Acting in the world is an important expression of faith for many Friends. As individuals, that action can be powerful and affirming. Coming together around a common purpose also builds and strengthens our communities and our sense of belonging.
Join us for a lively conversation about how advocacy and other forms of collective action can bring and hold us together. We’ll focus particularly on what we’ve learned about ways that virtual gathering and action can strengthen community bonds and spiritual experiences.
Register to join FCNL’s January Quaker Changemaker conversation online.
FCNL has seen firsthand how advocacy and other forms of collective action can benefit both individual and community spiritual health and development. For example, Friends who are part of FCNL’s Advocacy Teams often talk about how their team’s work has helped bring new life to their meeting community, as panelist Carolyn Levering shares.
Community-building through collective action is a live conversation among Quakers beyond FCNL, too. Panelist Jen Higgins-Newman will share perspectives from her work to facilitate community-building and community action as the Program Manager at Beacon Hill Friends House, a center for Quaker learning and action and a residential intentional community grounded in Quaker principles.
Moderated by FCNL’s Director of Quaker Leadership, Alicia McBride, this discussion is sure to spark reflections and ideas whether you lean more toward activism, spiritual contemplation, or community.
About the Speakers
Carolyn Levering is a member of Santa Cruz Monthly Meeting (Pacific Yearly Meeting) and the FCNL Santa Cruz Advocacy Team.
A longtime FCNL supporter, Carolyn serves on the General Committee and FCNL’s Field Committee.
Jennifer Higgins-Newman is the Program Manager at Beacon Hill Friends House, where she creates and stewards programming that cultivates community, nurtures spiritual deepening, and empowers collective action.
Jen has a background in both theology and social change, and prior to the Friends House worked in public interest and environmental advocacy. Jen is a member of Beacon Hill Friends Meeting (New England Yearly Meeting) and lives at the Friends House with her spouse, Ryan.