Our History

Fifty years of faith, equity, and shared resources

Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR) began as a simple yet radical idea: that love calls us to share the world’s abundance more justly.

In 1967, at the Fourth World Conference of Friends in Greensboro, North Carolina, Quakers from around the globe were moved by a deeply inspiring experience of corporate leading. Together, they affirmed that the world’s vast inequities could no longer be tolerated by a people committed to equality and love.

From that gathering grew a movement that continues to this day.

God calls us to the right sharing of world resources — from the burdens of materialism and poverty into the abundance of God’s love.
— RSWR Mission Statement

Various posters and documents from the Fourth World Conference of Friends — A display case in Guilford College’s library displays memorabilia from the 1967 World Conference of Friends.

The Seeds of a Movement

In the years leading up to 1967, British Friends Maisie and Walter Birmingham urged Quakers to live modestly and give generously in their essay, Christian Responsibility for the Use of Natural Resources. Their call became the seed of the Right Sharing concern, linking faith, simplicity, and economic justice.

This concern took root at the Guilford Conference, where 900 Friends representing six continents united behind the conviction that sharing resources was a moral and spiritual imperative.

Is it now time that Friends worked out their common testimony to the right use of the world’s resources?
— Maisie & Walter Birmingham, 1965

A white pamphlet with green and white text sits on brown, wooden table — A pamphlet describes the One Percent More Fund program, the predecessor to RSWR’s current programs.

Timeline of Right Sharing

1967 — The Call to Action

The Fourth World Conference of Friends issues a landmark statement, “People, Food, and the Sharing of Resources—A Vision for the Future.” It becomes the foundation of Right Sharing.

1968–1970 — The 1% Fund

Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) launches the One Percent More Fund, inviting Friends to contribute 1% of their income to projects supporting people in developing nations. Early initiatives include microenterprise programs in Kenya, India, and Guatemala.

1972 — RSWR Takes Shape

The program formally becomes Right Sharing of World Resources, emphasizing both global partnership and personal transformation—encouraging Friends not only to give, but to live more intentionally.

It is sharing, not foreign aid. Through its practice we learn from those of other lands and thus learn to live a fuller life.
— Keith Smiley, 1978

A smiling woman stands in front of a group of waving toddlers — Right Sharing supported a child care center in Zimbabwe in 1982.

1973–1990 — Growth and Witness

RSWR expands across continents, supporting grassroots women’s groups and offering small grants that grow livelihoods and leadership. The first newsletters, study guides, and educational games are created to engage Friends in reflection and action.

1999 — Becoming Independent

After decades under the care of FWCC, RSWR becomes an independent Quaker nonprofit, continuing the same mission with a renewed focus on women-led microenterprise projects.

Eight people pose for the camera — RSWR Founding board members gather in 1999.

Today — Building from a Solid Foundation

RSWR partners with grassroots women’s groups in Guatemala, India, Kenya, and Sierra Leone, offering small grants and training that help women build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen their communities, and live with dignity.

People of many faiths and no faith join RSWR in working toward more equitable global wealth distribution – and living simpler lives. Although RSWR is a Quaker nonprofit, neither religion nor faith are criteria for a women’s group to partner with RSWR.

Through five decades of change, one truth has remained constant: A little shared in love can go a very long way.

See how RSWR continues this work today through learning about Our Approach.