How FCNL Decides Priorities and What's Next

People who are new to FCNL often ask me how we decide where to focus. Amid concerns for a wide variety of issues for peace and justice, how does FCNL discern where to concentrate our efforts to impact federal policy?

Decisions about FCNL's legislative positions, and our priorities for each session of Congress, begin with discernment in hundreds of Friends meetings, churches, schools, and retirement homes around the country. For the upcoming 119th Congress (2025-2026) we received more than 1,300 recommendations from 274 groups and individuals, representing 28 yearly meetings and 42 states plus Washington, D.C.

What now, that Friends have shared their discernment? As of summer 2024, the members of FCNL's Policy Committee are reviewing Friends' responses. They will bring their sense of where FCNL is led to work to our Annual Meeting in November, where our General Committee will approve priorities for the 119th Congress.

So many Friends shared how valuable the process has been for them: how it has brought their community together, focused their attention, and given new experiences of group discernment. Here is a sample of what Friends shared along with their submissions:

We learned a great deal about discernment, discussion, listening, prioritizing, and letting our values have a voice.

It is a great way for our meeting to coalesce our energies and attention and focus our faith into action.

The process was fruitful…by helping us articulate and honor the deep concerns of our Meeting's members and attenders…Surely Spirit is alive among us.

Keep your momentum going by learning more and acting with others in your community on the issues you have identified. Consider adopting a minute and sharing it with your members of Congress using the cover letter on our website. For ideas on how to advocate on your concern, join our upcoming Intro to Advocacy call on September 26, and see our website for many more resources.

We also encourage sharing your community's priorities with candidates and elected officials. This sharing can establish or build on a connection with the people who represent you. From that introduction, you can follow up with more specific requests. FCNL has a sample cover letter you can adapt to fit your needs. Please be in touch if you share your priorities and let us know what response you receive.

What questions do you have? What ideas are being sparked on how your meeting or church can take the next steps on the concerns you've identified? Let us know by emailing the Quaker Engagement team!

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