The typewritten document is titled “Washington Letter No. 1,” dated November 9, 1943. Listing an address on Florida Avenue, NW, in Washington, DC, it begins with the heading “Committee Office Opens in Washington.”
“This is being written as suitcases and boxes are being unpacked, desks set up, and a newly partitioned room in the basement of the Florida Avenue Friends Meeting House is being prepared for the use by the Committee on National Legislation. This is a modest effort on the part of members of the Society of Friends to follow developments in Congress and other branches of the Government regarding the organization of peace, immigration, racial justice, conscription and other such questions and issues vital to the concerns of Friends and others who want to see democracy more ethical and effective today.”
In November 2026, 83 years later, the Friends Committee on National Legislation will return to that space, now known as Friends Meeting of Washington, for its Annual Meeting. What began as a “modest effort” has grown into a respected and effective voice on Capitol Hill – still working on the same issues named in that first communication, and more.
A Timely Theme
The theme of this year’s meeting, “Deep Roots, Bold Action,” speaks to the invitations of this moment.
As FCNL’s General Committee gathers in the historic meeting room, Friends can draw power from FCNL’s roots – and, deeper still, to the roots in the advocacy spanning our Society’s history. We can consider and share our own roots – what has led them to this work, at this moment – and the people who have inspired us to let their lives speak.
From this place of strength, Friends are invited to look ahead at how we, and FCNL, are called to bold action. That original newsletter names FCNL’s audience as those “who want to see democracy more ethical and effective today.” That call still resonates, as this year’s meeting opens just 10 days after a consequential midterm election.
Who is called into leadership for the organization? What are the specific areas where FCNL can best advance the world we seek, with Congress and other leaders?
We know that, when Friends gather and listen collectively to their inner guide, we can meet our current moment in creative and unexpected ways. When confusion and fear may be high, Friends at Annual Meeting are invited to allow divine wisdom to work upon their hearts and to discern how the Friends Committee on National Legislation can be well-used in the coming years to build the world we seek.
Who is called into leadership for the organization? What are the specific areas where FCNL can best advance the world we seek, with Congress and other leaders? How can we offer our experiences, wisdom, and concerns into service of this collective whole? These and other questions will be before the General Committee, to consider through worship, conversation, and time spent in community.
A New Vision
These activities and queries have long been at the heart of Annual Meeting. Still, those who have attended this gathering in recent years will notice shifts that go beyond the location.
After years of growing attendance and increasingly packed schedules, Annual Meeting is returning to its core purpose of gathering the FCNL General Committee to build community and trust and to make organizational decisions in the manner of Friends. We welcome others to attend as well. The schedule tries to accommodate the need for unscheduled time to be with each other, as well as programming related to the event’s purpose.
Although FCNL is not organizing scheduled lobby visits during the meeting, there is time reserved on Friday morning, November 13 for attendees to drop by congressional offices. Those who wish to schedule a visit are welcome to extend their stay in Washington, or consider attending Friends Changemaker Weekend in the spring as our primary advocacy day.
Growing Outward from Our Center
This year, in a new location and with shifts in agenda and program, Annual Meeting may at time feel strange to long-time attenders. Please share feedback about this evolving gathering. And, as FCNL returns to meet in the place its work in Washington began, we can also embrace this invitation to explore what is essential and critical about Quaker advocacy in the 21st century.
As Friends settle into stillness in the meeting room, or talk informally over a meal or online, or absorb the experience of FCNL lobbyists working within an unjust system to advance justice and peace, we are rooting ourselves in a community and tradition that extends even before FCNL’s founding. As we listen together for the divine presence, we are drawing on this tradition to seek guidance on the bold action we are called to in the future.
We are grateful for all who are part of this work and look forward to gathering with you in November.
