All Manner Of Friends: Actionable Steps For Creating Inclusive Meetings

All Manner Of Friends: Actionable Steps For Creating Inclusive Meetings

What does it mean for a Quaker Meeting to be inclusive – and how is access and inclusion shaped by small communities and diverse ages? In this presentation, ministry consultant Bird Treacy will highlight easily actionable strategies that can expand who sees Quaker meetings as somewhere their presence is welcomed. Key strategies include sharing clear communication about both building access and community norms, providing simple materials for tactile or visual stimming/self-regulation during worship, and creating spaces that support community members who may need to move during worship. This presentation will also discuss what it takes to change community norms around who is included and what behaviors are accepted. When leaders provide training and insight around inclusive practices, whole communities can be transformed.

This program is being hosted by the PYM Program and Religious Life staff, which includes Youth Programs and Inclusion & Belonging. There will be an emphasis on support for children, youth, and families.

Presenter: Bird Treacy is the Children’s Programming Coordinator at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham, Massachusetts, as well as a Godly Play Trainer and church programming consultant. As a multiply-disabled ministry professional, Bird considers the work of supporting inclusive worship communities a central piece of her call. She lives in Central Massachusetts with her wife and four cats.

Register in advance for the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uce2grT8rH9wwePdnVBgwyRAzBuQZjmul

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.