Welcome to the Adult Young Friends info page!

The Adult Young Friends (AYF of FGC) program is a self-led intentional community and community of Friends age 18–35 who come together at the Gathering to support, inspire, and challenge each other in our life journeys. We represent a variety of backgrounds, and hail from all over the world of Quakerdom.

Participants in AYF are involved in every aspect of the Gathering as a whole. The community also hosts a number of AYF specific events throughout the week. We strengthen our community through worship, AYF affinity groups, Meeting for Business, and share in fellowship and celebration. We create a community in which we can grow, bond, and strengthen our connection to our chosen faith.

How to Participate

Check the AYF program box when you register and we will send you more information about specific events as the Gathering nears.

You are welcome to participate in our program to whatever degree you find most beneficial. You can choose to stay in the AYF housing cluster, or you can live in whatever other housing arrangement suit you.

In either case you may attend your choice of AYF activities while still participating in as many of the other Gathering options as time and energy allow. AYF of FGC also has a Discord server to support our communications and connections at and outside of Gathering. 

The AYF Program needs your support by serving on our committees to help our program thrive at gathering and beyond. Read about the AYF of FGC Committees and reach out to a Coordinator, Colby Abazs, or Nominating Member if you or a friend might feel a calling to serve. 

Adult Young Friends Retreat

This year it has been decided to not have a Pre-Gathering Retreat. With limited planning capacity we would rather put effort into making the Main gathering time successful and work on planning a possible event at a different time of year. If you have Yearly or Monthly Meeting AYF events we want to connect about how we might expand existing opportunities to connect our community across North America. Reach out to a Coordinator, Colby Abazs, if you are interested in helping to organize an AYF of FGC event outside of Gathering.

Financial Aid

Not sure you can afford to come to Gathering? There are many financial aid options available, including travel grants for some young adults, Friends in certain regions, and Friends of Color.