Process and Procedures for Direct Affiliation of a Monthly Meeting with Friends General Conference

Note: PDF download at the bottom of this page. 

Benefits and Responsibilities

The benefits and responsibilities of affiliation with FGC by a monthly meeting are similar to those of a yearly meeting or association of meetings: the fellowship with Friends from all over North America; the consideration of business, budgets and new leadings with other experienced Friends; the working together to nurture and educate Friends and seekers. Membership on Central Committee involves one in guiding FGC to provide resources and opportunities for worship and spiritual nurture of our meetings and members.

A directly affiliated monthly meeting names one member to serve on Central Committee, although directly affiliated monthly meetings in geographic proximity may, if they choose, join together to name one appointee to represent and report to each of their monthly meetings. The representative attends the fall Central Committee meetings and works with one of the program or administrative committees of FGC. We recognize that full participation may strain the resources of a monthly meeting, and many committees are open to corresponding members and other accommodations that may be necessary. Affiliated groups are also expected to contribute financially to the support of FGC to the extent possible. There is no set amount expected and per-member contributions vary widely. While we hope every group will be able to make a financial contribution, we understand that some meetings are only able to contribute a modest amount.

Affiliation Procedure

The monthly meeting seeking affiliation with FGC starts the process by writing to the FGC Advancement and Outreach Committee of its intentions. A&O considers the situation, the appropriateness of possible existing links to FGC, and the appropriateness of direct affiliation of the requesting group. A&O may meet with the group or appoint visitors to meet with members of the group to consider the request and possible affiliations more fully.

If direct affiliation seems appropriate and the requesting group has been recognized as a monthly meeting, a formal letter of application may be suggested. (FGC cannot confer monthly meeting status, but might assist a group in being recognized by a nearby monthly or yearly meeting.) Among criteria for such direct affiliation are the ability of the applicant meeting to send appointees and financial support to FGC and the relationship of the meeting with its neighbors. If the applicant meeting belongs to a non-member yearly meeting or another branch of the Religious Society of Friends, it should be in communication with that body early in the affiliation process. When A&O is satisfied with the application, the recommendation for action will be brought to Central Committee for its consideration. Upon approval of the affiliation, the Presiding Clerk of FGC sends a letter of welcome. Members of the A&O Committee remain in contact with the new directly affiliated monthly meeting. A&O expects periodic written reports on the state of their meeting from each directly affiliated monthly meeting.

For further information contact the FGC A&O Committee.

A more detailed description of the affiliation process may be found in Section VII of The Blue Book: FGC’s Organizational Manual.