wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] NNPCW's approach to leadership attracts notice of

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8982 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05570
Oct. 21, 2005

NNPCW's approach to leadership
attracts notice of women's-rights group

International forum will study 
Presbyterians' way of sharing 'womanspace'

by Mary Julia Pace
PC(USA) Office of Communication

LOUISVILLE - The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) has
selected for publication a case study of an innovative model for shared
leadership developed by the National Network of Presbyterian College Women
(NNPCW).

	"Empowering Womanspace: Power Distribution and Dynamics in Christian
Feminist Community" was written by Kelsey Rice, associate for NNPCW, and Ann
Crews Melton, former interim associate for Women's Advocacy in the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

	The study explores the unique power-sharing structure of NNPCW and
its ways of creating an organization that nurtures young women's spiritual
development in a Christian community that is inclusive and non-hierarchical. 

	"We're pleased to be able to share this consensus model for shared
leadership," Rice said. "NNPCW is committed to creating a safe environment
where college women can explore what it means to claim a Christian faith that
empowers women."

	The paper was one of 29 chosen from a group of 144 submitted from 42
countries for presentation at AWID's International Forum Oct. 27-30 in
Bangkok, Thailand. 

	Rice will attend as a guest of AWID. Melton also plans to attend.
NNPCW will receive a $1,000 honorarium as part of the award. The PCUSA is an
institutional member of AWID.

	NNPCW is a PC(USA) ministry with about 500 members across the
country. Its inclusive leadership structure ensures that decisions are made
by the people most affected - NNPCW members.

	"I'm so hopeful about this new generation of church leaders," said
Mary Elva Smith, the denomination's associate director for Women's
Ministries. "These young women are truly following the prophetic example of
Jesus Christ in a transforming way. To be asked to share that in the secular
world is a wonderful witness."

	More information about the NNPCW is available at its Web site:
www.pcusa.org/nnpcw.

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