Workshop proposals for the 2026 Gathering will open in August. If you’d like an email when the proposal form goes live, please let us know at gathering@fgcquaker.org.

Have questions about the process? Read our Frequently asked questions about workshop proposals

2026 FGC Gathering Details

Dates: July 7-12, 2026 in Burlington, Vermont

Theme: “A Window And A Door: A Prayer”

Workshop Times:

For the 2026 Online Gathering, what is the Workshop Committee looking for?

We look for workshops that:

We want the Gathering to include workshops on a broad range of topics such as Quaker faith and practice, Quaker history, social justice and anti-oppression concerns, environmental stewardship, strengthening our Meetings, indigenous concerns, celebrations of diversity, and family issues. In addition to direct instruction and discussion, workshops can include various modes of engagement such as visual art, music, movement, and writing. To create a slate of workshops representing diverse identities and interests, we seek especially proposals that question traditional Quaker narratives and awaken Friends to new perspectives on our faith, ourselves, our community, and each other.

If the concept of antiracism is newer to you, we invite you to watch this QuakerSpeak video featuring Vanessa Julye, Coordinator for FGC’s Ministry on Racism Program, and expose any ways that your workshop concept might center whiteness or European-American experiences and voices. Can your workshop weave a wider welcome and invite, honor, and even center the experiences, voices, and needs of People of Color?

Resources for facilitators on incorporating an anti-racist framework can be found in the FGC’s Spiritual Deepening Library in the Inclusion and Wholeness section. You can explore further resources on the topic Weaving a Wider Welcome in FGC’s Spiritual Deepening Library.

How much time is required during the year preceding the workshop?

  • December:
    • Access workshop leader materials and work with staff if there are any problems receiving our email and accessing information.
    • Work with staff & volunteers to make any clarifying edits to your workshop short description or title
  • January/February:
    • Make any needed updates to your workshop long description & leader on the FGC website
    • Any added co-leaders need to supply contact information.
    • Participate in antiracism trainings online. Optional for People of Color.
  • March: Compose any message you want sent automatically to people who register for your workshop.
  • April: Registration for the Gathering – allow at least 30 minutes online or on the phone with FGC staff.
    • Submit any specifications around facilities & supplies to FGC staff
  • June: Time to read through workshop resources and information.
    • Info Session with all workshop leaders.
  • During Gathering: Optional drop-in session for workshop leaders to support one another 

A Workshop Leaders timeline with dates will be sent to all leaders of accepted workshops shortly after the workshop is accepted.

We expect all workshop leaders to follow FGC guidelines, including the Gathering Expectations

Submitting a proposal

There are two parts to each workshop proposal: your proposal form (preferably submitted online but available by email), and a letter of support for each co-leader. 

Part 1: Workshop Proposal Form: Workshops are proposed via an online form where you share your plans and background with the Workshop Committee. When the form is live, this page will link to additional tips and a link to the form.

Part 2: Letter of Support: The letter of support should also be received by the posted deadline This letter should directly address your skills and current ability for leading the proposed workshop, from the perspective of Friends. Members of the Workshop Committee often do not know not know the workshop proposers, so these letters of support help the committee in its discernment process.

Leaders of workshops at the 2025 or 2024 Gatherings can choose to have their workshop evaluations used in lieu of a letter of support. Proposals will not be considered without either a letter of support or a workshop leader evaluation summary from the past two years.

Confirming Receipt of Proposals. You will be sent to a webpage with a thank you message when your proposal is submitted, and you will be emailed a copy of your proposal. You will be notified of the Workshop Committee’s decision in early winter.

Most years we receive more proposals than we can accept, but they are all appreciated. The Workshop Committee looks forward to reading your proposals!

Financial Credits for Workshop Leaders

For each workshop, we have budgeted one leadership credit (called a workgrant) equal to half of the basic adult fees. (The basic fee is the cost for a full time adult, sleeping in a non A/C double room, and eating three meals a day in the cafeteria). Scholarship assistance is available, as needed, in addition to this workgrant, IF you let us know of your need in advance. Please plan to register early so that we are sure we have the funds to meet your financial needs

For more information:

FGC Gathering Office: gathering@fgcquaker.org 215-561-1700, x2
Have questions? Look for the answers: frequently asked questions about workshop proposals.

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