Hamilton Monthly Meeting
Present: Dick Preston (acting clerk), Don Woodside, Raj Ramanathapillai, Dawn Lepard, Ian Graham, Betty Preston, Helen Paulin, Rex Barger, Helen Brink, John Milton, Susan Wortman (recording clerk)
1. Meeting began with silent worship.
2. The minutes of February 5, 2001 were accepted with the following corrections:
3.1.4 correct spelling: Gandhi
4.2 Green Venture, not Ventures
3. Business Arising or Carried Over
3.1 The final version of the Budget for 2001 was distributed.
3.2 The Visioning process will be held on Saturday, March 17 from 1:30 to 5:30pm and Sunday, March 18, from 1:00 to 5:30 after a light lunch. The follow up and implementation meeting will be held Sunday, March 25, from 1-4.
3.3 The Terms of Reference of the Outreach Committee were accepted as submitted (see attached), with the addition of `knowledge of O ∓ P' under the Membership section.
3.4 The Website Oversight Committee has requested that this committee be laid down, and the function be incorporated into the Outreach Committee. After long discussion, we approved the following minute:
HMM approves the request that the Website Oversight Committee be laid down, and the function to be subsumed into the Outreach Committee. We appreciate the work that the Website Committee has done in developing a Purpose Statement and Policies and Procedures (see attached.)
At this time, we could not come to unity on the issue of what is to be posted on the website, specifically, concerns were raised as to what is appropriate for the general public, vs internal consideration.
The Committee is encouraged to proceed with caution, under its existing guidelines. We wish to encourage further discussion of this issue at a potluck, on Thursday, April 12, (gather at 6:00, eat at 6:30pm), with the intention that a minute be recommended to M4W4B.
4. Reports
4.1 The draft Hamilton Monthly Meeting State of Society Report - Year 2000 was presented and with some changes and additions, was accepted (see attached.)
5. Meeting closed with silent worship.
Hamilton Monthly Meeting
Present: Dick Preston (acting clerk), Mona Callin, Betty Preston, Helen Brink, Raj Ramanathapillai,
John Milton, Rex Barger, Helen Paulin, Ian Graham, Harriet Woodside, Susan Wortman (recording clerk),
1. Meeting began with silent worship.
2. The minutes from the first Meeting for Worship for Business, held on March 1, 2001, were accepted.
3. (3.1 - 3.4 were dealt with in first M4W4B on March 1, 2001)
3.5 Terms of Reference for the Finance Committee.
The terms of reference for the Finance Committee were accepted as presented. (see attached)
3.6 John Milton's letter re: M ∓ C reporting (see attached). We discussed many aspects of Ministry ∓ Counsel, including confidentiality, functioning, reporting and leadership. We decided it would be useful for M ∓ C to convene a yearly event to describe how we operate as a Meeting, including the functioning of M ∓ C. Also that when appropriate, M ∓ C would share with M4W4B its perception of the spiritual life of the meeting, and M ∓ C's other responsibilities.
3.7 Naming Committee for Nominating Committee - two people required.
Rex Barger was asked and accepted to be on the Naming Committee. Carol Leigh Wehking will be asked by Dick Preston.
3.8 Carried over from Peace and Social Action Committee's report in February.
3.8.1 The Hamilton Culture of Peace Network is backing Rex Barger's proposal to the municipal government. He will bring the completed proposal to Meeting for individual backing and for Meeting support.
3.8.2 Support in principle for Peace Studies Summer School.
While at this time it is not clear who would organize and staff a Peace Studies Summer School, HMM supports in principle such an endeavour and encourages PSAC to explore this further, possibly connecting with current university student activity in this field.
3.8.2 Hanna Newcombe's Minute on the Peace Testimony
CYM is in the process of creating a Canadian Faith and Practice. Hanna has drafted and proposed a Peace Testimony statement. Dick will ask Hanna if she would be willing to publish this draft in the newsletter for further feedback.
Ian Graham will be working with Hanna on the draft and PSAC will also discuss it further. We will have a potluck on Friday, June 8 to develop the testimony further.
3.8.4 Toronto Peace Force Group
HMM supports in principle the work this group is doing towards the establishment of a Toronto Peace Force and a Peace Force Conference. We also hope that those involved in the Peace Summer School might draw on the resources of this group. We also encourage this group to consider the role which "white privilege" plays in actions of this nature.
3.9 Objectives of Peace House
Raj Ramanathapillai shared with us the mission statement of Peace House (see attached). At this time, he is committed to Peace House until August 2001, during which time two major projects will take place: Peace Camp at Neekaunis and Dr. Siddiq's peace project (see attached).
He is also doing other peace related work. Raj will be requesting a committee of clearness to determine his involvement in the future of Peace House. (see 5.3)
HMM recognizes that Raj is doing work with his life that many of us aspire to. We are grateful for his witness.
4.1 State of Society Report was accepted last month
4.2 HMM will propose to CFSC that we jointly fund the Volnet Service Package Program for Peace House and the Peace Camp weekend. HMM would provide $500 towards this project and request that CFSC match this amount, as will the Volnet Program. This Program would provide a computer and one year of Internet access hours. If the Peace House project were to fold in August, the computer would come to HMM for other projects.
Dick will write to CFSC with this request.
4.3 Statistics Report.
The Statistics Report (see attached) was accepted as presented by Betty Preston.
Discussion was held concerning determining who is considered a member, for statistical purposes and active involvement in the meeting. Betty will draft a letter to contact those with whom we have lost contact or see infrequently and let them know we would love to see them in Meeting.
4.4 Sustainability Committee Report
The sustainability committee has drafted a Testimony on Sustainability (see attached). We were moved by this testimony and approved it with thanks.
There is now an item in the newsletter "Tips on Sustainability" It is hoped that all will contribute.
The committee has asked an individual to provide an estimate on insulating the meeting house.
4.5 Maintenance Committee Report
New heater panels have been installed in the Pendle Hill and Woodbrooke rooms.
Saturday April 21 is set for an interior painting bee. All are encouraged to attend!
4.6 Library Report
The library report (see attached) was submitted and accepted with thanks. Ian Graham reported to us that tax receipts can be issued for donations of books made to the library.
4.7 Nominating Committee Report.
Based on the survey which they have recently conducted, nominating committee believes that HMM is not currently in a position to make further recommendations for CYM committee positions.
5.2 Business Arising and Carried Over
Robbie McGregor requests a minute of approval for $75.00 given from the interest on the refugee fund to a Hamilton refugee. This covered three trips into Toronto to consult the refugee advisor at TMM plus an additional $25.00 to be used if necessary for the refugee to attend a hearing in
5.3 Request for Committee of Clearness by Raj
HMM approved the request for a committee of clearness for Raj and Peace House. The specific members of this committee will be reported to the next M4W4B.
6 The meeting ended with silent worship.
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Coffee, Tea and You!!
Mar 18 Lynda Archer
Mar 25 Helen Brink
Apr 1 Susan Wortman
Apr 8 Mona Callin
Apr 15 Ray Cunnington
Apr 22 Robin Lucy
Apr 29 Ian Graham
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Library Report
Much interest has been expressed on the subject of environmental sustainability. There has been a suggestion to develop a separate area in the library for material on these topics. We have received a list of books referred to as "core holdings" from Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. We are at present comparing this list with our collections and will be submitting to our monthly meeting a survey of books which we are lacking. In this way, the meeting can consider acquiring some material to augment our holdings.
We have received several donations of books for which we are grateful, as well as some new acquisitions from our library fund.
When donating any books to the library, please include your name and telephone number so that the library committee can contact you about the gift.
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Testimony on Sustainability
March 2001
We know experientially the Divine Presence, which suffuses all creation, as "that of God" in our own hearts. Our human form of life is increasingly out of balance with other life forms and with the substance of our planet. If we truly value "that of God", we must change the ways we treat all that is "not us".
The rate of change which we have called `progress' has sped up so greatly that we can now see that, if we continue, we will extinguish our own species as we have already rendered others extinct. Painful though it may be, a smaller population using only energy and resources which can be obtained through renewable resources will be necessary. The concept of waste becomes obsolete in a world where all things and all beings are valued. Time, too, is precious and to be used with loving care.
If we respect all beings, animate and inanimate, their and our long term well-being will be the focus of all our decisions, be they family size, where we live, what we buy and what was involved in its making or growing, how much and what type of energy we use and for what purpose, how we vote and exercise our influence in the public sphere. By caringly confirming or questioning each other's assumptions, we can learn to live mindfully and joyfully work toward the restoration of Earth's integrity.
Website Oversight Committee (WSOS)
Policies and Procedures List
Purpose Statement
- approved April 18, 2000
Procedures (from Jan 20 2000 meeting minutes unless noted)
I .The Clerk of Meeting and/or convener of the WSOS will always possess of a
current site password and account id. (Jan 19, 2000 #5)
2. Groups using the Meetinghouse with approval can be included in the Meeting
calendar online, provided a name and email contact is provided. (Jan 19,
2000 #4)
3. Submissions for uploading will be provided to a Website s.c. member with
reasonable notice. (Jan 19, 2000 #4)
4. Content is forwarded to the webmaster (as ascii wherever possible) for
uploading. (Jan 19, 2000 #4)
5. If a cttee member feels unclear about a posting, s/he will involve another
member in the decision. (Jan 19, 2000 #4)
6. Calendar events will be posted within ten days after submission to the
webmaster. (Jan 19, 2000 #4)
7. It is the responsibility of the webmaster to post information to the site. (Jan
19, 2000 #5)
(note the posting of newsletter and minutes of meetings was excepted)
8. Graphics will be included but in limited number to ensure fast loading of
pages and readability by text browsers. (Jan- 1 9, 2000 #6)
9. Permission will be obtained from any people whose pictures appear in such
graphics. (Jan 191, 2000 #6)
10. We will establish means of tracking visitors to the site. (Jan 19,.2000 #7)
11. The site will encourage visitors to contact one of the named members of
Meeting, depending on interest, e.g. FDS, M∓C. (Jan 19, 2000 #7)
12. The site will include M∓C members on the contact list with a short description
of their role. (Jan 19, 2000 #8)
Purpose Statement: Hamilton Quakers Website
Approved by Web Oversight Committee, Apr 18, 2000
We are called to be a presence for spiritual growth and social action in the
world, therefore we seek to develop as a strong and vigorous Meeting for
Worship and a visible presence in our community, including the Internet. It
is also important to us to contribute to a strong Canadian Yearly Meeting
through the connections and access that a website provides. We understand it is
important to be inclusive of a wide range of abilities and means but not to the
extent that we ignore the potential of the 'Net to be expansive, i.e. to reach out
and communicate with those who are equipped to receive.
We recognize that a website is not the primary means of achieving this
vision, but it is a useful adjunct to others: personal endeavors and
witnessing, quality of corporate worship, community building, service, mail and
telephone, tracts and literature, library, to name a few.
Therefore, we agree that HMM should maintain a web site. The purposes of
the site are primarily
(1) to advertise our presence as a religious community in Hamilton and to
encourage visits both by traveling Friends and interested inquirers
(2) to provide practical information on how to get to the meeting house,
times for meeting for worship, availability of first day school, etc., and
meetings scheduled at the meeting house.
(3) to provide general information on Quaker Faith and Practice with links
to other related sites, personal essays, and any other relevant
information,
(4) to provide links to other sites and activities that Friends are
supporting or wish to support.
Guiding Principles
- simple is better than complicated
- accessible is better than exclusive
- reflect interpersonal vitality and contact in our community
- avoid the latest new gizmo Just Because Its Possible
- avoid generating work for its own sake
- is well- and plainly organized, easy to navigate
- is accessible to people with disabilities and/or non-graphical browsers
- doesn't duplicate what's available elsewhere
- is easy to maintain
- has a simple underlying structure
- uses relative links (for mobility)
Hamilton Quaker Meeting
Outreach Plan 2001
For discussion
The Outreach cttee has prepared a set of ideas that could form the framework for its work in the
balance of 2001. This plan was developed by first reviewing what was accomplished in 2000, brainstorming some 'progressive' and 'conserving' ideas, and completion of a 40 Rem questionnaire. This tool
was used to determine our "safe" zone of acceptability of outreach activities for Hamilton Meeting this year. Minute 102.16 Feb 9 2000 lists the 16 areas that we will focus on for the time being. It
provides lots of scope for an active outreach program.
One view of outreach is to support the visibility of the Meeting, its accessibility to participation,
helpfulness in the world and hospitability to spiritual seekers wherever they may be on their path. There is a gray zone between outreach and Inreach. lnreach is commonly used to catch all action
that is supportive of the ongoing membership (formalized or not) including visitation and religious education etc.
Social action is a form of outreach to be sure, but we have believe this is not what was meant when the committee was formed. Our work could intersect with social action in the area of considering
the appropriate ways to make the social action visible, to invite people to participate in the work of the Meeting on social issues, etc. We stand ready to help other committees in any way
possible.
Planned activity list (in formation, not in any particular order)
a. encourage meeting participants to speak as Quakers on panels and public for a (including expense reimbursement)
b. encourage letter writing as members of HMM (to newspapers etc)
c. encourage and advertise use of the Meetinghouse by the public
d. visible support of public events by HMM (e.g. Air Show) where that support is minuted by M4W4B
e. promote a social event around the Native Plants Demonstration Garden and for advocacy of
ecological gardening resources
f. seek opportunities to be recognized as a donor to public projects e.g. BARC
g. deliver a program to help new attendees learn about Quakers
h. create a welcoming environment for newcomers
i. update the HMM brochure (might be already done)
j. invite the community to special events sponsored by HMM
k. participate and be visible on McMaster campus
1. consider uses for ideas like the 'I'm a Quaker' button
m. supply newsletter content regarding outreach
n. establish ongoing contact with HMAC
Ongoing tasks
o. phonebook listing in white and yellow pages,
p. telephone answering updates and clearing messages weekly
q. monitor the press and news for relevant news where Quakers are active
r. webpage
s. find ways to reach our existing inactive or low activity membership
Budget:
The 2001 budget is $1 000 covering all outreach and website support expenses. We do not feel there is a basis yet to allocate this money to any of the Projects listed.
Timetable
The only items that have a time line implication are the Garden Social (dependent on planning by the Garden cttee but likely in June) and any public events HMM may choose to support publically.
Committee Members:
- Ian Graham
- John Milton
- Larry Pogue
- Harriet Woodside
Hamilton Monthly Meeting Committee Guidelines
Draft 5 Feb 23 2Wl
Name of committee: Finance Committee
Membership-.
Three or four capable individuals, nominated by the Nominating Committee,
clerked by the Treasurer.
Members should be Friends or attenders of good standing.
Members will normally serve a three year term and rotate off the
committee in turn so there is continuity of experience.
Statements from Organization and Procedure of Canadian Yearly Meeting
pg 90 IV 52 Much of the work of Monthly Meetings will be conducted
through committees and appointed officers or other persons delegated to
specific tasks. A Finance Committee may be appointed to advise and to
serve the Meeting in the matter of raising and expenditure of funds.
The finance committee should recommend the amount of money required for
the use of the Meeting and propose the budgeting of such funds as are
available.
Relationship to Other Committees:
All committees have a direct relationship through Meeting for Worship
for Business to this committee.
Committees are encouraged to bring ideas and requests for funding
to M4B through the treasurer/FC.
Duties and Responsibilities:
This is a committee to be called when needed to assist in
decisions of a financial nature, when deemed necessary by Meeting or
requested by the Treasurer. This need may arise when:
1) The annual budget needs review or clarification.
2) Investment planning is needed.
3) The auditors report needs review.
4) Details of any item of financial business need clarification.
5) A recommendation for spending outside of everyday operations
is needed.
Establishing Minute
June 2000 3.5 The Terms of Reference of the Finance Committee will include:
1. to assist in reading on-going decisions about the use of HMM's funds;
2. to make recommendations to M4W4B about how we want our money to be used
during the current fiscal year,
3. to suggest long-term (i.e. beyond the current fiscal year) directions for HMM
funds.
THE NEW QUAKER PEACE TESTIMONY.
(A draft proposal by Hanna Newcombe.)
1. We care not only about inner peace of the individual, but Also about Peace in the world at large, at all levels from family to neighborhood to city to country to world.
2. While we stand ready to help victims of war and refugees, we also work to prevent the creation of victims and refugees.
3. Our primary aim is to prevent all violence, structural as well as direct, verbal as well as physical. However this may not be possible in an imperfect world.
4. We aim at least at the abolition of war, both internal and international, as well as crime wars in city streets. This may be realistically possible, but it may take time.
S. Meanwhile,, we work to limit war and minimize violence, through such means as
(a) Disarmament, preferably complete,, but at least
partial,, starting with nuclear and mass destruction weapons,
proceeding to large conventional weapons, and then to small
weapons and light arms;
(b) Working to remove or at least decrease injustice
which is the root cause of many wars;
(c) Eradicate extreme poverty everywhere; no one
should have luxuries until everyone's basic needs are
assured;
(d) Strengthen international institutions, such as
the United Nations; providing it with a peacekeeping capability and an International Criminal Court;
(e) Uphold human rights, especially opposing such
gross violations of human rights as torture, disappearances,
and death squads;
(f) Preserve the natural environment which makes
human life possible, and prevent the extinction of other
life forms Ps well.
(9) Resolve disputes by negotiation or mediation,
,without resort to violence.
In Personal life, our responsibilities are as follows:
A. Always act nonviolently, observing the principle "do
no harm7'.
B. Strive to help others to attain happiness and avoid
sorrow; everyone is our neighbor, even people we have never
met.
C. Practice simplicity in life style, in order to help
preserve the Earth; live simply so that others may simply
live.
D. Help victims of disasters, both natural and human
made.
E. Avoid prejudice of all kinds: against national or
religious or native minorities, against women, children or
the elderly; against people with any kind of disability.