Led by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, equality, sustainability, and peace, we have working groups addressing immigrant solidarity, racial justice, climate change, and nuclear disarmament. If you would like to be involved or have other concerns related to peace and justice, please mention your interest so that we can put you in touch with some active individuals.
WORKING GROUPS
Race and Class Working Group
The Race and Class Working Group meets monthly to educate ourselves and discuss race and class issues and oppression. We share resources such as books, articles, lectures and videos. Several times per year we provide opportunities for the whole Meeting to engage with the issues of race and class in 9:30 hour discussions or book groups and provide opportunities for the Meeting to take action on these topics.
Peace Walk Planning Group
Sanctuary and Immigrant Solidarity
Nuclear Disarmament and Climate Action (NDACA)
The Northampton Friends Meeting Working Group on Nuclear Disarmament and Climate Action (NDaCA) was established in 2017 (2017-96). Early activities included support of the UN Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons engaging with the process of determining that NFM was aligned with the Treaty. Among early climate actions were working with other groups to oppose unsafe gas pipelines and advocate for clean energy conversions. The Working Group will continue to focus on the twin threats to life on our planet, nuclear weapons and the climate crisis. We welcome all those who would like to join us in spirit-led action.
ALIGNING WITH THE NUCLEAR BAN TREATY
VOLUNTARY CARBON TAX WITNESS
A group of Northampton Friends Meeting members/attenders participate in a Voluntary Carbon Tax Witness in order to:
- Witness their urgent concern for the earth
- Act in common with others around this concern
- Raise their awareness of their own energy usage and encourage themselves to reduce it
- Take a step to repair damage done to the earth by energy use and act to reverse further climate change
- Help overcome their sense of powerlessness and isolation in addressing climate change
Each VCTW participant decides which carbon uses to consider (such as gas, heating, electricity, travel) and the level of the tax (such as 1%, 5%, etc.), or chooses to give a set amount each quarter; all details are confidential. At the end of each quarter, participants donate their voluntary tax to the Meeting and report voluntary tax amounts to the steward. Together they discern the recipient(s) of that quarter’s taxes. The steward then reports the total to the Meeting treasurer, who contributes on behalf of those taking part in this witness and includes the information in the next treasurer’s report. In the past seven years, we have donated a total of $22,017 to 19 different organizations, including:
- Health in Harmony
- All In Energy
- Climate Disobedience Center
- Tri-City Forest Project
- Friendly Water
- Quaker Earthcare Witness
- Gardening the Community
- Earth Quaker Action Team
- Rainforest Action Network
- Healthy Gulf
- CISA Emergency Farm Fund
- World Central Kitchen
We warmly welcome Friends and attenders from outside Northampton Friends to join us in this witness. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Northampton Friends Meeting VCTW fund steward, Seth Cable (scable@umass.edu).
Northampton Friends Meeting 