“Welcoming Witness” – 2011 Quaker Youth Leadership Conference

I was sent of God to stand a witness against all violence, and against the works of darkness; to turn people from darkness to light  - George Fox

Witness is active…seeking to engage the world to improve human society - Michael Birkel

 The 14th annual Quaker Youth Leadership Conference (QYLC) took place at Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, www.friendscentral.org from Thursday afternoon, February 3, through midday Saturday, February 5, 2011.  

 Friends' Central School was thrilled to host such a wide range of Friends school community members at our Wynnewood campus right on the Philadelphia City border. 

     The theme was “Welcoming Witness.” The QYLC Steering Committee chose this expression because it conveys the connection between two ideals that we are committed to pursuing both during the conference and in our school. The first is one of claiming and maintaining a community that is open and welcoming to all, one that provides a safe space for individuals to be themselves and to be totally present in the interests of exploring, learning and growing. The second ideal focuses our attention on members of our community who may feel marginalized, unsupported or unsafe. Something that we feel strongly about is the need to move from being a bystander to an ally, to "stand a witness," as George Fox encourages us, against the obstacles that divide us. QYLC participants will join together in workshops, service projects, affinity groups, worship and simple fun around these principles. We expect that conference participants will return to their schools dedicated to spreading the spirit of our time together, to broadening and enlivening their own communities by "welcoming witness" in them.

Al Vernacchio's Keynote Address to Open the 2011 QYLC  

Service Projects for 2011 QYLC

Philabundance 

Philabundance is the region’s largest hunger relief organization. In 2009, we acquired 21 million pounds of food, distributing 17 million pounds across the Delaware Valley and exporting 4 million pounds to assist other area food banks.

We serve low-income residents at risk of hunger and malnutrition, of which 23% are children and 16% are senior citizens. We get food directly into the communities though our direct services programs or through our network of agencies. These agencies include food cupboards, neighborhood distributions, shelters, emergency kitchens and various social service agencies. Philabundance provides a reliable source of food to 9 counties in the Delaware Valley. From www.philabundance.org

Aid For Friends

Aid For Friends' mission is to serve needy, isolated shut-ins, primarily the frail elderly, in the 5 county Greater Philadelphia area, with free daily home-cooked meals delivered weekly by empathetic volunteer visitors, and also to provide shut-ins with free out reach services. The goal is to help our homebound "client/friends" maintain their cherished independence by supporting their determination to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to enhance their quality of life.

From www.aidforfriends.org

Sanders House

 Saunders House is a leader in providing long-term care and rehabilitative services, involving community-based education and research-directed programs for the physical and emotional well-being of its residents.

We are a long-term care center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Located adjacent to Lankenau Hospital, we offer 180 skilled nursing beds and additional independent living accommodations.

As a non-profit organization, Saunders House has an enduring commitment to older adults that stems from our philanthropic mission rather than a drive for revenue. We focus all our resources on the care and comfort of our residents.

From www.saundershouse.org    

Joel Dankoff's Presentation on The US Prison Industry from his workshop at QYLC 2011.