The way Friends General Conference operates is deeply rooted in Quaker testimonies and based on Quaker practices.
FGC believes that through worship and openness to God’s will, the right focus and direction for the organization will emerge. Discernment is achieved through broad participation of Friends from around the country in a variety of committees.
Central to the governance of FGC is the Governing Board, consisting of Friends meeting several times a year to provide fiduciary oversight, approve budgets, appoint and evaluate the General Secretary, and guide the organization’s strategic direction.
Parallel to the Governing Board is the Representatives Council–a larger, participatory body that connects FGC’s affiliated Yearly and Monthly Meetings, committees, and staff. Meeting quarterly, the Council maintains communication and discernment across the organization’s broad network of Friends.
The committee structure of FGC allows Friends to volunteer in ministry for the various programs and operations of the organization, from policy and procedure to program strategy and implementation.
FGC’s governance structure changed in 2025 after years of discernment. Use the menu to the right to learn about how FGC currently operates and how the process changed.