by steve.olshevski | Jan 17, 2022 | Past Events
Care and Counsel is planning an initial forum addressing conflict, including conflict we experience as members of our own Meeting. This forum will address how we manage conflict and transform it into something creative and positive, all while strengthening our
peaceful and loving relationships. For information about preparation for this forum, see the article about Care and Counsel in the committee section of this newsletter. The forum begins at approximately 11:15 AM on-site or via Zoom.
by steve.olshevski | Jan 11, 2022 | Past Events
On Feb. 27 the Climate Action Committee will present a forum about how we can work together to reduce our carbon footprint and find ways to work with others in meaningful ways to influence the direction we are heading.
One of our current projects is an online knowledge base resource, to be created by and for our Radnor Friends community, which will be accessible through our website. We are also constructing an organizational infrastructure to identify how we can approach the many different areas of education, activism, finance, carbon reduction, and ministering to despair and inspiring genuine hope in this large effort.
There is much to do and there is something important for everyone to work together towards our important common goal. These developing projects will be prominent in our February forum.
To participate virtually, join using the Zoom link (found on home page) no later than 11:15 AM on Feb 7th.
by steve.olshevski | Oct 20, 2021 | Past Events
Radnor Meeting members have been working with members of the local interfaith community who have been involved with hosting and caring for refugees.
I-LEAD, Inc., the nonprofit organization was able to make an apartment in Bryn Mawr available rent-free. The family moved into the unit receently. Radnor Meeting members participated in furnishing and cleaning the unit and preparing food for the beautiful young family, a mother, her brother, and two young children ages 2 (boy) and 5 (girl). The family is energetic and joyful. The family does not speak English yet and has many education, social and economic needs. Our Peace and Social Concerns committee is coordinating closely with the Mainline Refugee and Resettlement Committee along with I-LEAD, with support from the Nationalities Services Center, which has the contract with the federal government to support the resettlement of this family.
by steve.olshevski | Oct 20, 2021 | Past Events
Ben Pink Dandelion presented a forum on November 7 at the rise of meeting for worship on the ideal of Quaker worship. Ben is a Professor of Quaker Studies and Programmes Leader at the Centre for Postgraduate Quaker Studies, Woodbrooke, and University of Birmingham, England. He worships at Sawley Meeting in the shadow of Pendle Hill. He has written numerous books and articles about Quakerism and Quaker history. The recording is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C4JrMq2D0M
by steve.olshevski | Jun 15, 2021 | Past Events
This Committee is hosting a training session (of interest to 18-26 yr. olds) for how to register as a Conscientious Objector via Zoom, on June 12, 2021 from 10 am – 11:30 AM. Prior to this training session, registrants must complete a 4-hr. asynchronous training Zoom training session, the link to which will be made available to them. A second training session on how to advise and assist individuals wishing to become conscientious objectors will take place also via Zoom on June 19, 10-11:30 AM.
Individuals interested in the June 19th session must: a) attend the June 12 training session; and b)complete a separate 4-hr. asynchronous training session. Quarterly Meeting will pay for the costs of such training, with potential monetary assistance from PYM if more people than anticipated register for these sessions. Similar training will take place in the fall, for those interested who cannot attend in June.To register for one or both training sessions and the 4-hr. asynchronous sessions, and to receive the accompanying manual, please contact Winnie Shaw Hope at [email protected]
by steve.olshevski | Jun 15, 2021 | Past Events
On May 23rd the Carbon Busters (Carbon Net Neutral Committee) facilitated a forum to explore the committee’s progress four months in, and offer ideas and food for thought.
We spoke about the potential value of several ideas:
- Mowing less area or less frequently, while turning our thoughts to how we might nurture carbon-absorbing native flora. Climate impacts of mowing are direct (fuel for mowing) and indirect (as native plants help to sequester carbon).
- Shifting to plant milks and vegan baking for Fellowship, in the spirit of celebrating harmony with our environment, other living beings, and our health. An avid baker requested vegan baking tips. Lee (climatelaw[at]me.com) sent resources and is always available for support and resources.
- Offering a continued Zoom option for Meeting. Optional attendance by Zoom is one way to limit gasoline emissions. The hybrid meeting, with some attending physically and others through Zoom, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and also provides a way to expand connections and include family and friends from other states and internationally. A round of thanks was given to David C. for making it happen!
- Having committee meetings on Zoom as far as practicable. The benefits include less driving and the way Zoom supports the goal-oriented purposes of committees. Some noted that in-person committee meetings have social value; each committee will have its own perspective.
- Other ways we can we cut driving emissions. Carpooling has the benefit of cutting per-person emissions, and also of increasing the time members and attendees spend together.
- Weatherproofing the building and considering geothermal heat pump options. Further discussion involved the potential of the First Day school building’s south-facing roofs to collect solar power for the heat pump and use the energy for charging EVs in a few years’ time.
- Switch to renewable electricity. Individual homes can stay with PECO yet switch easily and seamlessly to renewably sourced electricity. An example option is Green Mountain Energy. You can see options and compare costs at www.papowerswitch.com or call PECO.
We enjoyed some discussion time together. We found that some of these ideas are immediately practical, and others have good potential over the longer term, as we learn more.
The Clerk of Finance requested that the committee put together detailed proposals with cost estimates and work with the appropriate committees to budget the expenses over the next couple of years. The resulting plan should be presented to the Meeting for approval.
Collectively, we know the challenge presented to us by climate disruption is urgent and must be addressed. A recurring theme of our conversation was the importance of decisive action in our community, individually and together, if we expect our greater society to act. We reaffirmed this at the conclusion of the forum, and then enjoyed the rest of a gorgeous May Sunday.
