New Year’s Gathering is an annual Quaker gathering to welcome the new year with worship and community. The Gathering lasts several nights and alternates between being held in Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Western Young Friends was founded in 1975 by young people from Pacific and North Pacific Yearly Meetings. While there is no formal tie to other Quaker bodies, WYF has many participants who are members, attenders, or former children of monthly meetings. The WYF New Year's Gathering is multi-generational, and open to all ages.

All participants share the work of the Gathering, including meal preparation, childcare, etc. WYF conducts enough business to care for each other during the Gathering, create an epistle, and ensure the planning of the next Gathering.

Pre-teen kids are welcome at half price; childcare will be provided by the community of the Gathering.

Besides cooking meals, sitting in worship, and conducting business, typical activites include short hikes, board games, singalongs, etc.

We also typically have workshops or interest groups led by participants of the Gathering. Anyone can lead an interest group, so start thinking about ideas. Some examples of previous workshops and interest groups are: harm reduction, environmental concerns, peaceful economics, Quaker process, dance, tarot, nature walks, Tai Chi, sign language, massage, and various aspects of spirituality.

We also have a talent show every year, so start thinking about ideas if you'd like to perform!

Check back in the fall for information about the 2025-2026 gathering.