Friends Forward

Goals for Today-Exploring Quaker Protocols-Threshing
To deepen Quaker practices in our teaching and learning, and in how we engage with one another as a community. Engaging in a Quaker Protocol as a community is one way we can serve that goal.

What is "Threshing"?
"Threshing" means separating the "wheat from the chaff" and working toward collective discernment of a way forward. Quakers use threshing, usually in advance of decision-making or discussion on a topic that might be controversial or difficult.

GOALS include
to explore a topic using a protocol that encourages all voices and that leads to deepening focus on aspects of common interest;
to gain practice using this protocol with colleagues;
modeling a collegial learning practice;
to emphasize the importance of both sharing and listening
to gain practice in following the protocol so all have a turn.

What Threshing is NOT
We are NOT trying to come to any conclusions or resolutions, rather use protocol to gain clarity to help with further decision making.

Credit: Deborra Sines-Pancoe and Shu Shu Coasta, SPARC, Friends Council

*This workshop will also be held on Thursday, July 9 3:15-4:15PM (Workshop 3).*