BYM's Peace & Social Justice Networking Day
By Doug Vaughn, Peace & Justice Committee
Networking Day on Saturday, March 14, 2026, was a meaningful and inspiring gathering that brought together Friends/friends for a full day of learning, reflection, and connection. Hosted by the Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) Peace and Social Concerns Committee, the event took place at Friends Meeting School in Ijamsville, Maryland. It welcomed more than 50 attendees who came from local Monthly Meetings from Washington D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, ready to engage with the important theme: “How Are We Meeting the Moment? Discernment, Clearness & Faithful Action in Grim Times.”
While this was an in-person only event, the atmosphere strengthened a sense of community purpose. The day began with sign-in, name tags, and refreshments, giving Friends time to reconnect and meet new people before the opening session.
The opening session provided thoughtful queries to frame the day and encouraged participants to reflect on how our spiritual values guide our responses to the challenges of our time.
Morning workshops offered thoughtful discussions on the pressing issues of cruelty experienced by immigrants in our country and by Palestinians overseas. Participants explored how Friends can take compassionate practical action to support immigrant communities. The workshop on becoming an Apartheid-Free Community encouraged Meetings to consider how they may take faithful steps toward justice and peace in Israel/Palestine.
A welcoming lunch was complete with time for informal networking and conversation. The three afternoon workshops included:
- Friends' Peace Testimony and the renewed nuclear arms race,
- Discerning and responding to harms caused by actions of our government, and
- Environmental advocacy through legislation in Maryland and Virginia.
Each session combined presentations with discussion, allowing participants to reflect deeply and learn from one another’s experiences. Many participants were so inspired after the workshops that they stayed behind to discuss, share contact information, and plan additional activities.
The day concluded with a brief Worship Sharing, where participants reflected on insights, takeaways, and the sense of renewed commitment many felt. The gathering fostered thoughtful conversation, spiritual grounding, and practical ideas for faithful action.
BYM's Peace & Social Concerns Networking Day is an annual event. If you are interested in participating in the future, please watch for the announcement in Stony Run's Silent Announcements.