LEYM holds a Representative Meeting in the spring to handle business that has arisen since the previous Annual Sessions and to consider and season matters for the next Annual Sessions. Representative Meeting may make decisions concerning any matter except those specifically reserved for Annual Sessions (see Policies & Procedures Manual), and may forward any matter to Annual Sessions with a recommendation.

Monthly Meetings are encouraged to have at least two people from their MFW in attendance so that at least a few Friends from each meeting will attend, participate, and report back. A representative comes with knowledge about his or her meeting and its concerns, but is not bound by instructions. Representatives need to be open to the leadings of the Spirit, just as they would be in any Quaker business meeting. Members of standing committees and officers of the yearly meeting are expected to attend. In addition, any member or attender within LEYM who wishes may participate.

2024 Representative Meeting set for March 9 via Zoom

Representative Meeting returns to an online-only format this year (2024). We’ll miss the distinctive energy generated by face to face contact, but at the same time, we’ll be able to have a more cohesive conversation, with one set of tools and one visual focus for everyone. The session will be divided into two blocks of time, with a break for lunch in-between. See Schedule below.

Zoom Access:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85827416349
Meeting ID: 858 2741 6349

Schedule

10-12 –  Meeting for Business.  We’ll be catching up on what’s been happening across the YM, hear what’s been going on in planning for this summer (for all ages), and hear about activity on other committees – including a look at the draft budget for next year. 

12-1 Lunch Break

1-3 – Structures Exploration.  We’ll imagine we were starting the YM from scratch (but with an eye towards our visioning work), and chart out: 

• Where are the places that feel most important to put our collective energy? 
• Where are the places where we ourselves are wanting to put our individual energy? (no commitments – but useful to chart relative to what’s above!) 
• We’ll also do some open-minded thinking about the clerk’s role: What are the most important aspects of the role? What assumptions can we play with that might open new possibilities? 
• We’ll end with time for worship and – if we’re ready – discernment. 

2023 Representative Meeting

Lake Erie Yearly Meeting’s 2023 Representative Meeting happened on Saturday, March 11 in Toledo, OH under the care of Broadmead Meeting. The meeting was held at The Victory Center, 3166 Republic Blvd. N., Toledo, OH 43615 from 9:00 AM through 4:30 PM. A lovely breakfast and lunch were offered. Friends were pleased to be able to spend time together, and we found creative ways to engage both the people in the room and those joining remotely using a hybrid version of Open Space Meeting protocols. The food was also amazing, thanks to the good people at Broadmead Friends Meeting (see photo of the dessert table below.)

Schedule for Saturday March 11, 2023

• Registration & simple breakfast…..9:00 AM
• Meeting for worship…..9:30 AM (Hybrid/blended meeting begins)
• Greeting & Announcements..…10:00 AM
• Morning program……..10:15 AM (see Open Space handout)
• Lunch…..12:15 PM
• Meeting for business…..1:15 PM
• Adjournment by…..4:30 PM

See below for a general description of what Rep Meeting is all about.

What It Is

LEYM holds a Representative Meeting in the spring to handle business that has arisen since the previous Annual Sessions and to consider and season matters for the next Annual Sessions. Representative Meeting may make decisions concerning any matter except those specifically reserved for Annual Sessions (see Policies & Procedures Manual), and may forward any matter to Annual Sessions with a recommendation.

Who Attends

Meetings are asked to appoint two representatives so that at least a few Friends from each meeting will attend, participate, and report back. A representative comes with knowledge about his or her meeting and its concerns, but is not bound by instructions. Representatives need to be open to the leadings of the Spirit, just as they would be in any Quaker business meeting. Members of standing committees and officers of the yearly meeting are expected to attend. In addition, any member or attender within LEYM who wishes may participate.

When and Where it is Held

LEYM’s Clerk sets the time and place for Representative Meeting. Currently, it is held on a Saturday at the end of March or beginning of April. It is hosted by different monthly meetings different years. If your meeting is interested in hosting the next one, please contact the Yearly Meeting Clerk.