Present were:

Claudia Ansorge, Don Badgley, Lisa Edstrom, Susan Jefferson, Norwood Keaton (joined later), Karen Snare, Dare Thompson, Patty Tyrol, Jill Varicchio, Dawn Zadeh

The meeting began with a moment of silence.

Claudia explained that she and Jules would now co-clerk the committee and that Jules could not be present for this meeting.

It was established that the meetings would be held at a regular day/time moving forward- the 1st Thursdays of the month, 7pm. Our next meeting is Thursday, September 3, 7pm.

For consistent messaging and being able to reach everyone easily, Claudia will share a contact list (Google Spread Sheet)with all group members.

It was acknowledged there needed to be separate interest groups that members of all meetings can start, join and help facilitate for activities/events/actions/tasks to be agreed on by the group.

An interest group was started for the MHQ website—content and otherwise—- that will meet Monday, September 14 at 7pm. (If there is a conflict for anyone interested, our alternate date is Tuesday, September 15.)

Another new interest group was formed for the “Oh Freedom Quilt Project” an activity of the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History project (https://mhahp.vassarspaces.net/oh-freedom-quilting-project/) Quakers have been invited to join. Sue is organizing our participation, instruction, and quilting time at Oakwood School. Dates are Saturdays, September 19, October 3 + 17. She will get back to us with times for those dates. A flyer will be created with specific time, dates and information.

Dare shared the good news that the Catskill Meetinghouse (8197 State Route 55 in Sullivan County) has been accepted by the Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation into its collection. The building is no longer open for meetings and the Museum will be taking over the stewardship of the property that is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Dare also acknowledged that Hudson Meeting has joined MidHudson Quakers.

It was noted that $500. has been made available to the group from the 9 Partners 2026 budget, and acknowledged that the use of the money will be determined as we have a clear vision of what we want to be and what we want to do.

We re-visited the focus of our 9-Partners Quarterly retreat last year at Powell House: to envision a new way for all the local Meetings to join together for the purpose of becoming stronger in our visibility and in our voice and to try to answer the question “what canst thou say?” The retreat explored how we might use this voice and was an introduction to ‘artivism’ —lifting ones’ art, gifts, and creative actions to address our times by more publicly proclaiming our Quaker testimonies.

Our 2nd group activity this year on July 25, Walk Over the Hudson Walkway with Friends carrying our MidHudson Quaker banner, was discussed in terms of impact and dissent that arose because two members carried signs that were deemed political. Concern was brought forward that we not alienate Friends who have different political leanings and discussion followed as to what is political—Is proclaiming our testimonies political? The act of walking together carrying signs could presume others to think that everyone walking feels the same way. Patty offered to help everyone make a sign of their own reflecting their own words and concerns as regards our testimonies- Peace, Equality, etc.

A Friend brought up that Quakers, that is a diversified community, have historically spoken out and been active when the rights and well-being of our fellow humans were being violated and threatened. This is one thing that we are known for. We want our current actions to give voice to these concerns and to stand up where we see injustice. It is important to do it in a way that speaks to people’s humanity and we think this can be done in a spiritual and possibly apolitical way. It was acknowledged the way is not easy. Another Friend shared that we are a faith community and that our witnesses and testimonies in the world only have value when they openly demonstrate and articulate our direct Experience of the Divine Source.

We tried our best to finish the meeting on time, and almost did.