In this volume of the Friends Association for Higher Education’s series on Friends and the academic disciplines, ten authors apply theory and history of Quaker work for social change in offering insight into how Friends have approached social work. This collection of essays is divided into three sections. The first considers theory of social work and change. Christy Randazzo applies the work of John Paul Lederach to a theological understanding of Quaker testimony and social action. Daniel Rhodes shares about his application of Quaker principles in his educational work with social work students. Douglas Bennett describes the history and development of Quaker organizations in addressing social issues.

A second section looks at individual Quakers’ lives and their work. Paul Anderson examines the life of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry, Mark Bredin discusses progressive reformer Lucretia Mott, and Wendy Grab considers the Quaker influences on social work pioneer Jane Addams.

The third section considers collective work of Friends in addressing social issues. Nelson Bingham explores the creation of the first mental hospital, the York Retreat, begun by Friends in England. Max L. Carter describes the work of Friends among Midwestern Indians in the early 1800s. Linda B. Selleck draws from her book Gentle Invaders to share the history of Quaker women’s educational work among African Americans before and after the Civil War. Jennifer Buck details Quaker involvement in the women’s Suffrage movement.

About the Editors:

Max L. Carter taught in Friends secondary schools in Ramallah and Philadelphia and at Earlham College and Guilford College, retiring in 2015 from Guilford as the William R. Rogers Director of Friends Center and Quaker Studies.

Jennifer M. Buck is an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Azusa Pacific University. She holds a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and Theology from Claremont Graduate University and an MDiv from Fuller Theology Seminary.

Daniel Rhodes is currently the undergraduate director of the Social Work program at UNC-Greensboro. Daniel received his PhD in Educational Leadership with a graduate certificate in Women and Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2008.

Erin Johnson, MSW is currently BSW Director of Field Education, Assistant Professor of Social Work at George Fox University.

Contributors:
Christy Randazzo Doug Bennett Daniel Rhodes (editor) Paul Anderson (series editor) Mark Bredin Wendy Grab Nelson Bingham Max L. Carter (editor) Linda B. Selleck Jennifer M. Buck (editor)