31st Annual Quaker Lesbian Conference
Building Bridges Across Differences in Age, Race, and Class
Friday, August 17, 2007 to Sunday, August 19, 2007
Burlington Conference Center, Burlington, NJ
The Quaker Lesbian Conference exists to be a loving time and space in which self-defined women (including those who are transgendered) who are Quaker or familiar with Quakerism, and who are lesbian, bisexual, or moving towards those identities, can connect with Spirit and with each other. We envision a community in which each woman shares worship, spiritual exploration and loving relationships in an environment that embraces diversity, individual leadings, struggle, and play.
Imagining Bridges Building Bridges Being Bridges
Throughout our time together this weekend, we’ll be using a methodology called Appreciative Inquiry to help us imagine and begin to build bridges across differences that divide us. We’ll use intentionally positive questions to help us discover and illuminate the strengths, capacities and wisdom that already exist in, among, and between us for this work.
We’ll ask ourselves, “What is possible?” How might we encourage and support each other to build bridges in our individual and corporate lives as women, as “queer folk,” as Friends? We’ll access our inner strength and ways of knowing through worship, rhythm and song. We’ll re-commit ourselves to “be the bridge you wish to see in the world.”
Our program this year will be facilitated by Therese Miller, an experienced retreat leader and consultant to Quaker and other faith communities. She specializes in skills and processes that prevent destructive debate and foster constructive dialogue.
SETTING
The Burlington Conference Center is located in the middle of downtown Burlington, an urban setting with a small-town feel. We have exclusive use of this accessible facility. Rooms have bunk beds; it is necessary to bring your own linens. For more information about the site, go to http://www.pym.org/burlingtonconference
ACTIVITIES
Besides the wonderful program planned for this year, we will have, as usual, time for catching up with one another and making new friends, and perhaps a Scrabble game or two (watch out for Inspira). Singing, chanting, and drumming will be part of the program. (Bring drums or other instruments if you’d like.) There may be walks to the waterfront or to the ice cream shop and other impromptu outings. Each adult participant is also expected to help as she is able with meal preparation, set-up, and clean-up after meals and/or at the end of the conference. If you have artwork you would like to display, please contact Barbara Hayes at 609-387-3875.
COST
The charge for adults and children over 10 is $125. The charge for children under 10 is $50. There will be no fee for children under 2 if not using childcare. Full payment is important but not meant to exclude anyone from attending. Please use resources of aid, such as your meeting, to pay as much as possible.
CHILDCARE
We will provide childcare during workshops, worship and evening programs. Parents will be responsible for their children at all other times. So that an appropriate program can be planned for the children attending, the registration deadline for children is July 1st (by postmark). If you have any questions about whether or not to bring your child(ren) please contact us by e-mail at QLConf@aol.com or call Ahavia Lavana at 610-272-2205.
FOOD
Provisions will be made for meals from Friday supper through Sunday lunch. Meals provided on site will be simple, but we will have options available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. We will also plan to have one meal out together at a local restaurant; the cost of this meal, like the on-site meals, is included in your registration fee. Please let us know on the registration form which will be your first and last meals at the conference and if you have any special food needs or dietary restrictions. If you have any questions about food, please contact Mona Cardell at MonaCardell@aol.com or 610-446-9625.
REGISTRATION
The registration deadline for children is July 1st (by postmark) so that we can plan appropriately. The registration deadline for adults is July 28th (by postmark). Registrations postmarked after July 28th must pay a $10 late fee. After August 9th we may not be able to accommodate you, so please register early.
SCHEDULE
* indicates plenary session
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Friday |
4:00 - 7:00 |
Registration and Dinner |
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7:00 - 7:30 |
Welcome and Announcements |
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7:30 - 9:00 |
* Bridges of Story (our recent journeys) |
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Saturday: |
8:00 - 8:45 |
Breakfast |
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9:00 - 10:00 |
Meeting for Worship |
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10:15 - 11:45 |
* Bridges of Experience (indigenous wisdom) |
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12:00 - 1:00 |
Lunch |
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1:00 - 2:00 |
Free time |
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2:00 - 3:30 |
* Bridges of Hope (practical idealism) |
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4:00 - 5:30 |
Meeting for Worship with a Concern for Business |
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6:00 - 7:00 |
Dinner |
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7:30 - 9:30 |
* Bridges of Heart (drum, chant & song) |
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Sunday: |
8:00 - 8:45 |
Breakfast |
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9:00 - 10:30 |
* Bridges of Action (making it so) |
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11:00 -12:00 |
Meeting for Worship |
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12:30 - 1:30 |
Lunch |
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1:30 - 2:30 |
Pack and Clean Up |
MORE INFORMATION
If you have questions or seek more information about the conference, e-mail QLConf@aol.com or call Ahavia at 610-272-2205. (Scroll down -- there is more below.)
QLC ’07 REGISTRATION
Name _____________________________Name of Companion_________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________State _____________Zip __________________
Phone ______________________ E-mail address __________________________________
Name(s) of children _____________________________Age(s) of children ________________
Registrations for children are due by July 1sth to allow time for planning childcare. Parent or legal guardian must complete and sign a permission slip for each child (under age 18).
Special needs (Food, mobility, etc.) ________________________________________
Housing: There are dormitory bunk beds and it is necessary to bring your own linens.
Travel: ___ I can offer a ride to _______ (number) others coming from my area.
___ I need a ride from _____________________(location).
I expect to arrive at ______ o’clock on ________________ (day).
My first meal will be __________ (day) ___________ (meal).
My last meal will be __________ (day) ____________ (meal).
___ I understand I will sign a release of liability when I arrive at the center.
The conference fee is $125 for adults and children over 10 whether you sleep at the conference center or not. The fee for children under 10 is $50. If these fees would present a hardship or prevent you from attending, please contact Sue Nowelsky at 732-873-8835 or email us at QLConf@aol.com
Enclosed: $ ______ registration fee x ______ people $ ______________
$10.00 late registration fee (after July 28th) $ ______________
My donation to help others attend $ ______________
TOTAL (please pay the whole amount) $ ______________
Please make checks out to Anna Kehoe Troilo with QLC in memo area and mail to:
QLC, P.O. Box 5002, Somerset , NJ 08875
You will receive an acknowledgment of your registration that will include a map, directions, a list of what to bring, and conference center regulations.
___ We usually prepare an address list of conference participants. Please check here if you DO NOT want to be included in the participant list.
___ Check here if you are not coming and would like to be kept on the mailing list.
___ Check here if you would like to be removed from the mailing list (or send an e-mail to QLConf@aol.com).
___ I can’t attend this year, but here’s a donation of $_____ to help support QLC.
PLEASE INCLUDE A SELF ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE for confirmation.
Permission/Pre-registration for QLC ‘07 Children’s Program
Please fill out one form for each child under age 18. Make photocopies as necessary.
Name ______________________________________ Age ______ Grade _________
Home Address _______________________________________ Phone (___)_______
City ________________________________ State _________ Zip code __________
I give permission for the above named child to participate in the Children’s Program at the 2007 Quaker Lesbian Conference. I am fully aware of and appreciate the risks, including catastrophic and permanent injury that may possibly attend certain activities. I hereby release QLC, its planning committee, attenders and children’s program staff from liability for any illness, accident or injury that my child may sustain during these activities.
In the event of an emergency, I hereby authorize an adult leader, as agent for me, to consent to any X-ray examination, medical, dental or surgical diagnosis; treatment; and hospital care advised and supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist (as appropriate), either at a doctor’s office or in any hospital. If treatment is rendered to my child, I expect to be contacted as soon as possible. I will not hold QLC responsible for the payment of any bills incurred because of illness, accidents or injuries to my child. I agree to indemnify and hold QLC harmless for any loss or expense occasioned by the treatment of my child or myself. I represent that I am authorized to execute this waiver/release on behalf of the child.
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian ______________________________ Date ________
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If parent or legal guardian is not attending QLC, please complete this section.
I designate _____________________ to act “in loco parentis” for my child during QLC.
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian __________________________ Date ________
Name of person to contact if unable to reach you during QLC sessions:
______________________________(relationship) Phone (___)________________
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Children will be in the care of their parents, guardian or person designated in paragraph above when there is no Children’s Program. This means that all children will be under the care of their parents, guardian or parental designee during meals, unscheduled time and overnight.
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Medical information:
Allergies _______________________ Date of last tetanus shot ________________
Medications being taken ________________________________________________
Family Doctor ___________________________ Phone (___)___________________
Medical Insurance Company ______________________________________________
Policy # ______________ Is this an HMO? ____ Member’s name _________________
Helpful information:
Please note any other medical, dietary or physical needs, or behavioral or emotional concerns your children might bring so that we can be fully prepared to meet their needs.