Representatives Committee was made a standing committee of the yearly meeting at annual sessions in 2018. Beginning in first month, January, and continuing through seventh month, July, 2019 the committee met monthly for about an hour by phone conference. Average attendance for these meetings was 10 people per phone call. The next meeting of the committee will be held by phone conference in September.
Representatives submits for Yearly Meeting consideration a proposed budget for the coming year, a proposal to shorten annual sessions, and suggested officers for the coming year.
Apportionments & Budget:
Apportionments for the next year remain similar to past years with the following changes suggested: Decorah, increase of $500; Des Moines Valley, decrease of $500; Whittier, increase of $100, for a net increase in apportionments of $100.
The committee suggests a budget for the following year with two changes. The committee notes that the William Penn House contribution will be discontinued since FCNL announced that they will purchase the House and develop new programming. The committee recommends adding to the budget a contribution to Quaker Voluntary Service for $300.
The committee listened to budgetary concerns that were raised during annual sessions and will take these and additional suggestions into consideration as the budget is reviewed during committee meetings over the course of the coming year.
Proposal to shorten annual sessions:
Representatives Committee recommends that annual sessions for 2020 be held from noon on fourth day, Wednesday, through lunch on first day, Sunday. The committee asks that the yearly meeting approve this proposal in concept, allowing for the Representatives Committee and the clerk to decide on a final version which will go into effect in 2020.
Officers:
We express gratitude for the work of the officers of the yearly meeting and suggest these appointments for the following year: clerk, Deborah Dakin; assistant clerk, Carol Gilbert; treasurer, Rebecca Bergus; assistant treasurer, Shirley Scritchfield; recorder, Tim Shipe.
The committee suggests that our next yearly meeting be held from 7/22 to 7/26, 2020 at Scattergood Friends School & Farm, near West Branch, Iowa.
On behalf of the committee, Penny Majors, clerk