What Happens During Meeting for Business

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We came in from the rain after recess, took off our shoes, got a drink of water, and then made our way into the meeting space. We sat in silent expectation for the clerk to begin the meeting. On a whiteboard was our agenda, full of topics and items that had been accumulating for the month.

After everyone sat down and began to settle into their seats, one friend stood up and made her way to the table in the center of the space. She lit the candle and flipped over the sand timer. The meeting had begun. For two minutes, we shared in the silence; stilling our bodies, calming our minds, and beginning to weave together into our familiar community pattern.

After the silence, the clerk invited friends to share any acknowledgments they had with the group. First, as is our tradition, we acknowledged any members who were not present, holding them in the Light, knowing that we would be making decisions in their stead and with them in mind. Next, four or five friends took turns acknowledging others for helping them with work or conflicts, playing with them at recess, or simply being a good friend. Among our older friends, there was also a sharing of gratitude for their field trip that day.

When everyone had finished, the clerk moved us into announcements. We understand that announcements are for sharing information or reminders with no discussion afterward. If discussion is needed, we add the topic to a future agenda. The announcements were brief; a teacher let us know we now had a diluted soap solution for washing our snack dishes to reduce waste, and a couple of friends reminded everyone to walk calmly into the meeting space to avoid people getting pushed.

Now it was time to begin the proper agenda. Topics ranged from a new library system and trying an outdoor Meeting for Worship to helping out more during chores and going for walks at recess. After each topic was introduced by the person who added it, anyone in the meeting could contribute; sharing thoughts, feelings, and either approval or disapproval.

The role of the clerk, beyond guiding the meeting, is to listen for the sense of the meeting: the moment when hearts and minds feel clear enough to move forward together. Since we do not vote, decisions must be acceptable to all. If unity isn’t reached, we wait, reflect, and return to it later after more time for “seasoning.”

A notable moment came when a friend shared that others were hitting the gaga ball too hard and that it hurt when they were hit. This was met with nods and agreement, especially from younger students. What followed was a thoughtful conversation about inclusion in games, awareness of our different sizes and sensitivities, and empathy for one another. It wasn’t just about being gentler; it was about understanding. What feels like a hard hit to one person might not to another. The group discussed a few ideas and ultimately decided that clearer communication between players would help everyone feel safe and heard. No new rules, just more kindness, patience, and awareness. That was the agreeable outcome.

Other topics led to more practical solutions. An ad hoc Fundraising Committee was formed, with two fifth-year students as conveners, to brainstorm ways to raise money for new recess equipment. A group volunteered to rewrite names on snack bowls that had worn off in the wash, and we decided to use those bowls at lunch as well; to cut down on dishwashing chores and encourage more stewardship and independence.

But the most remarkable part of Meeting for Business isn’t just the decisions we make—it’s who is making them. The children lead the meeting. They come up with most of the agenda, raise concerns, propose solutions, and speak from the heart. Every child has a chance to speak and nearly all did. Adults participated, but as equals. We have to raise our hands too!

Meeting for Business is a regular and sacred time to practice building community. Students feel ownership of their school because they have ownership. They may not make every policy or financial decision, but they shape the culture, and they help hold each other lovingly accountable when things drift.

At the end of the meeting, another friend made their way to the center, lit the candle, and we shared another couple of minutes of silence—ending the way we began. And with that, the student offered,
“There is no way to peace,”
and we all answered together,
“Peace is the way.”

Then we went about the rest of our day.

By: Canaan