The Deeper Work to Be Done: News from Thee Quaker
In a staff brainstorm this week, we were discussing how Quakers (both modern and historic) go about “envisioning the future”—the topic of an upcoming month of the Daily Quaker Message. In a time when there is so much urgent political and social change needed, isn’t any conversation about the future necessarily about social justice?
Our podcast producer Zack, who is deep into his research about Lucretia Mott, reminded us that while political change and social justice are incredibly important, Quakers have long held that there is deeper work to be done. Work on our spiritual lives—and work in our spiritual community—often yields change that is more deeply rooted, more lasting, and more substantial.
As we enter what will inevitably be a busy and overwhelming political season, my hope is that you find the resources to help you stay rooted in the eternal and grounded in the spirit. Our three projects are ramping up to do just that for our growing audience of now more than 10,000 weekly viewers, readers, and listeners.
Quaker Videos is Back
After a successful first season of videos, we have been busy at work with our new video producer Adam Ginsberg to plan and produce season 2. Click below to watch the trailer, and don’t forget to subscribe!
In addition to weekly long-form videos, Adam has been working hard to give Quakers a more robust presence on short form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube shorts. If you are active on one or more of these platforms, give us a follow and get a little more Quaker in your feed.
The Daily Quaker Message Explores Teaching & Learning
This month, our Daily Quaker editor Maeve Sutherland has assembled a powerful collection of Quaker quotes along the theme of “teaching and learning” in honor of all those who are going back to school this season. In just 2 years, the project has grown to nearly 6,000 daily readers.
Podcast Returns in October
Season 3 of the podcast brought the show up to a record 275,000 downloads and 81 total episodes. In case you missed it, here were some of our favorites:
After a summer break, our podcast producer Zack Jackson is ramping up for a powerful Season 4, focusing on Lucretia Mott, women’s suffrage, and Quaker women in ministry. Make sure you are subscribed!
This fall, I will be on the road in support of our 5-year campaign: Attracting Seekers, Energizing Friends. More on that soon. I hope our paths cross along the way! Thank you for being with us as we explore what a bold, faithful Quakerism looks like in the age of the internet.
In peace
Jon Watts