Status of Events Sponsored by New England Yearly Meeting

Currently all in-person events specifically sponsored by the Yearly Meeting (including any program or activity directly supported by NEYM staff, committees, or resources) must have a COVID safety plan, and must be approved in advance by the Yearly Meeting Secretary.

While recognizing that conditions are dynamic, differing by region and changing frequently, at present all events* must:

ensure collection of contact information for all participants to aid contact tracing
minimize indoor activities in general, and require face coverings for indoor activities
refrain from overnight shared accommodations
recognize that risk is lessened for small gatherings of local participants, and is greater for larger groups or gatherings involving participants from several locations at a distance
Recognize that the vaccination rate/presence of multiple unvaccinated participants increases the risk level of a gathering, and that this needs to be taken into account for a given event's safety plan.

*Because of the capacity for training and implementation of significant safety protocols at a dedicated site, Friends Camp is hosting in-person programming in keeping with Friends Camp-specific protocols, which are administered by the Friends Camp Director.

Questions, clarifications, concerns, and/or suggestions regarding the Yearly Meeting's current approach to supporting public health and care for in-person events may be shared at any time with Noah Merrill, Yearly Meeting Secretary, at [email protected].

We welcome your feedback and consultation in this ongoing discernment and adaptation. We are regularly reviewing and reflecting on public health guidance, local and regional conditions, and the needs of Friends. Significant changes to these guidelines may require consultation or approval from the Permanent Board.

Please check the Events Calendar for event details, including many online opportunities to gather, worship, learn, and connect.