What does “witness in the world” mean to Quakers (Friends)?
From core beliefs, Quakers have been led to bear witness against war and acts of violence and for stewardship of the earth and fair sharing of world resources. We may be led to actions in favor of social justice, criminal justice reform, or other societal changes.
The Witness in the World Support Committee at Moorestown Friends Meeting helps members of our Quaker community to express their faith by active example.
As told in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s Faith and Practice, since the days of George Fox, Friends have looked to “the light within” for spiritual guidance. From this, we are not meant to “conform to the ways of the world.” Instead, we seek to transform the world according to our leadings and a shared set of core values known as the Quaker testimonies.
NOVEMBER 2024 CALL TO ACTION:
Mental Health Facts & Resources
Facts:
- Prevalence: In the United States, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition in a given year, and 1 in 20 experience a serious mental illness.
- Age of onset: Half of all mental health disorders begin before age 14, and 75% before age 24.
- Treatment: Effective prevention and treatment options exist, but most people don’t have access to them.
- Risk factors: People who identify as two or more races are most likely to report a mental illness in the past year. Suicide: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24.
Where can you get immediate help?
- In life-threatening situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- If you are suicidal or in emotional distress, consider using the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat online to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You can reach a specialized LGBTQI+ affirming counselor by texting “Q” to 988 or by calling 988 and pressing “3.”Learn more: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (disponible en español )
- If you are a veteran, consider using the Veterans Crisis Line. Call 988, then press “1.” You can also text 838255 or chat online . The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24-hour, confidential resource that connects veterans with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans and those who support them, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. Learn more: Veterans Crisis Line (disponible en español )
- If you have experienced a disaster, consider using the Disaster Distress Helpline. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The 24-hour, confidential helpline offers interpretation services in more than 100 languages. Learn more: Disaster Distress Helpline (disponible en español )
- If you see concerning social media messages, contact the company’s safety team. Social media companies have safety teams that can reach out to connect the person with the help they need. Learn more about action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine For more information about mental health care resources and support, The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email at info@nami.org.
- The Trevor Project For LGBTQIA+ youth looking for free, confidential crisis support, call 1-866-488-7386, text ‘START’ to 678-678 or visit their website to chat with a gender-affirming and queer-friendly counselor.
- Substance abuse support Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have resources on their website, including virtual meetings. SAMHSA’s National Helpline for mental and/or substance use disorders can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- Oaks Integrated Care offers caring, compassionate programs for adults, children and families living with a mental illness. https://oaksintcare.org/about/ or call 1-800-963-3377 Urgent care mental health services offered at 2051 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.
NJ Mental Health Hotlines:
- NJ Hope Line (suicide prevention) 855-654-6735
- Reach NJ 844-732-2465
- IME Addictions Access Center 844-276-2777
- NJ Connect for Recovery 855-652-3737
- The Peer Recovery Warmline 877-292-5588.
- National Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255.
- NJ Mental Health Cares 866-202-HELP (4357)
Other Organizations and Resources:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/ The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://www.nami.org What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
- Tips for talking to kids about world events https://www.southridingpediatrics.com/from-storms-to-politics-how-to-talk-to-kids-about-world-events/
View our previous 2024 Calls to Action including topics like the housing crisis, Black History Month, and climate change.
View our previous 2023 Calls to Action including topics like immigration at the border.
View our previous 2021-2022 Calls To Action including War in Ukraine, Gun Violence Prevention, Voter Rights, Native American Heritage, and Equalizing Economic Inequality
Climate Liaison News
Friends can subscribe to the Eco-Justice Newsletter
Contact Patricia Finley or Ruth Darlington, co-clerks of the Eco-Justice Collaborative.
Visit the Eco-Justice Collaborative website to learn more.
Some Good Climate News on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports
In December 2022 Moorestown Monthly Meeting approved a resolution opposing a project to transport Liquefied Natural gas (LNG) by truck and rail from the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, to a proposed export terminal in Gibbstown, New Jersey. Our concern was both for the danger of transporting the highly flammable and toxic gas through New Jersey but also because the chosen routes would disproportionately impact minority and low-income communities. The resolution also expressed opposition to a project that would result in supporting reliance on fossil fuels given their profound impact on climate change. We sent copies of our resolution to both state and federal officials in January 2023.
Opposition to the Gibbstown plan has succeeded in delaying (but not yet canceling) this particular project and this year the Biden administration paused new LNG exports to allow the Department of Energy to reevaluate the impact of these projects on the public. You can learn more on the positive significance of this pause from the League of Conservation Voters here.
Who We Support
Moorestown Monthly Meeting provides a variety of support for the following organizations.
Click on each to learn more about their mission and how you may lend additional support.
Friends Enrichment Program (FEP) – scholarships/opportunities for Moorestown children
Alice Paul Institute – equality advocacy, leadership development, historic preservation
Alternatives to Violence – creative, affirming responses to conflict and violence
Camp Dark Waters – Quaker outdoor camp for boys and girls to serve and nurture them.
Center for Environmental Transformation – a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental transformation for the neighborhoods of Camden, New Jersey.
Friends Journal – connecting and deepening spiritual lives
Good Samaritan Ministry – food pantry and additional support for Moorestown residents
Woolman Memorial – historical property honoring 18th-century abolitionist, John Woolman
MEND, Inc – safe, affordable housing for families and seniors in the Moorestown area
Oaks Integrated Care – support for NJ residents living with mental illness or addiction
Pendle Hill – support for Quakers seeking spiritual guidance in contemporary society
Rancocas Nature Center – environmental education and experience for all
St. Vincent de Paul Society – support for those in spiritual or financial need in Moorestown
Urban Promise – education and programs for children and young adults in Camden, NJ
Youth Promise Kenya – digital literacy and other programs for youth around Embu, Kenya
Submit a Request
If your Quaker faith moves you to engage with a cause or organization that might benefit from Meeting support, please contact us here.