Write for Western Friend: Experiences of Youth

Deadline April 1st 2026 - Published May / June 2026

Many Friends have had experiences of Quaker community in their youth that changed their lives. These experiences, be they at a Camp, Yearly Meeting or held by a Quaker organization, often impact the future values and life choices of the people we grow up to be. During this time of change and upheaval, it’s important that we remember and share about those experiences so that we can go forward and offer the best to our youth.

Please consider these queries.

If you are a Quaker youth now, what experiences among Friends have impacted you?

Do you have any advice or eldering Friends older than you?

If you’re an adult, what were impactful experiences from your youth and among Friends that helped form your identity or community?

How are meetings in the West investing in experiences for youth? How does the presence of young people enrich the life of the Meeting?

If you grew up Quaker but don’t currently attend meeting, how did Quaker youth programing impact you? Do you feel an affinity with Quaker values?

Investing in young Friends doesn’t automatically the youth will enjoy a longstanding relationship with Quakerism. How do Friends reconcile this reality?

Word counts and other guidance can be found here.

Please send submissions to [email protected]