05570
Oct. 21, 2005   

NNPCW’s approach to leadership
attracts notice of women’s-rights group  

International forum will study
Presbyterians’ way of sharing ‘womanspace’

by Mary Julia Pace
PC(USA) Office of Communication

LOUISVILLE — The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) has selected for publication a case study of an innovative model for shared leadership developed by the National Network of Presbyterian College Women (NNPCW).

     “Empowering Womanspace: Power Distribution and Dynamics in Christian Feminist Community” was written by Kelsey Rice, associate for NNPCW, and Ann Crews Melton, former interim associate for Women’s Advocacy in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

     The study explores the unique power-sharing structure of NNPCW and its ways of creating an organization that nurtures young women’s spiritual development in a Christian community that is inclusive and non-hierarchical.

     “We’re pleased to be able to share this consensus model for shared leadership,” Rice said. “NNPCW is committed to creating a safe environment where college women can explore what it means to claim a Christian faith that empowers women.”

     The paper was one of 29 chosen from a group of 144 submitted from 42 countries for presentation at AWID’s International Forum Oct. 27-30 in Bangkok, Thailand.

     Rice will attend as a guest of AWID. Melton also plans to attend. NNPCW will receive a $1,000 honorarium as part of the award. The PC(USA) is an institutional member of AWID.

     NNPCW is a PC(USA) ministry with about 500 members across the country. Its inclusive leadership structure ensures that decisions are made by the people most affected — NNPCW's members.

     “I’m so hopeful about this new generation of church leaders,” said Mary Elva Smith, the denomination’s associate director for Women’s Ministries. “These young women are truly following the prophetic example of Jesus Christ in a transforming way. To be asked to share that in the secular world is a wonderful witness.”