Parent Quaker Life Committee Minutes
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
The third meeting of the 2014-15 PQLC Committee opened with a moment of
silence.
In attendance: Irem Konur, Loren Kaler, Michelle Ling-Cherenfant, Derek Tolbert,
John Scardina, Robin Wachtler, Lauren Menzin, Tyra Banks and Andrea Miller.
Review of recent PQLC initiatives: Lauren Menzin recapped initiatives that the
PQLC had been involved:

Incorporation of A.O.K. (Act of Kindness) bracelets at all-school
Community Group activity. Students from K-12 wrapped bags of candy and
socks and made holiday cards for families in need.

Quaker Quotes: Inspiring quotes from Quakers and others were printed and
displayed at Parent Council Breakfast.

Sponsored Thanksgiving Parent MFW on Nov. 24th, which featured
discussion about the Matinecock native Americans and other LI tribes. Parent
Debbie Shalam designed a welcoming Evite to the event. Former parents
were also invited. Parent Heather Davis presented material based on her
own Native American heritage and research at the MFW. It was noted that a
portion of current parents thought the event was for Quaker parents only.
Decision: Involve class representatives in future promotions for Quaker
events.
Book discussion: There was a sizable and lengthy discussion around Sue Monk
Kidd’s “The Invention of Wings” as a book read for the group. Quaker-in-Residence
John Scardina recommended the historical fiction as an intro to Quakerism for
parents and a look into Quakerism in the 19th century. The book explores Quakerism
through the lens of slavery. After some discussion, it was decided to let the matter
“season” and that parents should read the book on their own and at the next
meeting discuss whether we convene a formal book discussion. To come to this
decision, John helped the group employ Quaker process. Parent Derek Tolbert also
suggested another book “Black Fire,” which details the life of African American
Quaker William Boen (https://archive.org/details/anecdotesmemoirs00coff).
Quaker process: John Scardina led the group in a quick look into Quaker process
and how to use it within the PQLC. “Quaker process begins with the fact that there is
that of God in everyone. It doesn’t follow parliamentary procedure, but is spirit led.
Within Quaker process that is an open mindedness and a willingness to change your
mind but an understanding that the process take time and is not efficient. There is
also the understanding that the group is wiser than the individual. The clerk’s job is
to encourage everyone to speak and to keep restating the issue if the discussion
veers off topic. The clerk should never steer the conversation by interjecting his/her
own ideas. John also defined the difference between consensus and “a sense of the
meeting.” John will be using Quaker process with the 6th grade in an upcoming
activity as they come to one decision to award a non-profit with a grant. Please see
the attached handout on Quaker process for more information and details.
Areas of Action: Parents were given the opportunity to sign up for one of four
“Areas of Action,” (Support/Promote existing Quaker Life programs,
Education/Awareness: Materials & Communication, Organize other Experiential
Activities, Create & Collaborate on new Parent Quaker Life programs), add their
own ideas and volunteer as clerk for an Area. The clerk of each area will help the
group prioritize which idea to work on first and facilitate. Interested parents who
have not attended a PQLC meeting this year should contact Lauren Menzin at
[email protected] for more information.
The next PQLC meeting is Wed. Jan 7 at 1:45 p.m. in the Hospitality Room.
PQLC will welcome Upper School History teacher Ryan Aponte, who will lead a
session on mindfulness for parents.
Respectfully,
Andrea Miller, Recording Clerk