Commission on the Status and Role of Women

Commission on the Status and Role of Women

WHO WE ARE:

  • 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.

The Guide:  What Do I Do If…?

A basic informational handbook for clergy spouses in the Iowa Conference:  Click here for the web version or contact your district COSROW rep for a printed copy.  This handbook was published in June 2010.

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:  515-974-8900 or email us at iacosrow@gmail.com. 

You can also contact your District representative below:

  • Central:  Dave Beane
  • East Central:  Momodu Kamara
  • North Central:  Vacant
  • Northeast: Doris Howard
  • Northwest:  Vacant    
  • South Central:  Sue Clausen      
  • Southeast:  Olympia Marcos
  • Southwest:  LeAnn Robine
  • Liaison to Iowa Conference United Methodist Women: Olivia Pleggenkuhl
  • Youth Representative: Amber Jerson
  • Young Adult: Rachel Hollingsworth
  • At Large:  Millie Frese
  • Co-Chairpersons:  Alex Bruening and Lauren Wise Loonsfoot

SCHEDULED MEETINGS:

The General Commission publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Flyer.  You may contact them at www.gcsrw.org for a subscription.

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.

The person selected to receive the Ambassador Award for 2019 from the Iowa Conference Commission on the Status and Role of Women is Rose White.

 

Rose is a neighbor to everyone, and advocates for women on all levels. She makes sure single or hardworking moms have a chance to succeed by making sure their kids are provided for (often providing care or resources herself). She supports migrant women workers and their businesses, and she goes out of her way to be sure the women in her own family have adequate care, resources and chances to succeed.

Rose is a district UMW officer and teaches kids at Mission U, helps with local schools and daycares, cares for her own grandchildren, and helps anyone in need, especially women, no matter what their needs are. She is active in the Emmaus community, auxiliary, and is the mission's coordinator for her church.

COSROW is receiving $1,500 this year to support their ministries as inclusive people of God reaching out to care for a hungering and hurting world. These funds are made possible with the apportionment gifts of the United Methodist churches of Iowa.

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.

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