Living Witness Project Quakers for sustainability
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About the Living Witness Project The Living Witness Project (LWP) aims to support the development of Quaker corporate witness to sustainable living and explore ways of taking it to the wider community in Britain and elsewhere. During 2008 we hope to continue to broaden the project within and beyond Britain Yearly Meeting and deepen its work to develop an innovative, spirit-led response to some of the central challenges facing society. In its initial phase (2002-2005) the project was funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. It built up a network of 24 Quaker groups around England and Wales, participating in regular link group gatherings and experimenting with approaches in their meetings. Since April 2005 the work has been funded by participating meetings and the network has grown to over 60 groups (see participating meetings). Nature of the work The project involves developing and supporting a growing and vibrant network of Quaker meetings exploring their corporate witness through study groups and practical activities, and seeking to learn from the experience. The support takes the form of: Link Group meetings, which take place at least once a year and welcome representatives of all participating Quaker meetings and organisations. These are the main focus for sharing experience, developing shared vision, building the LWP community, and for empowerment, learning and evaluation within the project. A newsletter, produced every three months, including project news and articles from Link Group members. Facilitated workshops around Britain with a variety of themes and approaches (“LWP on the road”). These are organised with Link Group members to engage and empower Friends and others in their own communities, developing shared vision, a sense of community, and practical action. Practical tools including an “ecological footprint” sheet, a booklet of actions for sustainable living, and resources for group activities in meetings. Materials are under development on the ecological footprints of meetings, environmental audits, and approaches to setting up activities in meetings. Personal support, information and advice for Link Group members and other Friends developing their personal and corporate witness to sustainable living. A web site at www.livingwitness.org.uk with information about the project and downloadable documents The project is co-ordinated and supported on a day-to-day basis by the project co-ordinator, Laurie Michaelis, supported by a management group of Oxford Quakers. Decisions about project direction are taken by our six trustees in consultation with the Link Group. Joining the project Quaker groups are welcome to get involved. The only commitment is to initiate some kind of process including a dialogue in your meeting to explore what sustainable living means to you. The best way to start is by sending someone to a Link Group gathering, or by asking for an introductory session in your meeting. The Living Witness Project is Registered Charity No. 1119938. Postal Address: Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LW.

Living Witness Project
Quakers for sustainability

About the Living Witness Project

The Living Witness Project (LWP) aims to support the development of Quaker corporate witness to sustainable living and explore ways of taking it to the wider community in Britain and elsewhere. During 2008 we hope to continue to broaden the project within and beyond Britain Yearly Meeting and deepen its work to develop an innovative, spirit-led response to some of the central challenges facing society.

In its initial phase (2002-2005) the project was funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. It built up a network of 24 Quaker groups around England and Wales, participating in regular link group gatherings and experimenting with approaches in their meetings. Since April 2005 the work has been funded by participating meetings and the network has grown to over 60 groups (see participating meetings).

Nature of the work

The project involves developing and supporting a growing and vibrant network of Quaker meetings exploring their corporate witness through study groups and practical activities, and seeking to learn from the experience. The support takes the form of:

Link Group meetings, which take place at least once a year and welcome representatives of all participating Quaker meetings and organisations. These are the main focus for sharing experience, developing shared vision, building the LWP community, and for empowerment, learning and evaluation within the project.
A newsletter, produced every three months, including project news and articles from Link Group members.
Facilitated workshops around Britain with a variety of themes and approaches (“LWP on the road”). These are organised with Link Group members to engage and empower Friends and others in their own communities, developing shared vision, a sense of community, and practical action.
Practical tools including an “ecological footprint” sheet, a booklet of actions for sustainable living, and resources for group activities in meetings. Materials are under development on the ecological footprints of meetings, environmental audits, and approaches to setting up activities in meetings.
Personal support, information and advice for Link Group members and other Friends developing their personal and corporate witness to sustainable living.
A web site at www.livingwitness.org.uk with information about the project and downloadable documents

The project is co-ordinated and supported on a day-to-day basis by the project co-ordinator, Laurie Michaelis, supported by a management group of Oxford Quakers. Decisions about project direction are taken by our six trustees in consultation with the Link Group.

Joining the project

Quaker groups are welcome to get involved. The only commitment is to initiate some kind of process including a dialogue in your meeting to explore what sustainable living means to you.

The best way to start is by sending someone to a Link Group gathering, or by asking for an introductory session in your meeting.

The Living Witness Project is Registered Charity No. 1119938.
Postal Address: Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LW.