On March 31, 2026, Friends General Conference hosted a virtual Pep Rally to celebrate the opening of Gathering registration. In this rally, FGC shared best practices around how to talk about the Gathering with other Friends who may have never attended.

Here is some wisdom from the event. A version of the presentation is available below.

Speak from your own experience, then invite conversation.

Lead by saying what your plans are: I’m registering for the FGC Gathering. Then follow up that announcement with a question:

“…do you think you’re going, too?”

“…would you like to ride with me?”

“…do you have any questions about what Gathering is like?”

Embrace the various answers to the question “What is Gathering?”

• It’s a casual conference of Quakers like us, taking workshops and worshiping together.
• It’s like a big retreat for Quakers that happens annually, usually on a college campus.
• It’s a chance to meet other Quakers doing interesting things in their yearly meetings and for other Quaker organizations.
• It’s for adults and children to reflect on their own faith practices in community.
• It’s a big reunion of Quakers from across North America.

All of these responses–and many more–are valid.

Be prepared to list the tangible and intangible incentives for registering for Gathering.

• Revitalization
• Expanded knowledge
• New ideas
• Energy
• Connections

Be ready to discuss the various ways Gathering can be made affordable:

• FGC Financial Aid: Work grants and scholarships
• Meeting grants
• Meeting chartered buses
• Carpooling
• Do you work or volunteer for a Quaker, interfaith, or ecumenical organization or school that may send you, or sponsor someone?

Spread the word beyond announcements at meeting.

• Write your own Gathering story. Why do you go? How does it work for you?
• Send individual emails to Friends you know and wish would come.
• Forward Vitality or Gathering eblasts to Friends you know and meeting mailing lists.
• LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE FGC posts on social media. This really helps!
• Tell your Gathering story on your personal social media, and tag @fgcquaker – especially photos and video reflections.
• Make a special effort to invite new Quakers.