Dear Friends,

I was fortunate to stumble upon FGC’s Gathering during my freshman year of high school, and I was nominated to be a clerk. It was such a powerful experience! I would not have been able to attend without my wonderful sponsors, my family, and the financial support I received.

Give today — help young Friends find their faith community.

This past summer at Haverford was the biggest gathering of Quakers my age that I’ve ever seen or been a part of. Half of our group was new to FGC’s high school program and came not knowing what to expect. Despite that, we all bonded quickly. By supporting each other, and with our amazing counselors and staff, we created a safe, fun, creative and curious community. I was blown away by the care and light that was always present. The most amazing thing about the Gathering for me, is how everything—walking, playing, eating, talking, worshiping—feels spiritual.

I had the opportunity to co-clerk with three other insightful, caring people. We struggled and challenged each other, but we worked together to become a team and build a community within our business meetings. Several adults, experienced in clerking, generously gave their time to meet with us, answer our questions about clerking, and support us in creating our agenda and establishing roles.

I was constantly moved by the spirit in our amazing process. I was reflecting that there was no way a group of four teenagers could facilitate a meeting with thirty other teenagers. And yet, we can — because we have the Quaker process and adult Friends who teach, question and support us.

I also got to be a part of our Nurturing committee. We met every day to talk about our community and how we could support each other. I stayed out of the big decisions because I was there as clerk, but it was amazing to watch the group come up with caring ideas and solutions for some of the problems we had been struggling with.

I’m very excited to practice clerking more next year and work with new people. I’m grateful for the amazing FGC staff and counselors, and every adult who supports the high school Friends program. You all do more than I even know, and I am so grateful to have you caring for and supporting us. And thank you to everyone who gave me financial assistance to fly across the country for a week!

In the Light,

Isabel
High School Gathering Co-Clerk
Friends General Conference

Please consider donating to FGC today. Your gift will help young Friends bring their gifts to our faith community.

Annual contributions to FGC have increased modestly over the past few years, but they have not kept pace with inflation. If you are able, please consider donating, or increasing your donation, to help us close the gap between what Friends have asked us to do, and what we have the funding to do.

Our fiscal year ends September 30. Between now and then, a generous Friend is offering to match your gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000!