COSROW
Commission on the Status and Role of Women
WHO WE ARE:
Commission on the Status and Role of Women in the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church (COSROW)
Our role in the UMC: Monitor/Advocate/Change Agent/Witness
Working for the full inclusion of women in the life of The United Methodist Church
Ask Before You Hug: Every United Methodist Church congregation should be a place of safety and security where caring, respect, and trust are experienced by all.
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NOW OUT - The newest addition of:
The Guide: What Do I Do If…?
A basic informational handbook for clergy spouses in the Iowa Conference
This handbook was published in June 2010. Click here for for the web version or contact your district COSROW rep for a printed copy.
HOW TO CONTACT US:
To contact the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women:
Email: gcsrw@gcfa.org
To contact the Iowa Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women:
Call the Iowa Conference at 515-974-8900
Or contact your District representative
Central: Arden Borgen
East Central: Larry Loeppke
North Central: Rose Calderon Khan
South Central: Diane Schroeder
Northwest: Luann Benge
Southwest: Denise Stevens
Northeast:: Doris Howard
Southeast: Kathy Meacham, Marilyn Lancaster
At Large: Betsy Piette, Margaret Abney, Nancy Hanaman, Marv Siems, and Vicki Steffes
Assistant to the Bishop for Connectional Ministries: Karen Dungan
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SCHEDULED MEETINGS:
September 25, 2010 from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Conference Center.
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The General Commission publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Flyer. You may contact them at www.gcsrw.org for a subscription.
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WITHIN COSROW WEB SITE A PLACE FOR:
Iowa Women in Ministry
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COSROW Ambassador Award
The Ambassador Award recognizes individuals (non-COSROW members) who are committed to the full inclusion of women, especially those who are on the margins of the church and society, through one or more of the following ways:
Advocate
An advocate stands along side and shares the pain and joy of women
An advocate seeks on behalf of women so that women may claim their rightful place in decision-making arenas in the church
An advocate takes the initiative to make changes collectively on behalf of all women and of special groups, such as lay women, racial ethnic women, and clergywomen
Catalyst
A catalyst raises awareness of ways in which women are not fully included in the life of the church and sparks new perceptions and ways of being women in the church.
A catalyst inspires new women leaders to find their places in our denomination
Monitor
A monitor is aware of the life and commitment of the church to full and equal participation of women
A monitor acts to promote that participation.
Nominations will be accepted until March 31 of the year under consideration. Any person or group may submit a nomination by sending a completed nomination form to your COSROW representative or to the Conference Center.
All members of Iowa COSROW serve on the selection committee. The Ambassador Award recipient will be recognized during Iowa Annual Conference.
The selection criteria:
Nominee must be a member of a United Methodist church in the Iowa Conference
Nominee may be of either gender
All contributions of the nominee must be substantiated
The nominee’s contributions must have far reaching impact for women in the Iowa United Methodist Conference.
For further information and nomination information please contact COSROW through your District Representative to COSROW.
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Suggested Studies and books:
HERSTORY, a compilation of the stories of ordained women in the UMC
Rock, Shepherd, Friend: Enriching Our Images of God
A four-session study prepared by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of The United Methodist Church
This study is available through the General Commission web site: www.gcsrw.org
The Journey Is Our Home by Carolyn Henninger Oehler
A history of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of The United Methodist Church