Shoffner International Educational Fund:
The following text was APPROVED at February 2011's Meeting for Business, with an initial investment of $11,772.00 from the Shoffner Bequeast.
DIRECTION:
We believe that Third Haven Meeting desires to have a close and on-going relationship with people who may benefit from this fund. This close connection can be established through visiting, exchanging letters, and personal interactions. We also believe that Third Haven wishes to join with other Quakers and Quaker organizations' work. Members can create opportunities for faith in action through a yearly (or multi-year) theme that would address the mission, outcomes, and queries. This is dealt with below.
PEACE MISSION:
The Fund's primary purpose is to support world attainment of peace through education and support of people in underdeveloped countries. Additionally the funds will serve as points of reference to stimulate the development of international connections within the Meeting and in the community at large.
Emphasis will be placed on the First Day School curriculum having components that develop deeper understanding of world issues and how they affect the achievement of world peace.
Direct connections between the Meeting and people from international communities will be encouraged.
OUTCOMES SOUGHT:
- Have a positive impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
- Strengthen the international outreach of the Meeting, informing adults of international concerns and providing a conduit for meaningful actions in support of the peace testimony.
- Provide for long-term stewardship and action by strongly involving First Day School.
- Strengthen the Talbot County community's commitment to international actions.
AUSPICES:
Fund would be placed under the auspices of the Testimonies and Concerns Committee in concert with its role in the Meeting. Gwen Beegle will act as point person for the committee at this time.
PROCESS:
The T&C Committee envisions that each year a designee from appropriate Third Haven Committees would meet to evaluate and review the past year's efforts and to offer suggestions for the coming year. This process is designed to be inclusive of the Meeting's committee structure. Communication with Members through committees will assist in interaction and communication within the Meeting. T&C will then bring the plan for the next year's proposal to be approved by Meeting for Business.
INVESTMENT OF MONIES:
Funds entrusted would be invested in the Friends Fiduciary Fund. Five per cent (5%) of the funds balance on June 30 of each year would be withdrawn for distribution as determined by the Committee process.