Acronyms
It can be confusing to listen to announcements at a Quaker meeting! We may seem to be speaking in code with the many acronyms for committees and Quaker agencies. Here is an attempt at demystification
- SCQM Southern California Quarterly Meeting
We are part of a three-times-a-year gathering of Friends Meetings like ours in Southern California.
- PYM Pacific Yearly Meeting
We are part of a once a year gathering of Quakers in California and Hawaii that is our organizational home. Its annual meeting is a weeklong opportunity for worship, discussion and spiritual growth in a worship setting, committee meetings on issues of concern to Quakers, and education for youth and adults. Pacific Yearly Meeting writes and published “Faith and Practice” – the document that guides our workshop and organization. PYM is not formally affiliated with any national Quaker conference.
- FGC Friends General Conference
A national meeting of many unprogrammed Quakers around the country, holds an annual gathering of friends at a different place each year, with many activities for all ages. FCH also publishes and sells many Quaker books and curriculum materials, and has a collection of resources for Quakers everywhere. Although Pacific Yearly Meeting is not formally affiliated with FGC, many individuals attend its gatherings.
- FWCC Friends World Committee on Consultation
An umbrella organization of Quakers of all branches around the world. It is a resource for information about Quakers everywhere, and holds a triennial conference of Quakers from around the world.
- AFSC American Friends Service Committee
Organized in 1917 just after the beginning of World War I to provide opportunities for conscientious objectors, it now sponsors service activities for peace and social justice around the world. The national offices are in Philadelphia; it has a regional office in Pasadena
- FCL Friends Committee on Legislation
The Quaker lobby in Sacramento, lobbies on behalf of legislation related to Quaker concerns for peace and social justice.
- FCNL Friends Committee on National Legislation
A Quaker Lobby in the Public Interest in Washington D.C., it is the largest peace lobby in the country and the oldest ecumenical lobbying organization.