Interest Group List, Fall 2014 Quarterly Meeting

Interest Group Title	Interest Group Presenter	Interest Group Description
US Immigration Policy Then and Now	Mary Ruth Petzing	Working together and speaking from our own histories and experiences, we will explore immigration to the US from colonial times to the present. Then we will discuss current issues including the unaccompanied children from Central America
Junior Friends in Guatemala	Hannah Billen and other Junior Friends	Come join a small group of Junior Friends to hear all about our service trip to Guatemala. We will tell stories, pass around photographs and share the valuable lessons this incredible country and its people have taught us. Suitable for all ages: YES
Ways of Working on Climate Change in Your Community	Lynn Fitzhugh	Things 350Seattle.org has been doing during its first 18 months of existence with an emphasis on what you can do in your community. We will talk in depth about the threat that oil trains traveling across ID and all of WA pose to community safety Suitable for all ages YES
“Forest Bathing,” in Japan also called “Shinrin-yoku”	Sol Riou	In Japan, “Forest Bathing” or"Shinrin-yoku" is prescribed by doctors. We will practice walking with full awareness, using our five senses, in the forest for relaxation and recreation. Suitable for all ages: YES
Let’s Change the Criminal Justice System in Washington	Tom Ewell	Support the Friends Committee on Washington Public Policy (FCWPP) work in prison reform." We will look at the current legislative agenda for FCWPP in the coming legislative session and suggest ways you can help. There is a real chance for change this time.
Way of the Spirit	Christine Hall	Way of the Spirit—a study-retreat program from the wisdom of the Quaker Tradition. Interest Group: Try a meditative exercise with Isaac Penington, meet people who’ve experienced the program, share and question together. Is 2015 the year to come home to who you are meant to be? In Way of the Spirit, you’ll deepen faithfulness, explore leadings in life-changing community. Challenge yourself to spiritual growth. Begins January 16-19, 2015 in Mt. Angel, OR.
Collect Print and Paint from Nature	Laurel and Polly Boyajian	We will make egg tempera paints with natural earth pigments. We will collect leaves, needles, sticks, cones to use as brushes, resists, and prints If younger than 8, please bring an adult too.
Nature Walk	Ellie Duffield	Seeing, learning about the geology, plants, animals, their names, history and how they interrelate to each other. Intended for Adults
Coming of Age Celebrations for Quaker Youth	Debbie Townsend	Interest Group Description: Many religious traditions have a way of marking a child's transition out of childhood: confirmation, bar or bat mitzvah, etc.  Now, quite a few Quaker Meetings around the country have created or are exploring ways to mark coming-of-age. Share your ideas, and learn what Eastside Friends Meeting has planned for their eight-graders this year. Adults, Jr. Friends
Business Meeting? Continuing Committee? What Quarterly Meeting Decisions Get Made Where?	Don Goldstein, sponsored by Continuing Committee	We will review the history of what kinds of decisions have been made by Meeting for Business and Continuing Committee for the operation of Quarterly Meeting events, including the Silent Retreat. We will consider whether those present would like to change the division of decision-making authority and if so how. For a background document, contact Don, dnx6309@gmail.com