New clerks of Yearly Meeting were nominated and appointed this year at 3rd Month and 7th Month sessions. Traditional practice had us bring forward names for clerks at the end of the residential session in Allentown, but after consultations involving clerks of Yearly Meeting and Planning Group and Nominating Committee in session, it was decided to bring forward names for approval at 3rd Month sessions in Philadelphia. Friends approved appointment of Arlene Kelly as Yearly Meeting clerk at 3rd Month sessions, her term to begin at the rise of 7th Month sessions in Allentown. This gave the new clerk and the outgoing clerk, Martha Bryans, a time for transition which was much appreciated. It is suggested if the opportunity for a transition exists in future appointments of Yearly Meeting clerks, Nominating Committee should take advantage of this.
Some issues remain to be dealt with for the coming year.
1-How to deal with Standing Committee members whose participation is believed to be interfering with the Standing Committee's work. This issue requires a formal process. This spring Nominating Committee in session reviewed some Friends participation and decided not to ask them to return to service for another term. We believe we acted in the best interest of the Yearly Meeting in doing this, though we now see that a written policy for dealing with such matters should be produced, reviewed and approved. 2-Making the Skills Bank more effective for recruiting.