Friends and Clerking: FGConnections, Spring 2004
Thank You
By Deanna Boyd
“Thank you, Susanna.” It was my turn, and boy was I ready. For the past, (what seemed to me to be) countless hours, we had been going around the room and answering the question, “Why did you come and what do you hope for?” I knew why I had come, and I knew what I hoped for. I had come because I had to; as one of clerks for the Gathering’s High School program the workshop was a requirement. I knew what I wanted from the workshop too, more things than I could articulate in the minute allotted to me. There were approximately 45 people at the workshop, and Art Larrabee had told us before starting the activity, that he hoped we would be finished in 45 minutes. As the first person spoke for several minutes I assumed that we would not finish the activity in 45 minutes. After saying “thank you, Miller” Art informed the group that we had finished the exercise in 42 minutes. Needless to say I was shocked. Art then went on to say that if a clerk suggests a barrier the group usually self moderates—and we did.
During the weekend the group covered most of the material in a booklet covering 90 some topics. The materials Art gave us included everything from a summary of Friends decision-making process, to information on what a trustworthy committee report would look like. I highlighted and wrote extensive notes in the booklet, in addition to taking notes in my “clerking” binder from each session. A perfectionist, I know I will read over these notes, and use them for reference whenever I have a question about the role of a clerk, or related topics. My color coordinated, reference materials, however, will only help me so much. The most important lessons I learned, and the ones I will forever remember without having to whip out my “clerking” binder, are actions and procedures Art used with the group. The first evening, for example, he suggested a time barrier, which made the group, unknowingly, self moderate. This tactic will come in handy this summer, I am sure, when the infamous “smoking minute” is brought up at the high school group business meeting. Art also habitually said “thank you” to each person after they spoke. This was beneficial for him, because he was able learn people’s names, but more importantly, it helped build a sense of community, and helped each individual feel heard. So, thank you Art for teaching me everything I couldn’t say in one minute.
