North Pacific Yearly Meeting is a regional organization consisting of individual congregations, called
"monthly meetings"
(because they hold meetings for the conduct of business once a month). NPYM
is called a yearly meeting because it holds an annual session where Friends
from throughout the Pacific Northwest gather to worship and conduct business together.
The organizational structure and guiding beliefs of Friends in NPYM are set forth in our
book of
Faith and Practice,
which is currently undergoing revision.
The Religious Society of Friends is one of the traditional peace churches. Since Friends believe
that the way to achieve peace is through social justice, we have a strong emphasis on carrying
our faith into action.
North Pacific Yearly Meeting functions largely through the work of various
committees. The primary committee which conducts the major
business of NPYM throughout the year is the
Steering Committee. Steering Committee consists of representatives from each of the
monthly meetings
and meets approximately every two months.
NPYM has an active youth community,
with opportunities for youth
to socialize and participate in social service and political actions.
The Western, national and international Friends community provides
publications and
other resources
for those interested in worship, religious study, and social and political issues of interest
to Friends.