Our hope is to create an organization that can help Quakers in Maryland have an effective voice in statewide policy decisions. As a recently formed group we are developing the form and structure that will allow us to be nimble enough to react to the sway of Maryland Legislative Session while also staying attentive to Quaker process.
Original group members came from four different Monthly Meetings in Maryland. We welcomed new members to join us and we hope to gain members who represent Meetings from across the state.
Our contact list includes members from: Adelphi, Annapolis, Bethesda, Chester River, Deer Creek, Frederick, Friends Meeting of Washington, Goose Creek, Gunpowder, Homewood, Little Falls, Patapsco, Patuxent, Pipe Creek, Sandy Spring, Stony Run, and Third Haven.
The organizing group currently strives to meet monthly and meets more regularly during the Maryland General Assembly. Our meetings are virtual.
The simple answer is -- yes. Friends have found there to be active programs in North Carolina, California, and other states as well. Our group members have been reaching out to these organizations to have conversations about the process that was undertaken to create these groups and how these groups function in relation to Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings. By learning about other Quaker group experiences we hope to gain a better understanding of how our organization could be molded.