QUAKERS AND TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Steven Walsh


Thriftiness and concern for the poor were two Quaker values that contributed to mid-18th century Pennsylvania having the highest standard of living in the world, despite the desperate economic conditions that faced the American colonists a few decades before.


What can we learn from that Quaker experiment as we face economic hard times of our own? Come to Blue River Quarterly, where Steven Walsh will share his historical perspective on money and help us discern the choices we can make if we want to create an economic system that is grounded in a positive relationship with money and what those relationships might become.


Steven Walsh's academic background is in anthropology, education and political science. He has taught math, science, history and social studies in Alaska and Illinois. Going on four years he has been an active member and presenter for the American Monetary Institute (AMI). He has presented papers on the American colonial experience with money at an AMI conference as well as the 2008 Eastern Economic Association Conference.


While the adults are pondering their relationship with money, the children will be exploring ways of coping in tough economic times. Through play, projects, and conversation they will learn about things like reducing, reusing and recycling; Quaker testimonies on simple living; alternative money uses; and being stewards of the earth. Kids come to BRQ for free — bring the family and come!


Kids over 12 (and adults who are young at heart and hardy) can register for a Ropes Course. We need at least 10 for us to be eligible for the Ropes Course, so bring all your friends and prepare for a great time! Register for the Ropes Course by March 15.


All this in the lovely setting of Camp Menno Haven, in the Illinois River Valley near Princeton, Illinois, in the early spring weather. Interested? Check out the brochure, with the fee schedule and program for the weekend, at:

Spring 2009 Brochure

Spring 2009 Registration and Medical Release forms

Don't forget ­ Saturday night will be our traditional square dance, with live music provided by Brenda Koenig and Drew Phillips, to which the local Mennonites are also invited. We'll have a great time ­-- bring your dancing shoes and come one, come all!