News from The William Penn House

"Early Modern Britain sought in numerous ways to reconcile its present with a past visibly at odds with it." Thus begins the exhibit at the Folger Shakespeare Library entitled "How Early Modern Britain Imagined its Past". (This exhibit ended on May 17).

This quote and the title of this exhibit has meaning not only for Britain, but for the United States as well. We are a nation and a people constantly trying to reconcile our past with our present and our ideals with our reality. Our history of "Liberty and Freedom for all" does not always or easily match up with our history of slavery, treatment of Indians, equal rights for women, minorities and the glbtq community. Our ideals for being a peaceful, respectful people does not always reflect the fact that we are a heavily-armed and violent society.

To reconcile, according to Webster's Dictionary, means:

1. To cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired;

2. To win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable;

3. To compose or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.).

4. To bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent.

Each one of these definitions presents unique challenges, somewhere in the arena of "speaking truth" and "integrity". They also present challenges to so many social and environmental justice issues, including everything from the hurts and injustices of discrimination to healthcare and education for all to the war in Iraq. Within these definitions, there is also the dilemma of how to bring amicability to conflict, promote harmony, and help to settle conflict. Morality and reality don't always conveniently align. But as an organization committed to the Peace Testimony, The William Penn House strives to bring reconciliation in all the ways as defined above to the world, and to nurture the ability for people who walk through our doors to do so.

Throughout Washington, there are countless opportunities to do this. The monuments, museums and institutions are full of information and idealism, while the neighborhoods reflect the reality of our world. Increasingly, people are coming to WPH to make these connections. We welcome you to join us and to support our ability to welcome others.

Eco-Workcamp Set for July 4 Celebrations

We are kicking into high-gear the planning for the upcoming Eco-Friendly Workcamp. The dates for this workcamp are June 29 to July 6, 2008. The range of activities we will be doing include developing our backyard into an urban rain garden (with a focus on being a meditative space as well), partnering with the Anacostia Watershed Society to remove invasive plants for the watershed, and volunteering with the Folklife festival in providing recycling services. Along the way, we will be learning about the history of many of these issues, the things we can all do, and the implications and consequences of our inaction. For example, 95% of the plants in some parts of the Anacostia watershed are invasive. Many of these plants were introduced by Thomas Jefferson. Over the past 200 years, these plants have spread and now are so pervasive that they threaten all wildlife in that area. The only way to remove these is people-power, something most of us have. This is just one example of the level of experience of this week.

There are three ways people can participate in this workcamp:

1 - Families can sign up at a cost of ...

2 - People can participate on a daily basis for $25/day.

3 - High school students can participate in a week-long camp for $425 for the week. This includes all meals and planned activities all week, including free concerts on the mall and other festivities. Additional costs for optional activities such as evening bike tours of the monuments.

Please consider joining us in this unique and valuable week of making a difference now and for the future.

Who's Coming; Who's Going

Among the groups that have been here in May for a variety of reasons include:

Rutgers University School of Social Work
NYU School of Social Work
Mount Madonna School

In addition to these groups, 19 people participated in a 3-day Appreciative Inquiry workshop. We thank all the participants and especially the facilitators, Marge Schiller and Joyce Lemke of the Positive Change Core for a powerful workshop.

Making a Difference with Rebate Checks
The IRS has started sending out the rebate checks as part of the Economic Stimulus Package. Often, during down economic times, it is non-profit organizations that take some of the hardest hits. Consider using a portion of your rebate check to support the work of The William Penn House. Donations can be made on-line.

Softball Anyone?
Join us on June 1 for an afternoon game. Time and place yet to be determined, but will be set to be convenient for Meetings for Worship and attending Potluck? Bad knees, bad arms, and good attitudes welcome. Contact Brad at brad@williampennhouse.org.

It is a pleasure, an honor and a charge we take seriously to be a presence for Quakerism in this powerful, exciting and troubled city. In the true tradition of Quakersim, we know that our ability to provide the opportunity to bear witness to what is and what can be in our world, and to make a difference through all of our programs is exciting. We hope you will join us along the journey

Sincerely,

Byron, Patricia, Brad, Greg, Judy, Faith, Ben, Morgan, and Khadim
The William Penn House