Using IMM’s “announcements” listserv

As a Meeting, we have often considered how we might best use electronic mailing lists. IMM now has three listservs—announcements, witness, and community—so that Friends may actively choose which content they would like to receive.

Recently, it has come to the attention of the Communications Committee that there have been several postings on the announcements listserv which convey politicized opinions in addition to event information.

Communications Committee asks Friends to limit the content on the announcements listserv to just the who, what, when, and where of Quaker activities or events. Advocacy for certain positions or efforts to try to convince people of the political importance of an event should go on the witness list. Those who want to express more than just the who, what, where, and when are invited to make a note at the end of their announcement that more information can be found on the witness list (include the subject line to look for).

During worship sharing at the September 2021 Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business, some Friends talked about people feeling not included when assumptions are made that an opinion stated is shared by everyone. On occasion this situation has led to back-and-forth discussions on the listserv. We know from experience that in the absence of real face-to-face communication, misunderstandings of content or tone can easily occur, and things can quickly become angry and combative. 

Friends are reminded that the purpose of the announcements list is to let Friends communicate important information that is directly related to Ithaca Monthly Meeting or to wider Quaker organizations, like Regional or Yearly Meeting, FCRJ, FCNL, AFSC, or FGC. Of the three lists, it is the one that all Friends who participate are subscribed to, and for some Friends the only one they use. In an effort to communicate with everyone, occasionally Friends use the announcements list for more than Quaker-related information.

Some examples of things appropriate for Announcements are: 

 Some examples of things the Announcements list should not be used for:

The purpose of the Witness list is to let Friends share information about social justice or peace witness, social justice, Earthcare, or racial equity events or background details of special relevance to Friends. Some examples would be:

Our third list—the Community list—provides a place to share information to enhance and support the community among Friends. Some examples of things that belong here are:

 

QuakerSpeak discussions are starting up again on Sunday, October 3rd and will take place on the first and third Sundays of the month for the foreseeable future.  We watch a QuakerSpeak video together and then share whatever thoughts arise.  

Generally, the discussion is less formal than Worship Sharing but more measured and thoughtful than a typical conversation. Available either in person at the Third Street Meetinghouse or on zoom (hybrid gathering) from 9:15 to 10am (allowing travel time to in-person worship at 10:30).   The zoom link is available in the event on the IMM calendar on our website: IthacaMonthlyMeeting.org, or watch for an announcement on the first and third Saturday of the month on the IMM Announcements listserv.

October 3 will be the first in a new series that will be a review of Quaker Basics.  The QuakerSpeak videos in this series will be the following:

All are welcome!

Quaker Women's Fellowship will resume September 17 at 7 pm on Zoom. Please join us every third Friday evening for a friendly, informal virtual gathering. You don't have to attend Meeting, or even change out of your sweat pants to hang out and chat. 

Friends, New York Yearly Meeting is launching a children and families newsletter! This newsletter is called Illuminations and it serves everyone in our Quaker community who holds space for the spiritual growth of children and youth. It is an effort to more intentionally communicate with families and people who work with young Friends. Inside, you'll find upcoming offerings, suggested resources, and more. 

If receiving this newsletter appeals to you, please visit our Mailchimp sign-up page to join the Illuminations newsletter list. It's completely free to sign up! Also, please share with other folks who may benefit from this new offering. 

Joy Meikle, Illuminations Editor, illuminations@nyym.org

Meeting for Worship at the Hector Meetinghouse, 10:30a on Sundays, will be outdoors when weather permits. Bring a chair if you can.

The Hector Meetinghouse is located 5 miles northwest of Ithaca at 5066 Perry City Road, off Route 96. There is no running water or electricity, but a port-a-potty is available. Park along the road on the same side as the Meetinghouse, keeping driveways clear.

The minutes from Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business can be found on the right-side column of our website.

This committee meeting is open to all who would like to attend. Contact the clerk of the committee for the link to the Zoom meeting.

Men’s Fellowship

We are going to Ithaca Bakery! In the evening! Quaker men—and anyone who wants to hang out with Quaker men—are warmly invited.

Women’s Fellowship

Please join us every third Friday evening for a friendly, informal virtual gathering. You don't have to attend Meeting, or even change out of your sweat pants to hang out and chat.

This is an “open” committee, meaning that all are welcome; participation does not go through the Nominating Committee process. Please feel free to come and bring your own concerns or interests. At this time we are meeting via Zoom; use the gray button below or: 

Women’s Chair Yoga now by Zoom

This long-running group, which met for years at the meetinghouse, now runs on Zoom, making it more accessible than ever. To join in, email <jaihari10@gmail.com> The group is about half Friends and half neighbors, nurturing the Inner Light. No yoga experience required. There is a sliding-scale fee. For more info or questions, Nancy Gabriel, 607-339-7123; ntg2@cornell.edu.