Presents: A Luncheon Workshop
Saturday July 12, 2025
11:00am – 1:00pm CST
Matthew 25:36 states “I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
Workshop Presenter – The Rev. Linda Paul, O. C.
ECW Diocesan Board Member, Chaplain
Trinity- Tulsa, Oklahoma
Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, Instructor
Nat’l Speaker “Social Implications of Incarceration”
Deacon- Retired Diocese of Oklahoma
A Ninety-Minute, Interactive Workshop on Zoom
By Cherise Story, CPA, MBA, PRP, NECW Parliamentarian
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Start Times: 10am PST / 11am MST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST
The Zoom link will be sent via the News Blast the day before the event
Attendees will gain an understanding of why Robert’s Rules of Order is used for effective and efficient meetings. The session will review member and officer roles, rights and privileges, demonstrate the proper form for making motions, review rules of debate and decorum, and examine common misunderstandings.
J CHERISE STORY, PRP is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian and active member of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). She currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarians and was appointed coordinator for the NAP Leadership Conference in both 2024 and 2025.
Cherise is deeply involved in parliamentary leadership. She serves on the NAP District Six Administrative Team, is President of the Bayshore Unit, and sits on the membership committee of the Green Gavel Electronic Unit.
Her parliamentary consulting clients include a prominent Houston-based nonprofit, a national service organization, and a political organization. Drawing from her experience as a former president and presiding officer of a 1,000-plus member service organization, Cherise understands the power of parliamentary procedure in running effective meetings.
She is a seasoned presenter, having led workshops on parliamentary procedure for NAP membership exam preparation, local units, state association events, national conferences, and other nonprofit groups. She has also served as a professional presider and as a judge for youth parliamentary competitions.
Beyond her parliamentary work, Cherise brings over 40 years of corporate experience in financial services, audit, and corporate trust administration. She has led numerous managerial training programs and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Cherise holds a degree from Southern University and earned her MBA from the University of Wisconsin.
This workshop will be recorded.
By Susan Howland
It was a delight to join members of the National ECW board and others at the UNCSW: Beijing +30 meeting in March. The Commission focuses on gender equality and the rights and empowerment of women and girls and this session will review outcomes from the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and make recommendations for improvement. I have been following this meeting and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action since 1995, but this was the first time I traveled to New York City to attend in person. I attended a number of parallel events, organized by NGO Committee on the Status of Women/New York, and listened to women’s stories from all over the world. Women spoke of many joys and challenges, but the message I heard was that over the last 30 years the Beijing Platform for Action had provided a foundation for women to bring women’s voices, sometimes slowly, into cultural, social, and governmental structures. The global network has provided a place for women to gather, discuss and give voice to the varied challenges that women face in their local context.
By Lisa Bortner
After returning from the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) 69, the question I am most asked is, “Did you have fun?” I can’t say that attending this event was fun. Yes, it was exciting to be in New York City with nine of my friends and cohorts from the National ECW and Girls Friendly Society, but it wasn’t “fun”. It was a serious occasion to look at the many issues that have been long standing and difficult obstacles for women. This year’s NGO CSW Forum was a gathering of civil societies that presented information and collaborated on what progress has been made since the Beijing95 meeting and where we need to focus our future attention.
The NGO CSW Forum runs parallel to and complements the United Nations CSW. The sessions focused on thirteen tracks: education and training of women, emerging issues, human rights of women, institutional mechanism for the advancement of women, the girl child, violence against women, women and armed conflict, women and health, women and poverty, women and the economy, women and the environment and women in power and decision making. Now you can see why I would not say that I had fun. What I can say is that when I left the NGO CSW69 I was more convicted to play a larger role in lifting up my sisters throughout the globe on issues that affect all women.
I would like to extend my gratitude to those from the National ECW and the Girls Friendly Society who participated—largely at their own expense—in the NGO CSW69.
A heartfelt thank you to:
Annie Jacobs, Lois Frankforter, Ginny Guzman-Walsh, Dianne Roberts, Susan Howland, Laura Orcutt, Lisa Jo Woods-Kriss, Lydia Kugler, and Cat Spoko. Thank you!
One of the National ECW’s primary objectives at the meeting was to advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Throughout the conference, we heard from Indigenous women across the world who shared similar struggles.
Tragically, we did not meet a single Indigenous woman from the United States. By the end of the first week, we felt a deep conviction: next year, we must sponsor our own NGO CSW session on the plight of U.S. Indigenous Missing and Murdered Women. Our goal is to bring Indigenous Episcopal women to the table, giving them the platform to share their stories and advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities. To make this happen, we seek to collaborate with other entities within the Episcopal Church.
The NGO CSW challenged us to confront the long-standing and complex barriers that continue to oppress women. In response, we recognize our calling to play a larger role in uplifting our sisters globally on the issues that affect all women.
What Can You and I Do?
We must raise our voices loudly to defend:
A Prayer for Justice and Strength
Gracious and Just God,
We lift up to You the women who stand boldly for justice,
who raise their voices for the voiceless,
who work tirelessly for change.
Bless them with wisdom to speak truth in love,
with courage to stand firm in the face of opposition,
and with endurance to press on, even when the road is long.
Protect them from harm, strengthen their resolve,
and surround them with support and encouragement.
Let their words and actions sow seeds of hope,
bringing healing, justice, and peace to the world.
May they always walk in Your light, guided by Your love,
and may their work bear fruit for generations to come.
Amen.
Wear Red on May 5 in Recognition of
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Breaking the Silence: Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is a human rights emergency that has persisted for far too long, affecting Indigenous communities across North America. Despite its devastating impact, the epidemic has been largely ignored by mainstream society. It is time to break the silence, demand justice, and take meaningful action to protect Indigenous women and girls.
How You Can Help
Addressing the MMIW crisis requires collective action. Here are ways you can make a difference:
The time to act is now. Indigenous women deserve safety, justice, and the right to live without fear. By standing together, we can break the silence and bring an end to this crisis.
On their second board meeting, The National Episcopal Church Women spent part of their time commemorating the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement. The trip began with a tour of the 16th Baptist Church, the Kelly Ingram Park and The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The NECW would like to thank the tour guide for sharing so much information about the church. Just to mention, its history began in 1873 as the First Colored Baptist Church of Birmingham. The present-day church was built in 1911. The church met notoriety when a bombing took place on Sunday September 15, 1963. On this day four girls were killed in that bombing. They were Addie Mae Collins (age 14), Carole Robertson (age 14), Cynthia Wesley (age 14) and Denise McNair (age 11). After which the well-known Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham began.
Image Right: 16th Street Baptist Church – Birmingham, AL
At Kelly Ingram Park, the NECW board took a moment and said prayer in front of the “Four Spirits”
The “Four Spirits” is a memorial sculpture of the 4 young girls, depicting what they were doing, in the basement of the church just moments prior to the bombing. According to research, in January 2017, Pres. Barack Obama signed legislation declaring the area around Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park, which includes the church, as the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
The tour of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute was an individual tour in which each board member could walk through and see the many cultural and educational research that comprise this great Civil Rights Institute.
Respectfully Submitted – Gloria Rogers, 2nd Vice President
The National Board maintains two publications.
For monthly information about the Episcopal Church Women and all is local groups, this email newsletter provides a great resource. You can register to receive the News Blast at the bottom of this page.
Four times per year, the National Board publishes a print and digital magazine. The Communique’ is delivered to individuals as well as religious institutions around the world. The magazine publishes articles and news about many subjects that impact women’s lives.
| Publish Month | Delivery Date | Deadline for Submission |
|---|---|---|
| March | March 1st | February 24th |
| April | April 5th | March 31st |
| May | May 3rd | April 28th |
| June | June 7th | June 2nd |
| July | July 5th | June 30th |
| August | August 2nd | July 28th |
| September | September 6th | September 1st |
| October | October 4th | September 29th |
| November | November 1st | October 27th |
| December | December | December 1st |
| Delivery Month | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | April 15th, 2025 |
| October 2025 | August 15th, 2025 |
| January 2026 | November 15, 2025 |
We stand with you, O + Christ, in solidarity against violence.
For by your love and sacrifice, you call us to work for justice and peace.
In this season of reflection, we hear from the prophet Isaiah.
Scripture: Isaiah 53:7-8
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression[a] and judgment he was taken away.
Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was punished.
May God’s word take root in our hearts.
Reflection: (Rev. Canon Debbie Royals)
On unjust judgments faced by victims of gender-based violence and the need for justice and advocacy.
Q: What small steps can each of us take to support victims and advocate for justice?
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy upon us.
We stand with you, O + Christ, in solidarity against violence.
For by your love and sacrifice, you call us to work for justice and peace.
In this season of reflection, we hear from the Gospel according to Matthew.
Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
May God’s word take root in our hearts.
Reflection: (Rev. Canon Debbie Royals)
Considers the burdens carried by survivors of violence and the importance of community support
Q: What does meaningful community support look like for survivors?
Hymn Come unto me, ye weary, 337 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lKA_7oXXlk
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy upon us.
A Two-Hour Presentation on Zoom
Yvonne O’Neal, Presenter
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Start Times: 10am PST / 11am MST / 12pm CST / 1pm EST
A Zoom link will be sent to registrants the week of the event
Human trafficking is pervasive, with millions of vulnerable individuals around the world being exploited. The scale of human trafficking is horrifying. It occurs not only in distant regions but also in every state In the United States, within our communities and neighborhoods.
This presentation will address the various forms of human trafficking, also referred to as modern-day slavery, and the reasons it continues to thrive. Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of trafficking. We will examine how our societies often choose to look the other way and discuss what can be done to change this.
What can The Episcopal Church and ECW do to help dismantle this multi-billion-dollar business of human trafficking? Please bring your compassionate hearts, and let’s explore how our churches can become safe spaces and advocates for victims.
Yvonne O’Neal is a dedicated social justice advocate focused on ending human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and violence against women and girls. She is a founding member of the Episcopal Diocese of New York Task Force Against Human Trafficking and actively participates in the NGO Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons at the United Nations. Yvonne has organized webinars on human trafficking and has spoken at important events, including the first UN Ocean Conference in 2017.
As a representative of the Africa Development Interchange Network, Yvonne has held leadership roles in various NGO committees and has produced numerous panels. She has served on different boards, including the Episcopal Diocese of New York’s ECW board, and is currently a member of the Church Pension Group Board of Trustees, where she chairs the Audit Committee. Having grown up in the church, Yvonne has been involved in her parish, Holy Trinity in Manhattan, and has promoted international mission outreach.
Her contributions to advancing women and girls have earned her several accolades, including the Society of Financial Service Professionals’ Paul S. Mills Scholarship and the Equitable Community Leadership Award. A retired financial consultant with multiple industry qualifications, Yvonne holds a Master of Arts degree from New School University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Puerto Rico. She has also completed the Women’s Leadership Institute certificate program at Hartford Seminary.
This event will be video, and audio recorded. We reserve the right to share any part of one’s participation on our website, in our print collateral, or with other registered participants. If you sign on to participate through our Zoom link, you acknowledge your understanding of and agreement to this notification.
For additional Information: Ginny Guzman-Walsh, Chair NECW VIRTUAL EVENT SERIES ginnygw@icloud.com
Lent is a sacred season in the Christian tradition—a time for deep reflection, repentance, and renewal. It invites us to walk with Jesus on his journey to the Cross, contemplating his suffering, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph over death. Yet, it is also a time to confront the harsh reality that Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion were acts of violence. His story resonates deeply with the experiences of countless people who suffer violence and injustice in our world today.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global crisis. Statistics tell us that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of GBV each year. Survivors are often silenced by fear, shame, and social stigma while cycles of violence continue.
Through Thursdays in Black, we are called to raise awareness, offer solidarity, and seek practical solutions to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This Lenten series, Stations of Hope, invites us to reflect on the Stations of the Cross through this lens. Each station becomes a space to consider the reality of violence, particularly SGBV, and to explore how we—individually and collectively—can respond with compassion, advocacy, and action.
Together, let us walk this journey of reflection and renewal, holding onto the hope that love and justice will prevail.
Dates: Thursdays, March 6 – April 17, 4:30 PM, EST
Location: Zoom – we will email the link to everyone before the event. No need to register.
Each session includes: Scripture, a brief reflection, and a hymn
Join us as we reflect, pray, and take action together in hope and love.
Week 1: The Burden of Injustice (March 6)
Week 2: Support and Compassion (March 13)
Week 3: Acts of Kindness and Solidarity (March 20)
Week 4: Vulnerability and Wounds (March 27)
Week 5: Hope and Perseverance (April 3)
Week 6: Community and Restorations (April 10)
Week 7: Love and Service: A Maundy Thursday Reflection – April 17
More information about this program coming next week.
