As we consider all the things to be thankful for this week, we at William Penn House are thankful for all that 2009 has been. Individuals and groups from around the world came through our doors. Workcamps, programs, and hospitality have deepened the roots of all that we do to some core beliefs in the goodness of all people, and the belief that all people can make a difference - sometimes by merely bearing witness. Among the highlights:
- We held potlucks, workshops, and educational events that addressed a wide range of environmental and social justice issues. We emphasized the importance of building unity, listening and finding common ground as vital to the success of our efforts. Some of these events educated us about the importance of taking action on the things we think are important. Other events asked us to consider the experiences of those with whom we might disagree, challenging us to reconcile our own role in witnessing of the Peace Testimony or desires for a more peaceful world with the fact that we cannot rule others.
- We expanded our efforts with schools and youth programs to strengthen the relationships and to integrate peace, simplicity, community, equality and integrity to the big issues of the day. For much of this, the emphasis on effective action is that is starts with "me". We have done this through Workcamps as well as participating in Young Friends gatherings and doing presentations at Meetings.
- Through the passions and leadings of staff and interns, we deepened our commitment to interfaith and multi-generational work.
- Our reach has also extended outwards geographically, economically and culturally as we seek to make connections between that most powerful of buildings 6 blocks down the road and all those who are impacted by its policies and decisions, regardless of whether they live in DC or far-away. It is this proximty that we take as a responsibility.
- In addition to the programs, housing improvements were also made, including new metal-framed beds in every room.
All of this is done not for our organization's success. We are successful when we can be a part of making the world better for all people. We are forever mindful of our responsibilities and commitments to all those in need and to do what we can to break the cycles. Expect to see even more in the next year as we work with schools, Yearly and Monthly Meetings, and other groups, developing collaborations in the belief that when we work together in the spirit of creativity, we can accomplish so much more than we work as simply partners. It is a work that calls us to find common ground through love and witness. Environmental and social justice work in our backyard, our neighborhoods and in places throughout the country with a growing community are all part of the landscape.
As you plan your end-of-year contributions, please consider us on your list. The more support we recieve, the greater impact we can all make togehter. You can make donations on-line, or by mail. Also consider bringing your group, family, or just yourself to stay with us and to see this city through different lenses. It can make a difference in how you see your own world as well.
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WASHINGTON QUAKER WORKCAMP T-SHIRT COMPETITION
We are having a t-shirt design contest. If you ever participated in a Workcamp, we welcome your submission of a design that speaks to your experience. See our website for more information about submisions and prizes.
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WORLD AIDS DAY
 December 1 is World AIDS Day. As you may know, we have been actively involved in addressing the challenges to stopping the spread of HIV here in DC as well as around the world by challenging the status quo on testing. You can do your part as well: get tested, and challenge any resistances to having testing be respectful, anonymous and educational.
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We thank all of you for your varied supports and time. We take very seriously the opportunity to work with all who come through our doors and with whom we come into contact with in other places.
If you have questions about any of these, or would like more information, please contact us at info@williampennhouse.org or 202-543-5560. You can also see more at our website.
Byron, Brad, Greg, Faith, Kelli, Wambani and Amanda.
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