.
In hope and service,
Collee Williams