On 26 January 2025, the community of Cropwell Meeting in Marlton, New Jersey welcomed representatives from QUNO’s New York office to share ongoing efforts to advocate for Quaker concerns and values at the United Nations. QUNO NY Director Sarah Clarke gave a short presentation highlighting how QUNO’s approach to facilitating dialogue helps to strengthen connections between leaders, advocates for peace, and those directly impacted by conflict. 

Following worship, Sarah discussed her work as Director and UN Representative of QUNY NY, and highlighted QUNO’s overall approach to working with the international community. Using images of meetings at Quaker House and formal gatherings of the UN, Sarah illustrated that QUNO’s commitment to off-the-record, informal dialogue, as well as facilitated discussions, differs from the typical atmosphere at the UN in a way that is conducive to understanding and collaboration. Following Sarah’s presentation, QUNO Global Communications & Engagement Lead Bo Mendez encouraged attendees to connect with QUNO online for the latest news. 

Nestled in a historic meeting house completed in 1809, Cropwell Meeting dates back to the late 1700s when local Friends sought to find a central location for communities around southern New Jersey. Since its heyday, the membership of the meeting has ebbed and flowed, with the most recent community of elders seeking to welcome more people to share in their faith. For this event, Quakers and others throughout southern New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania were encouraged to join in for the presentation and a community meal.  

In addition to Cropwell itself, attendees came from meetings in the area such as Haddonfield, NJ and Bensalem, PA, as well as several students from Haverford College. Just as Cropwell Meeting hopes to grow its community, QUNO looks forward to connecting with more Friends and others alike to continue sharing stories of our advocacy at the UN.