Grow in Action & In Love

DATE: February 7, 2019

TO: GFS Adult Attendees

FROM: Amy Newman - National Assembly 2019 Committee

RE: National Assembly 2019 – Attendee Information & Forms

Thank you for registering for National Assembly 2019. NA 2019 will be here before you know it!

Final registration payments are now due, so if you have not already sent in your final payment, please mail it

to me at Amy Newman 39 Game Farm Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473. You may also use the pay pal link sent

out on Constant Contact dated January 31, 2019.

Please also complete the enclosed forms and return by April 15th. Scan and email the forms to

amy_newman18@yahoo.com or mail them to me at 39 Game Farm Road Schwenksville, PA 19473.

Outing and workshop preferences will be assigned on a first come basis so return your forms quickly.

The required form due by March 1 is:

Tour Day Information Form

The required forms, due April 15th, are:

Adult Attendee checklist, indicating choices for Tour Day and or volunteers

Emergency and Health Information Form

Supervision of Minor form

Signed expectations form from each GFS Member that you are supervising

Copy of Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Certification

Diocesan Presidents & Leaders – Banner Information & Packing List

Also enclosed are the following for your review:

Personal Packing List

National Assembly Study Guide & Worksheet for Youth Members (you may find it helpful as well)

Finally enclosed is a Schedule for NA 2019. Please plan your arrival to Malvern Retreat House for 2-5 pm,

June 30, 2019. We cannot provide transportation from the airport or train station to the Retreat House, but if you

need help finding a limo service let us know.

We cannot accommodate early arrivals or late departures as the Retreat House has other events before and after

us. We will be happy to send you information on local attractions you can visit the morning before you arrive or

the day you leave if you want to maximize your time in Pennsylvania.

See you all soon!

**Please note that GFS members between the ages of 18-21 are considered youth for registration purposes.

Girls Friendly Society USA

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 2019

June 30, 2019- July 6, 2019

Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA

Tour Day Form

*For all options, it is strongly recommended that people travel in groups of 3 or

more.

*Because of the location, every GFS member 21 and under must travel with an

ambassador 25+, sponsor, leader, parent or guardian.

Please update your status with an “X” accordingly.

Age

Child: 5-12 ___________

Student: 13-18 __________

Student: 19+ ____________

Adult: 19-59 ___________

Senior: 60+ ____________

Requires accessibility assistance____________

Comment on the above accessibility assistance required:

Mark “X” on the option that you wish. Rank 1 and 2.

Option 1: Old City “At Your Own Pace” _________

Explore Old City and Historic Philadelphia at your own pace with admission into these attractions: National Constitution Center

Christ Church

Christ Church Burial Ground

Betsy Ross House

Admission to Christ Church and Christ Church burial ground will include a guided tour.

Admission into the Betsy Ross House will include an audio tour.

(All sites are within minutes walking distance from Independence Hall and other free landmarks such as the Liberty Bell,

Congress Hall, the President’s House and the Philadelphia Mint.)

Option 2: Franklin Footsteps Walking Tour (75 min tour) __________

Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and other colonial Philadelphians who forged a nation. This

Colonial Walking Tour is led by a professional guide in colonial dress who provides detailed information about

the locations visited. These locations include: Independence Hall

Liberty Bell

Carpenter’s Hall

Christ Church

Betsy Ross House

Christ Church Burial Ground

Elfreth Alley

Franklin Court (site of Ben Franklin’s home)

NOTE: Franklin Footsteps walking tour does NOT include admission into the featured locations.

This option also includes admission into the National Constitution Center.

(All sites are within minutes walking distance from Independence Hall and other free landmarks such as the Liberty Bell,

Congress Hall, the President’s House and the Philadelphia Mint.)

Option 3: Big Bus Tour (Hop on Hop off) ____________

Experience Philadelphia from the top of a modern Double Decker bus. See the cultural attractions and historic

sites from an open top bus. Professional Tour Guides bring old and new Philadelphia to life in a 90 minute fully

narrated tour. Locations include 27 stops and sites in Philadelphia with busses running roughly every 15-20

min. if you choose to hop off to visit a site longer.

The link to the full list of sites:

https://www.phillytour.com/wp-content/themes/ptw/images/2017Map.pdf

Some highlights are: the “Rocky Steps”, Love Park, Penn’s Landing, Eastern State Penitentiary and Reading Terminal as

well as all sites in Historic Philadelphia.

This option also includes admission into the National Constitution Center.

(The National Constitution Center is walking distance from Independence Hall and other free landmarks such as the

Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, the President’s House and the Philadelphia Mint.)

Accessibility Betsy Ross House The nearly 300-year-old narrow, winding stairs of the Betsy Ross House are not accessible to strollers, wheelchairs,

walkers, or motorized scooters. For guests with mobility issues, the Museum offers either a “first-floor tour”, which

includes some walking and two steps up/down. For those unable to walk unassisted, we offer a complimentary audio

guide with a book of pictures depicting the inside of the house. The courtyard, including Betsy Ross’s grave and a

seasonal medicinal herb garden, the museum store, and exhibition gallery are all accessible. A first-floor accessible

restroom is also available. Please refer to our staff when you arrive, we are happy to accommodate any needs to ensure a

fun and informative visit to our museum!

Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground Both sites are handicap accessible. There is a path around the Burial Ground- both brick and gravel in parts, and a scooter

would need to stay on the path. Parts of the tour do go on grass.

National Constitution Center Fully accessible.

Franklin Footsteps Street/sidewalk walking. No entry into places visited. Sidewalks are accessible.

Big Bus Tour

With advance notice, the company can arrange to have a bus with an ADA ramp available.

Adult Attendee Checklist for GFS National Assembly, June 30 – July 6, 2019

Name of Participant___________________________________

Final payment enclosed ($_______)

This form is to be returned

Emergency contact and health information form

Supervision of minors’ form

Signed “Expectations for GFS Members Attending National Assembly” for each girl you are supervising

Copy of Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Certification

Leaders, please indicate in which ways you are willing to help at National Assembly

o Chaperones for trips o Supervisor for physical activities o First Aide team o Girls discussion facilitator o Adult discussion leader o Check out monitors o Evening supervisor and chaperones o Photographers o Diocesan displays o World Project display o World Council 2020 display o National board nominees display

Due April 15th to Amy Newman, 39 Game Farm Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473 or amy_newman18@yahoo.com

Indicate your July 2ndh Outing preferences: Due March 1, 2019

_____ Choice 1:

OR

_____ Choice 2:

EMERGENCY CONTACT & HEALTH INFORMATION FOR ADULTS:

Your Name: _________________________________ Emergency Contact(s): Name: ______________________________________Relation: ___________________ Phone: Home: ______________________Work: _______________________Cell: ________________________ Email address___________________________________________________________ Alternate Emergency Contact Persons: Name: __________________________________ Relation: ____________________ Phone: Home: __________________ Work: _________________________Cell: ______________________ Name: Relation: Phone: Home: ____________________Work: _______________________Cell: _________________________

MEDICAL CONSENT: ******Please provide a copy of front and back of your insurance card******

To Whom It May Concern: While I, the undersigned, am attending the Girls’ Friendly Society/USA National Assembly at Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA June 30 -July 6, 2019and during any travel related thereto, I authorize a GFS/USA Officer or Leader at the GFS National Assembly, to consent to any reasonably necessary medical examination, anesthetic, medical, surgical or dental diagnosis or treatment, and/or hospital care, to be rendered to me under the general or special supervision and on the advice of any physician or dentist licensed under the provisions of Pennsylvania law and an active member of the medical staff of a licensed hospital, whether such diagnosis or treatment is rendered at the office of any such physician or any such hospital, clinic or urgent care facility. I, the undersigned shall be liable and agree to pay all costs and expenses incurred in connection with such medical and dental services rendered to me pursuant to this authorization. I understand that should it be necessary for me to return home due to medical reasons or otherwise, that I shall assume all transportation costs. Signature: _______________________________ Date: ______________________

MEDICATION: Please specify any medication you will be taking during GFS National Assembly 2016

Does any of the above medication need to be stored in a refrigerator

Physician Name & Telephone Number: _________________________________________________________

INSURANCE INFORMATION: Attach a copy of the health insurance card-front and back sides***

Do you have health insurance? Yes No (please check one)

Insurance Company: _______________________________ Policy/Group Number: _____________________________Member Number: ______________________ Please list any allergies, dietary needs, medical problems, special needs or any other information about you that you think would be important for us to know about*:

Due April 15th to Amy Newman 39 Game Farm Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473

or amy_newman18@yahoo.com

Adults

SUPERVISION OF MINOR (S) DURING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY A signed copy of the Expectations for GFS Members Attending the National Assembly (see next page) must be provided for each girl you will be supervising. YOUR NAME: DIOCESE: NUMBER OF YEARS INVOLVED IN GFS _____

Will you be the only one responsible for a minor(s) at National Assembly?

Yes No If No name of other person also responsible

FULL NAME OF MINOR (S):

1. NAME:

RELATIONSHIP TO MINOR:

2. NAME:

RELATIONSHIP TO MINOR:

3. NAME:

RELATIONSHIP TO MINOR:

4. NAME:

RELATIONSHIP TO MINOR:

5. NAME:

RELATIONSHIP TO MINOR:

6. NAME:

RELATIONSHIP TO MINOR:

*Attach additional sheet if needed

All Adult Leaders must have a current certificate for Safe Church (Prevention of Sexual Misconduct) in the

Episcopal Church. ******Please attach a copy of your certificate to this form******

Due April 15th to Amy Newman, 39 Game Farm Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473 or amy_newman18@yahoo.com

FOR NATIONAL ASSSEMBLY COMMITTEE USE:

Certificate copy attached Current out dated Expectations form provided for each girl to be supervised

Adult

EXPECTATIONS FOR GFS MEMBERS ATTENDING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

All Participants will be expected to:

1. Follow safety rules:

a. if under the age of 18, know who your responsible adult is

b. abide by the guidelines and directions of the responsible adult

c. follow all rules, especially curfew, safety, and behavior expectation as set by the National

Assembly Committee.

2. Dress appropriately at all times

a. no torn jeans, no tube tops, no ultra mini-skirts, no bare midriffs except for swimming

b. wear appropriate GFS uniform for special services: white blouse, navy skirt, and uniform sash or

vest

3. Follow behavior rules:

a. be polite and mannerly in all public areas

b. listen when others are talking, do not hold side conversations

c. be on time for scheduled meetings and activities

d. attend and participate in required business sessions

e. attend and participate in all worship services

f. respect each other. “Bear each other’s’ burdens”.

4. Be a role model for GFS in all we undertake.

Signed_______________________ ___ (Girl) _____ __ (Date) Signed____________________ _______ (Parent) _____ __ (Date) Signed___________________________ (Supervising adult) _________ (Date)

Due April 15th to Amy Newman, 39 Game Farm Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473

or amy_newman18@yahoo.com

It is an honor for girls to be able to attend GFS National Assembly. Many volunteer hours have been expended to plan a week of fun and fellowship. There are some serious aspects to National Assembly. GFS National business needs to be accomplished so that the organization will continue for the girls, however we have also planned many hours of field trips and fun activities to make their visit to Pennsylvania memorable.

For Branch Leaders and Diocesan Presidents:

Banner Information

Name of Diocese_______________________

Name of Branch ________________________

Name of person submitting this form___________________________________

Will you be bringing a banner? _____

For which branch or diocese? _____________________________

Approximate size of banner______________________________________________________________

Do you need to a banner pole and stand at National Assembly? __________

If yes, please advise the type of banner pole/stand you need. If you have a travel pole/stand, please bring them.

**We encourage each Branch to bring a GFS Banner to include in the processions for the opening & closing services

Diocesan Packing List

We request that each diocese bring:

Letter of greeting from their bishop (bring with you to National Assembly) Diocesan report (submit via email to Delores Alleyne as soon as possible) Materials for a display: items for tri-fold board, craft examples, photographs, programs from special events, etc. Information to share: successful programs and projects, news articles, etc. GFS bear Skit for your diocese to perform at the Banquet Pins for the girls to exchange and put on their name badge lanyards

Do you need a tri-fold board for your display? __________

Personal Packing List

GFS uniform, including navy skirt/dress slacks and white blouse/shirt For Hop on Hop off Tour wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen Comfortable clothes for the BBQ Light jacket or sweater for evenings and air-conditioned meeting rooms Party attire for banquet Robe and nightgown Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. (linens will be provided) Casual clothing for warm weather Umbrella Spending money for snacks and mementos You may bring electronic devices. However, you will not be allowed to use them during meals, meetings, group work, or worship and you will be expected to use them with discretion at other times.

No torn jeans, no tube tops, no ultra mini-skirts, no bare midriffs except for swimming

Hooray! I’m Going to the 63rd GFS National Assembly! A Brief Guide to GFSUSA NA 2019 Welcome to GFS National Assembly. You already know about the Girls’ Friendly Society; you know the girls and leaders in your branch and diocese, the kinds of activities you do, the ways in which we all seek to love and serve God. Once every three years, representatives from all over the country get together at National Assembly, to meet each other, to pray together, to support each other, to do the business we need to do for the good of GFSUSA. And to have fun! This year, we’re meeting June 30th – July 6th in Malvern, PA which is in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. It is an honor for you to be able to attend National Assembly. You will be an important part of all that is going on at NA. We’ve gathered together some information about what to expect and what is expected of you.

What happens at National Assembly? And what part do I play?

You will receive a calendar listing the events for each day that you are at National Assembly, but here’s a summary: we’re going to meet together for a week, and in that week we will worship together, we will hold business meetings, we will do some service projects, we will go some fun places, we will install new officers, and we will party together. There will be activities that we all do together, and activities that are specifically for our youth - you! One of the first things you will be doing is to meet to talk about what you imagine GFS to be, what your goals and aspirations are for our organization, and what you would like to gain from attending National Assembly. There is a worksheet at the end of this Study Guide to help you start to think about these things. At other times, you will be attending business meetings with the adults; more about that to come.

Business meetings? What happens there, and how are they run?

GFS is an organization; it has decisions to make for the common good, and rules by which we make those decisions. At National Assembly, business meetings are held to take care of those decisions. Meetings are conducted using the rules of parliamentary procedure, found in the Newly Revised Edition Roberts Rules of Order. By using these rules, the participants know how the meeting is going to work, how we can listen to each other, how we can bring up our points of view. The National President, Delores Alleyne, will conduct the meetings and is in charge of them. An agenda (a list of what is going to be discussed and what actions are going to be taken) is made for the meetings. The agenda will include old business - things that have been brought up before, and now are to be discussed again, and new business - things that are being discussed for the first time. Each GFS diocese has a voting representative; in some cases, a diocese has both a Senior Delegate and a Junior or Youth Delegate, but only one can vote, and that person must be over 18 years old. Each diocese that is present at NA has one vote. The other adults and youth are observers who also represent their diocese. Each person in attendance can speak a limited time on an issue on the floor when recognized by the President. By listening to the discussions, we can learn more about GFS, more about what we do and how we do it. The Officers for GFS/USA, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Directors are nominated by the Nominating Committee. The list of officers who have been nominated is called a slate. The slate is presented at the first business meeting, then three more times before it is voted on. The GFS/USA Junior Delegate to World Council and Youth Delegate to the National Board are chosen by the Delegate Selection

Committee at NA. Each girl who has applied will be given an opportunity to present herself to the Assembly. The Committee will make the final selection decision. The GFS/USA Junior and Youth Delegates will be presented to the Assembly and installed at the installation service. Here’s a basic format for parliamentary procedure to help you understand how things work at a business meeting: The President calls the meeting to order. If there is a quorum (the number of people necessary to

carry out business, usually half of these eligible to vote), the meeting can proceed.

The President calls for the approval of the Minutes (the record kept of what happens at a

meeting) of the prior National Assembly.

The President calls for discussion; anyone who has corrections or additions to the Minutes makes

them at this time.

A motion (a proposal) is made by a voting delegate to approve or disapprove the Minutes.

Wording such as this is used: I move that the Minutes of the National Assembly of June 2007 be

approved.

The President calls for a second (a kind of endorsement, saying I support this motion). The

person, a voting delegate, seconding the motion must be a different person from the one who made the

motion, and would say, I second the motion.

An amendment (an addition) may be offered to the motion. It must be seconded and voted on

just like a motion.

The President calls for the question; this means she is placing the motion before the Assembly

for a vote. She will then ask that those in favor of the motion say aye and those not in favor, saying no.

The President announces the vote by saying that it passed or did not pass and may give the

number of votes for the motion and against the motion.

The President then moves on to the next item on the agenda (the list of items to be considered

and/or acted upon), and a similar process is followed.

Here are a couple of expectations for business meetings: there are some of the business meetings you are expected to attend

be on time and in your place, ready to start when the meeting begins

listen when others are talking; do not hold side conversations

respect one another

bring a notebook and pen or pencil for taking notes

turn off all your electronic gadgets

Other Expectations

We are part of Girls Friendly Society; our actions need to represent, to show, what it is we believe. Here are a couple of ways we are expected to behave: If you are under the age of 18, know who your responsible adult is. Abide by the guidelines and

directions of this adult.

Follow the curfew and safety rules which are part of National Assembly. You are on a college campus;

safety rules apply! Do not go out alone, always have someone with you. Before leaving a building,

always let your leader or chaperone know where you are going and with whom.

Be aware of and follow the guidelines for electronics.

Dress appropriately. No torn jeans, no tube tops, no ultra mini-skirts, no bare midriffs except for

swimming.

For special services, wear an appropriate GFS uniform: white blouse, navy skirt, uniform sash or vest

Be polite and caring about others

Attend and participate in all worship services and in required business meetings

Respect each other; Bear each other’s burdens.

What would I like GFS to be? To do? What do I expect from National Assembly?

On Sunday morning, we will have time together for you to talk about these questions while the adults are off doing something else. Start thinking now and talking with your friends; get their input as well as your own, so you’ll come to Pennsylvania full of ideas. Here are some suggestions to get the process started: What would you like GFS to look like in five years?

Perhaps there could be a Youth Board that meets alongside of the National Board. What about an “off year” (every third year when there is no National Assembly or World Council) outing?

Perhaps there could be an outing with girls from all over the country. What about a national service project?

Is there something we could work on together? Something with the Millennium Development Goals? What do you hope to accomplish at National Assembly this year?

Meet new friends Learn more about GFS Have fun....

So, there’s a start; now it’s up to you! Write your notes here____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GFSUSA National Assembly 2019 Schedule

June 30 - Sunday Check-in, Registration, and Welcome Gathering, Entertainment: Bucks County Women’s Chorus, Worship July 1- Monday Opening Service, Community Service, Reception, Business Meeting, Worship July 2 – Tuesday Business Meetings, Workshops, free time to practice skits or songs for the banquet, worship July 3 – Wednesday Tour Day, Evening Meeting, Bible Study, Worship July 4 – Thursday Business Meeting, Community Service, BBQ, 4th of July Celebration, ice cream social & Movie, Worship July 5 - Friday Business Meeting– finalize votes, Closing Service, Banquet with skits and dancing, packing/Free Time July 6 - Saturday Organizational Meeting for the New GFSUSA National Board, Breakfast & Check-out **There will be Chapel each mornings (except for the day of the Opening Service) and Compline each evening (except for the day of the Closing Service) ** The NA 2019 Registration fee includes lodging, linens, meals, admission fees and bus fees except transportation to

and from the assembly and incidentals.