Sisters Stand and Walk Together
Sisters Stand and Walk Together is an innovative leadership development program that develops the leadership potential of racial ethnic and immigrant women in the congregations within a synod. Up to four PW in the Synod groups may receive funding to carry out the program in their synod.
What are the goals of Sisters Stand and Walk Together?
Sisters Stand and Walk Together works to
- Develop the leadership potential of racial ethnic and/or immigrant women so that they may become leaders not only within Presbyterian Women but throughout all levels of the PC(USA). As the women develop new leadership skills, it is hoped that they will share their skills in their congregations in a way that mentors and nurtures other women
- Build bridges across cultural divides by accompanying women on their journeys of making a home in the United States and with PW. The bridges can be walked in both directions, and there are committed Christian sisters on each end who seek to stand together and learn from each other.
How did the program begin?
Sisters Stand and Walk Together was created by PW in the Synod of the Northeast in response to a recommendation from the 2003 Churchwide Gathering that suggested more racial ethnic women be included in PW leadership roles. The Churchwide Coordinating Team (CCT) of PW adopted and partially funded the project in the Synod of the Northeast. In 2007, the first class of women completed the three-year program. Those women have gone on to assume leadership responsibilities in local churches, racial ethnic organizations, PW in the Presbytery groups, PW in the Synod groups and beyond. In the fall of 2007, another class of women began this journey. To continue the success of this pilot project, the CCT encourages other PW in the Synod (PWS) groups to replicate the program in their synods.
Who is eligible to request grants?
PW in the Synod groups interested in carrying out a Sisters Stand and Walk Together program may request a grant. Up to four synods may receive a grant. The grant request must come from two applicants who both live within the bounds of the same synod, and at least one of them has to be a member of the Coordinating Team of the PW in her synod.
How much funding will be given?
A PW in the Synod group may receive between $2,500 and $5,000. The amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
What is the grant application process?
Submit your completed Sisters Stand and Walk Together grant request form by February 1, 2009.
Download grant application in Word format 
Download grant application in PDF format 
Synods will receive notification from the Leadership Enhancement Committee by March 1, 2009, regarding their grant requests.
For synods whose grant request has been approved, the PW in the Synod Treasurer will receive the disbursements within approximately 45 days of the date of notification.
What do I have to do after receiving the grant?
Implement the plan and send the Leadership Enhancement Committee a progress report annually until the three-year program is completed. The report should be sent to: Chair, PW CCT Leadership Enhancement Committee, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202-1396.
How can I learn more?
Download a flier on Sisters Stand and Walk Together and share it with others in your synod!
Contact Unzu Lee, PW program associate, (888) 728-7228, x5778. |
