PC(USA) - NNPCW Starter Manual, Models of College Women's Groups


	NNPCW Starter Manual—Models of College Women's Groups

	Choosing a Prototype
	Campus groups are all unique and develop primarily to meet the particular needs of the local college women. Existing groups fall within one of these three basic models: Within an already existing campus ministry: Campus-based groups may use the resources of an existing campus ministry program. Female campus chaplains or ministers easily step into mentoring roles. Faculty members or others associated with the ministry may also fill that role. Such groups sponsor women's retreats, Bible studies and/or discussion groups. In association with a local congregation: This model is ideal for congregation-based campus ministries or congregations seeking ways to reach out to campuses. Local Presbyterian Women (PW) chapters, ministers or congregation members fill a mentoring role. Retreats, Bible studies and discussion groups can be coupled with other ministries in the congregation. Regional networking: Students from two or more campuses may join for a retreat once a semester or plan service projects together. Participating in Presbyterian Women regional gatherings also introduces college women to the "connectional" church.


	Setting Up a Group

	Identify three to eight (or more!) young women interested in exploring what it means for them to be a Christian, a woman and a college student. Find a "wise woman" to guide the group. Contact your campus chaplain/minister, local congregation or the NNPCW office for suggestions. Gather together to determine the following: Where do you want to focus? Get suggestions. Do you want to be an official student group? If so, contact the Office of Student Affairs for information. Do you want to be part of a larger campus ministry program? If so, contact your campus minister/chaplain. Do you want to be less formal and simply gather in someone's dorm room or other location? Determine a method of self-governing. Using the consensus model of governing is a core value of NNPCW. The College of Wooster has developed a good model for self-governing. A coordinating committee of six students guides programming for the group. Two co-moderators are elected, along with one representative from each academic year (freshman, sophomore, etc.). Other campuses operate less formally and decide as an entire group how they wish to focus their attention. Be thankful for small steps. It takes time for a group to grow. Concentrate on the quality of discussion, reflection, spiritual growth, and/or social action, and then ask others to join! Select a campus liaison to be in touch with NNPCW about what your group is doing. Contact NNPCW office monthly with information about group activities and topics of discussion.


	Suggested Areas of Focus Bible Study Use one of these resources to study women in the Bible, Jesus' relationships with women, and scriptural role models: Clothed with the Sun, Women and Jesus in Mark, WomanWord, WomanWisdom, and WomanWitness are especially helpful. Topical Discussions Societal violence, eating disorders, inclusive language, economic justice, the media, health concerns and other issues are of special concern to women. Spiritual Formation Gather for prayer, meditation, spiritual direction. Spend some time countering the notion that "a woman's work is never done." Relax, reflect, rest in the knowledge of the Creator's love. Community Service/Advocacy Raise money to fight hunger in your local Crop Walk, volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, march in a "Take Back the Night" rally. Women's Retreat Get away for a long weekend or school break, perhaps with women from another campus or with high school women from a local youth group. Leadership Event Send one or two students to an annual NNPCW leadership event and have her share the experience with her local campus.



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