As befitting my usual multi-layered approach to life, in addition to hiking the PCT and sabbatical research I am also beginning a term as ‘Knitting Us Together Traveling Friend” as designated the North Pacific Yearly Meeting’s Outreach and Visitation Committee. I am intended to visit Meetings in Montana in 2021-2022, but thought I’d incorporate my visiting friend mission along the PCT as well.
To begin, here’s the gist of my application for Traveling Friend:
Your Meeting or Worship Group affiliation and/or Quaker background.
Central Oregon Worship Group, under care of Salem, OR Friends. I became a convinced Quaker in, I believe, 2004, after attending since 1995 or so (I’m recalling this based on my children’s ages at the time—both also attended, beginning as newborns.)
Our Worship group has been very small—ranging from four to eight members holding Meeting in real estate offices, Chamber of Commerce buildings, and most recently, an early intervention childcare center. My presence at Meeting became much less regular once my children became old enough to be on sports teams, Camp Fire groups, youth orchestra and other activities (I was a single parent) although it was a central part of our lives during their toddler-hoods, preschool and elementary school years. Now that my boys are grown, I am re-discovering the spiritual solace of Meeting every week—even via Zoom. Meeting–and my quiet, inner sense of the Light in us all–give me a place to rest as the world at large increases in chaos. Now that I have more time, I also hope to return to a more activist life, but I’d dearly love for that to be carefully informed by a spirit of listening, and also a profound belief in that Light—even in the most vehement circumstances.
What inspired you to apply at this time?
I address this somewhat in my answer above. My young adult children are sharing their own place and I have more room to grow—both in terms of my spiritual nature—and also in terms of my ability to organize and implement plans. The increasing division in our country and communities also makes this a compelling time to visit, learn, and listen, and perhaps thereby assist in the mending of our strained and broken hearts. In addition, in terms of practicalities, I will be on sabbatical (I am a librarian at a community college) March to June, 2021, and will be on summer break June to September.
What would you like to share with broadly diverse Northwest Quakers?
Oh goodness. I would want to hear from Meetings as to their interests! Here’s what I have to share:
- As a librarian, I can share my experiences and expertise in children’s literature covering themes of inclusion, equity and diversity (I am a founding member of my college’s “Children’s Literature and Equity Resource Center). This would include themes of neurological diversity and LGBTQ identities as well as race and ethnicity. I’d be glad to talk to Meetings and Worship groups about children’s literature (that could be story times, First Day school, workshops for adults, etc.—I do instructional sessions on the use of children’s literature in many settings).
- I have been a “Safe Zone” trainer at my institution for six or so years. The purpose of the Safe Zone program is help create safer environments for all of us regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identification. I’d be glad to lead trainings for Meetings and Worship groups.
- In the course of my work, I regularly lead book groups (esp. with books exploring equity, etc.). I’d be happy to do the same at Meetings or Worship groups.
- I have a deep interest in neuro-diverse populations and identities. I’d be glad to have conversations to share knowledge, questions, experiences and growth in that area.
- I have many years’ experience in working for LGBTQ rights—including marriage rights—and raising children in a Queer family. I’ve also worked with LGBTQ concerns in the context of faith communities, including conference organizing, etc. I am currently the faculty advisor of my institution’s LGBTQ and Friends student group. I’d be pleased to talk about any of these things with Meetings or Worship groups.
- I have experience in teaching courses in non-violence. I have experience in leading non-violence and peace-keeping trainings. I’d be happy to collaborate in those areas with others.
- I play fiddle and am very interested in old-time music, especially as it intersects with African American communities and history. I’d love to share that knowledge. I’m not sure how this would work in the context of Meetings, but I have experience teaching beginning fiddle workshops for children and adults.
- Anyone need to know how to do research so that you locate authoritative information (not fake news!) I do that every day for a living. I’d be glad to share what I know!
- I’ve organized my college’s annual Poetry Month for the last six years—mainly focusing on poets of color. I’d be glad to share what I know!
- Faith while hiking long distances on the PCT—I haven’t finished this experience–but would be glad to share photos and stories.
- I’m working on a collection of poetry examining faith and nature—mostly written in the context of distance running, skiing and backpacking. I don’t know—a poetry reading? Sharing poetry writing?
What gifts do you offer?
Perhaps counter to the action-oriented possibilities related above, I feel my most impactful gift is being a deep, supportive listener. I’ve spent most of my adult life in a relatively rural area—I can listen to and talk to—all sorts of people. Several decades of attending bluegrass and old-time festivals in very small towns has allowed me to learn to relate to practically anyone, regardless of their political or cultural identity. In my academic work, my emphasis is empowering voices that don’t always get heard. I have a lot of experience teaching—and can reach folks with all sorts of educational backgrounds. My concept of faith is broad and inclusive. I’m good with kids and adults with learning and neurological differences. I feel a special connection to elders. I’m quiet AND enthusiastic at the same time. I can grow tomatoes in a high plateau environment!
Three and Some Trees 