Becoming Friends is now live!

paper pack online version

what is Becoming Friends: Living & learning with Quakers?an innovative learning project from

Woodbrooke and Quaker Lifeaims to support and nurture those who are

new to Friendshelps newcomers develop an understanding

of Quakerism, while exploring their own journey and connection with Friends

- whether or not they are currently considering applying for membership.

two main elements:a flexible, interactive course,

available online and on paper

a range of ways for Quaker meetings to support newcomers as they learn - including Becoming Friends ‘companions’

for newcomers:flexible learning materials, accessible online

or on paperoptions for working alone and with othersa choice of learning units and activities to

suit a wide range of interests and learning styles

the chance to work at your own pace and for as long as suits you

on-line discussion groups, resources and links

meetings can offer newcomers a Becoming Friends ‘companion’ whose role is to:support newcomers working with the learning

materials help newcomers find out more about

Quakerism through sharing their own knowledge and experience, and helping to arrange conversations and interactions with other Friends

help newcomers reflect on the learning process and their own journey with Friends

help newcomers feel more rooted in their local meeting

for meetingsguidance about working with the Becoming

Friends coursea framework for identifying, preparing and

supporting Becoming Friends companionsaccess to courses and a support network for

Becoming Friends companionswell structured opportunities throughout the

Becoming Friends course for local Friends to engage newcomers in conversation, discussion and reflection

feedback from our trials...“It made me talk to loads of other Friends...it

gave me a good excuse to do what I wanted to do anyway.”

“Both of us ...learned so much through the Becoming Friends project and felt the whole experience had been a blessing.”

"I’ve found things I’d like to do myself and I’m a Friend of twenty five years’ experience. It’s stimulating stuff."

getting started with Becoming Friends

the online course costs £5 per person to register. Instructions for registering are at www.woodbrooke.org.uk/becomingfriends

the paper pack costs £10. You can order it from the Quaker Centre bookshop at www.quaker.org.uk/bookshop email:bookshop@quaker.org.uk phone: 020 7663 1030

to find out more...

go to www.woodbrooke.org.uk/becomingfriends

pick up leaflets and guidance for meetings from the Becoming Friends stall

the Becoming Friends course

an interactive, flexible learning experience:experiential learning – true to the Quaker

wayaims to avoid just taking a “here’s a good

book to read” approach (but offers plenty of reading suggestions too!)

learners choose activities - so they learn in a way & at a pace that suits their learning preferences & life commitments

course activities readingwatching video extractslistening to audio clipstaking part in conversations with Friends in

local or area meetings online discussion forums & conversationsexploring Quaker & other websitesspiritual practicesreflection through conversation, writing &

creative media

sharing & supportBecoming Friends offers opportunities for newcomers to speak to Friends about spiritual questions or issues & share something of one another’s faith journeys:

reflecting with a Becoming Friends companiontalking to other Friends in the local areaengaging with Quaker websitesdiscussing issues in online forums meeting in a small learning group with other

newcomers or local Friends

a reflective journeyparticipants will be invited at regular

intervals through the course to take time to reflect on what they are learning, both about Quakerism & their own spiritual journey

this ‘reflective’ approach fits well with the Quaker belief that experience is central to the spiritual life

course structureOpening Unit - introducing the course,

meeting the Becoming Friends companion & planning the path

Choose any of 8 topic based units

Closing Unit - reflecting on the learning, saying goodbye to the Becoming Friends companion & journeying on...

topic units have 3 types of activity

distinctivesexploring the distinctive Quaker Way in relation to that topic

discoveringfinding out about some of the riches of the Quaker community and tradition - more about Quaker people, structures, resources & events

deepeningopportunities for personal reflection & journaling, prayer or spiritual practice & spiritual friendship conversations

each of these aspects of the learning process will feed into the others

Becoming Friends companion courses 2010

14-16 May 2010 Woodbrooke19-21 July 2010 Woodbrooke1-3 October 2010

Swarthmoor Hall

When booking, please send a letter of support from your meeting.