Every Friend that shares their gifts, skills, and opportunities within our faith community keeps our community connected. The Gifts and Skills Collective connect individuals with opportunities that fit their interests and activities. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Friends are led to contribute in many ways—by offering hospitality, helping to organize events, caring for others, or supporting programs. Each effort plays a role in keeping the community whole.
The Nominating Council Helps Match Strengths with Needs
Many roles support the interconnection of PYM, focusing on creating space for worship, learning, and fellowship. The Nominating Council helps match people’s strengths with the needs of the community, primarily within the governance structure—councils, Elders, Climate Witness Stewards, and representatives to sister organizations. Individuals may express interest on their own, or another Friend may recommend them. While Nominating Council does not appoint people to committees, granting groups, or collaboratives, the nature of its work sometimes leads to connections that support those roles as well
Committees Offer Many Ways to Support
Friends can also contribute by being part of committees. Some committees care for groups, property, finances, or supporting staff. They connect under the care of PYM’s councils. Training and support are provided. There is no single background or skill set required, Friends have the opportunity to share their willingness to take part in group efforts and contribute to decisions that affect Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as a whole.
Granting Groups is an Opportunity for Stewardship
Granting groups offer a different kind of service. These groups reflect on applications and decide how to share resources. The work is shared and grounded in community needs. People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Taking part in a granting group is one way to help ensure support reaches individuals, meetings, communities, and projects that are aligned with the grants purpose.
Collaboratives Connect Friends Across the Region
Some Friends connect through shared work on specific concerns. Collaboratives are community-formed groups that focus on an area of interest, such as social justice, climate care, or spiritual development. The different collaboratives connect people together across geography, meetings, and ministries to work on shared goals. Collaboratives are open to new participants and shaped by the people who form them.
Join PYM Connect!
For those who prefer online spaces, PYM Connect offers a virtual community to stay informed and engaged. It’s a secure platform for Friends in PYM. People can join discussion groups, receive updates, and find opportunities to participate.
Young Friends Serve Through a Youth-Led Committee
Young Friends—the 8th-12th grade group within PYM—includes a youth led Steering Committee for those who want to help lead the programs. These Young Friends attend all gatherings and meet monthly online. Friends who serve receive a small stipend and gain experience in group leadership, planning, and discernment. Participation is open to any Young Friend who is interested and able to commit.
Financial Giving in Connection and Care
Financial contributions are also part of how we sustain this community. PYM ensures that all of a donor’s contribution is used directly for this work by covering transaction fees. Giving to PYM doesn’t have to be large to be meaningful. Any amount, offered freely, supports the ongoing work of connection and care.
When people give time, skills, or resources, they help shape an interconnected and welcoming yearly meeting. There is no one way to take part. Every contribution is part of our shared life. Together, we support one another and move forward with care, guided by values that help keep us rooted and open.
