Haverford Friends Meeting

Dear Friends,

For the past three years, individuals throughout the Haverford College Quaker community have been voicing the desire for deeper and more intentional relationship between students and the other Friends affiliated with Haverford (staff, faculty, Corporation members, local Monthly Meeting members and Young Adult Friends).  This need has been expressed strongly by the students at Haverford, and we are optimistic that with enthusiasm, energy and investment by us all, we can officially begin the Quaker Community’s Mentorship and Spiritual Friend Program.

Mentorship:  In this program, mentorship involves a growing and growthful bond between a student and a non-student, in which one has experience and wisdom with which to guide, support and nurture the other.  This wisdom and experience does not necessary imply a large age difference, nor does it specify a certain type of experience.  However, many students may be craving the presence of someone older in their lives, as the opportunity to spend personal time with older community members is often hard to find on a college campus.  Some students may be interested in a mentor with a certain professional direction, certain faith background, complimentary personality, or some other type of connection.  More information and ideas about the nature of or structure of mentorship will be offered to those who are interested in this opportunity.

Spiritual Friendship:  Not all students may be craving a “mentor” in their lives, but may be seeking a way to have an intentional spiritual relationship with another (either a peer or an older individual).   Spiritual Friendship is different, though not distant, from mentorship – and is an important opportunity to offer alongside mentorship.  By working mutually and intentionally towards faith development, Spiritual Friends come to know and affirm the value of sharing one's experience of spiritual growth with another Friend who is also strengthening his or her faith.  There is a great deal of literature on Spiritual Friendship; more information and ideas about the nature of or structure of Spiritual Friendships will be made available to those who are interested in this opportunity.

It is important to note that mentorship and Spiritual Friendship should not be seen as completely separate options – we encourage Friends to let Spirit guide them through these relationships toward whatever possibilities seem most natural between the two partners.

Please fill out the attached, confidential, document with as much information as you feel comfortable sharing and return it by November 2^nd to ehiggs@haverford.edu in order to be a part of our official launch of this program in early November.  The information you provide will be used to help pair you with a mentor or Spiritual Friend that will best fit your needs.   If the pairing proves uncomfortable for any reason, we will change it! 

As individuals sign up to this program – anyone can join at any time – we will work to pair people together and will then be in touch with mentors, mentees, and Spiritual Friends to ensure that all of these soon-to-be-blossoming relationships begin clearly and intentionally.  This program falls under the ministry of the Nurture and Care Committee of the student Quaker Community (QuaC), but will be administered by the Quaker Affairs Office staff person.

Thank you, Friends, for your presence in this community!

Faithfully,

Emily Higgs, Quaker Affairs Program Coordinator

Claire McCullough, Nurture and Care Committee Clerk