Living Our Testimonies for the Long Haul: Exploring Strategies for
Difficult Times
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Are you feeling worn out with the need to resist attacks on
vulnerable people and democratic principles?
Ø Do you feel compelled to fight for social justice but are confused
about where Quaker testimonies fit into your strategies?
Ø Do you worry that you are losing your commitment to nonviolence in the
face of what seem to be daily attacks on people’s lives from those in
positions of power?
Ø Do you feel helpless to defend Quaker values and testimonies in the
current political and social environment?
We do too! More than ever, those who respect the long social justice
history of Quakers need to come together for mutual support and
reflection on the spiritual and practical relevance of historic
principles that have stood the test of time.
This year’s themes:
Peaceful Lessons from the Martial Arts – Rick Wilson, direction of WV AFSC Economic Justice knows from long practice how principles going back
to the time of Buddha and Lao Tzu connect with Quaker values. He will
demonstrate how to conserve and focus our chi, or energy flow, and the
elements of strategy that are extremely relevant to the challenges we
face today.
Non-Violent Direct Action Eileen Flanagan, Earth Quaker Action Team
director has a special message for Appalachian Quakers on the
application of Quaker testimonies to non-violent direct action around
climate change and income inequality.
Music, time for reflection and rejuvenation, walks on the beautiful
grounds, and Quaker silence will also be a part of this annual gathering
of our region’s Friends and their friends. All are welcome – you don’t
have to be a Quaker to gain knowledge and refresh your spirit at this
much anticipated yearly event.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Dinner* and impromptu activities for
those who wish to arrive early
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*Dinner will be served by the
Conference Center at 6:30 if 10 or more guests register for the meal
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9 Core Quaker Beliefs
Sometimes Friends struggle to describe to others what it means to be a
Quaker. This video is a tool that can be useful as an introduction to
Quakerism. Discussion and fellowship after.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
10:30 to 11:00 – Welcome & General Announcements
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Video keynote – Quaker
Testimonies and Their Relevance Today – Eileen Flanagan , Earth
Quaker Action Team (EQAT) – A leader and role model for non-violent
direct action connects the critical issues of our time – climate change
and income inequality -- to Quaker core values.
11:00 to 11:30 – Opening Silent Worship
Introduction of Presenters and
Topic:
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Peaceful Lessons from the Martial
Arts
– Rick Wilson, director, and Liz Brunello, youth program coordinator, WV
American Friends Service Committee Economic Justice Project
11:30 to 12:30 – Session 1
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Self-Care and Conservation of
Energy
– presentation, discussion, activities
12:30 to 1:30 – LUNCH
1:30 to 4:00 – Session 2
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Working Together
– presentation, discussion, activities
4:00 to 5:30 – Free Time for reflection and relaxation
5:30 to 6:30 – DINNER
6:30 to 8:00 – Session 3
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The Art and Science of Social
Change
– presentation, discussion, activities
8:00 to Bedtime – Free time, small
group gatherings, etc.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
8:00 to 9:00 – BREAKFAST
9:00 to 9:30 – Silent Worship
9:30 to 12:00 – Session 4 – Applying what we’ve learned
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Non-Violent Direct Action:
Lessons from EQAT campaigns
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Status of Friends in WV (and
Beyond)
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Reflecting on what we’ve learned and
its relation to our spiritual lives and our lives as Appalachians
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What Friends are currently doing
(Meeting reports) and might do together