Hello Friends!
I send you greetings from the Church Center of the UN on this International Women's Day. I am blessed to be in the company of 200 women (and a few men) from around the globe who've gathered to advocate for women & their communities at the upcoming session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
We've been brought together by Ecumenical Women to provide a much-needed faith perspective to the UN -- a perspective which embraces gospel values of love, acceptance and caring for our neighbor. Co-convener Terri Pilarsky and I are honored to represent the Episcopal Women's Caucus for the first time at this event and we offer our thanks to you. It's your support which makes EWC's participation possible. Thank you for blessing EWC with this opportunity.
I'm writing today to urge you to participate with us -- no matter where in the world you are. Here's how..
* Follow the Session! ~ The UNCSW session will be webcast so you can follow the events beginning Monday,March 10, at 10am. Go to UNWomen
for the link to the broadcast. Stay turned to the EWC Facebook page where we'll post pictures and links to the various bloggers here.
* Tell people! ~ Let folks know the UNCSW session is underway and that you care about what's being discussed. This is the final year of the Millennium Development Goals and this session focuses on "Challenges and Achievements" in implementing the MDGs. The world urgently needs action from leaders concerning violence against women & girls and alleviation of poverty, along with access to healthcare and education. Send a note or make a call to your state & national representatives, telling them that significant progress still must be made on these issues.
* Join us! ~ If you are in the region, come spend Wednesday, March 12, with us at the Episcopal Church Center (815 Second Ave.) EWC is offering hospitality (continental breakfast & light lunch). The Presiding Bishop will greet attendees in the morning and co-convener Terri will lead a WordsMatter workshop in the afternoon. We could use your help with hospitality and would love to have you participate.
* Send money! ~ Nothing in NYC is cheap and providing hospitality certainly isn't either. If you are able to contribute toward hosting our UNCSW guests, we'd be tremendously grateful. Simply go to
donate to make a special donation. Just $5 will cover one meal for a guest.
* Pray, pray, pray! ~ The Spirit moves powerfully in this gathering which is covered in prayer around the globe. Some of these women have come great distances at great expense from places where their lives are difficult and in danger. Please pray for open hearts, willing leadership, compelling voices and safe journeys as these women return home and resume their daily lives. Their bravery is humbling and surely their passion for equality and justice is Spirit-led.
If you are able to come to NYC next week or if you'd like to visit with me about the EWC or UNCSW session, please feel free to call or text me at
307-377-7763 or send an email to
PamelaK -- I'd love to hear from you.
Again, thank you for your support and prayers. Our reception by long-time participants & organizers is heartwarming and deeply gratifying. It feels that we are exactly where God would have us be!
God bless, PAMELA RW KANDT,
Co-convener, Episcopal Women's Caucus
