Becoming Friends is now live! paper packonline version

what is Becoming Friends: Living & learning with Quakers? an innovative learning project from Woodbrooke and Quaker Life aims to support and nurture those who are new to Friends helps 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 paper options for working alone and with others a 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 meetings guidance about working with the Becoming Friends course a framework for identifying, preparing and supporting Becoming Friends companions access to courses and a support network for Becoming Friends companions well 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 the paper pack costs £10. You can order it from the Quaker Centre bookshop at phone:

to find out more... go to 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 way aims 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 reading watching video extracts listening to audio clips taking part in conversations with Friends in local or area meetings online discussion forums & conversations exploring Quaker & other websites spiritual practices reflection through conversation, writing & creative media

sharing & support Becoming 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 companion talking to other Friends in the local area engaging with Quaker websites discussing issues in online forums meeting in a small learning group with other newcomers or local Friends

a reflective journey participants 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 structure Opening 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 Silence and Waiting Experiencing Quaker Community Faithful Diversity The Sacred in the Everyday Advices & Queries Deep Roots and New Growth Faith in Action Speaking of God

topic units have 3 types of activity QUAKER ‘DISTINCTIVES’ DEEPENINGDISCOVERING

distinctives exploring the distinctive Quaker Way in relation to that topic discovering finding out about some of the riches of the Quaker community and tradition - more about Quaker people, structures, resources & events deepening opportunities 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 May 2010Woodbrooke July 2010 Woodbrooke 1-3 October 2010Swarthmoor Hall When booking, please send a letter of support from your meeting.