Committee on Migrant and Border Concerns

The Committee evolved from an informal beginning in 1997 (IMYM 97-6.3) as the Committee of Concern for Border Issues.  Its name was changed in 2000 (IMYM 00-11) and its status and structure formalized in 2002 (IMYM 02-10).  Upon the Committee's recommendation, it was returned to an informal status the following year (IMYM 03-05) and has functioned thusly to date.  

Purpose: The Committee has the following functions: (IMYM 02-10 plus attachment 14)

1.  Communication, networking, and sharing models and testimony of compassionate response to Migrant and Border issues

2.  Creating and functioning as a community of concerned Friends that seeks clearness and provides mutual support among Friends and others who work on migrant and border issues. 

Mission:  When initially formed, the Yearly Meeting charged the Committee with the following mission:

1.  Continuing to raise our own awareness of border and migrant issues;

2.  Promoting on-going attention of the Yearly Meeting and its monthly meetings to these concerns;

3.  Pursuing appropriate avenues to address these problems of our border region.

(IMYM 97-6.3 modified by IMYM 02-10 plus attachment 14) 

Some Operating Details:The Committee will meet 3 times per year: at IMYM, and in the Fall and Spring.  These meetings will include business meetings, issue-oriented educational sessions, and on-border experiences and witness. (Attachment 14, 2002)  The Yearly Meeting will provide oversight of the Committee’s testimony and work.  The Committee is expected to utilize queries, advice and testimony in their communications. (Attachment 14, 2002)  The Committee may create a web page to improve communication. (IMYM 99-5.2)  The Committee may sponsor educational visits to the border and solicit contributions for this purpose.  Those contributions should be passed through the Yearly Meeting treasurer.  (IMYM 00-13) 

Membership:  Members are representatives from monthly meetings and Friends with special skills and talents co-opted by the Committee.  Co-opted members are normally from monthly meetings affiliated with the Yearly Meeting.  (patterned after Faith and Practice Committee as per Attachment 14, 2002)  Members are expected to participate in the work of the committee, including trying to attend all meetings.  The CMBC meetings will be open to participation by other concerned Friends. 

Terms:  Co-clerks are appointed for staggered two year terms on the recommendation of the Committee.  A recording clerk and a corresponding clerk will be appointed by the committee to one year terms.  (Attachment 14, 2002)  

Financial arrangements:  Financial support is derived from voluntary contributions from individuals and monthly meetings to a fund administered by the IMYM treasurer.  Expenditures are to be approved by the Committee.  (Attachment 14, 2002) 

The return in 2003 to informal standing: 

IMYM 03-05:  The Committee on Migrant and Border Concerns will return to its original informal structure. The committee will continue to provide a place and time for sharing, supporting, communicating, and educating. It will continue to have scheduled meetings as way opens; it may offer seminars and field work; it will share models and policy insights, and will respond to requests to visit meeting and worship groups to share concerns and opportunities for action. 

The committee will change from having a clerk to having a convenor which is Tom Kowal until replaced. 

$700 of $1400 in the non-budgetary CMBC Fund carried by the treasurer will be transferred to Pima Monthly Meeting to support Juan Pascoe’s activity. The remaining $700 will remain in the off-budget account, which may receive voluntary contributions for travel, materials, and communication expenses of the committee.”  

IMYM 03-06:  We hold the informal committee in the light and suggest that Friends and their meetings and worship groups consider working with the committee. 

Consideration in 2007:

The Committee meeting as an informal committee decided not to seek a standing committee status at that time, but proceeded to submit a report and request for action to the annual session.