April News 2012

FWCC General Secretary nomination

Gretchen Castle of Philadelphia nominated to serve as FWCC General Secretary. The Central Executive Committee of Friends World Committee for Consultation has agreed that the name of Gretchen Castle of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, currently Acting Dean at Pendle Hill Quaker Study Center, should go forward for approval as Nancy Irving’s successor as General Secretary. This proposal will be considered at the International Representatives Meeting at the World Conference in April, 2012.

Once Gretchen’s name is approved, she will join the team at the World Office in London as Associate General Secretary in October, taking over from Nancy in January 2013.

Gretchen writes: “It is with great joy that I anticipate taking on this work.  I am grateful to serve Friends through FWCC, a vital organization that is connecting Friends, changing lives, and gathering our voices as Friends worldwide.”

New FCNL Legislative Secretary

Jose Aguto joins FCNL as Legislative Secretary for Sustainable Energy and the Environment. As the Legislative Secretary on Sustainable Energy and the Environment, Jose will direct lobbying efforts that reflect and advance the policies of the FCNL community to “Seek an Earth Restored.” His portfolio includes advocacy on the development of clean energy resources and meaningful actions to help peoples here and abroad prepare for and withstand the profound impacts of climate change.

Prior to joining FCNL in February 2012, Jose worked for the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the oldest, largest, and most representative intertribal organization in the nation. At NCAI he helped to lead efforts that resulted in the inclusion of tribal nations and peoples in several climate initiatives from Congress and the administration. He helped develop and advance legislation tapping the vast energy potential on Indian lands and helped create and advance the work of Our Natural Resources, an alliance of intertribal organizations promoting the sustainability of Indian Country’s natural resources, cultural lifeways, and ecological practices.

Prior to joining NCAI in 2008, Jose was a Policy Advisor for the American Indian Environmental Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he helped advance and protect the sovereign authority of Indian tribes over their lands and natural resources. He is a graduate of Brown University and Villanova University School of Law, and a member of the Maryland Bar.