Preparatory & Explanatory Sessions-Explained

Prior to YM, each group which has submitted a DiA report, may hold an Explanatory Session, or a Preparatory Session. They will be held prior to Yearly Meeting, during the time-range of 1st to 22nd May. The aim is to reduce the pressure on time during YM (an important consideration for an online event).

An Explanatory Session is for a group whose DiA report only has a Part A. These sessions provides an opportunity to present what they have been doing, to elaborate on what is in their report, present it in more than words on paper. Such a session will not contribute to decision-making, but will air the good work of the committee. Because a decision is not sought, the reporting of this committee stops here; it does not go on to a Formal Session.

A Preparatory Session is held when a group has a Part B in its DiA report, in which they have brought a question(s) that they would like Quakers nationally to consider for adoption or decision. Prior to the Preparatory Sessions, Regional Meetings will have considered the reports. At the Preparatory session:

• The Regional meeting responses are shared
• The matter for decision is explored
• The proposal might be modified somewhat by the group as it hears its proposal discussed.

A Prep Session report is sent to the AYM Secretary for consideration by the Clerking Team for YM22 business. This report will indicate if the matter/s under consideration seem to have been resolved through the Regional meeting responses and/or the Preparatory Session.

Preparatory and Explanatory Sessions will be publicised as part of YM22 publicity. Committees are encouraged to make known their own sessions, and to attract interested people to participate, so that multiple modes of informing Friends of what is on, and what they are likely to find interests them can be exercised.

The list of Scheduled Preparatory and Explanatory Sessions can be found here.