working resolutions

18th Quadrennial Convention Womens Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church Indianapolis, Indiana July 17 21, 2015

2015 (Transforming Lives Building Communities Impacting the World)Resolutions Committee18th Quadrennial ConventionWomens Missionary SocietyAfrican Methodist Episcopal ChurchIndianapolis , IndianaJuly 17-21, 2015The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 10th District and Commission Chairperson Dr. Shirley Carson Reed, International WMS President Supervisor, Dr. Patricia Ann DeVeaux, Resolutions Committee Chairperson

Table of Contents

Page

Resolution 1Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls. 4

Resolution 2Healthy Lives Matter. 5

Resolution 3Black Lives Matter.. 6

Resolution 4Health Care Access & Coverage. 7

Resolution 5Removal of Confederate Flag.. 8

Resolution 6Honor the Memories of Mother Emanuel 9 . 9

Resolution 7Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)..10

Resolution 8K-12 Education.11

Resolution 9Advocacy People with Disabilities and their Families12

Resolution 10Veterans and Access to Services 13

Resolution 11Male YPD Directors 14

Resolution 12Organizational Review and Self Assessment..15

Resolution Committee 16

RESOLUTION 1

The Time Is Now: Uniting to End Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls

WHEREAS, The Connectional Womens Missionary Society is a Christ-Centered, global organization comprised of approximately 800,000 Christian women of the AME Church worldwide.

WHEREAS, Sexual violence is defined as a sexual act committed against someone by force or manipulation without that individuals freely given consent; and

WHEREAS, Every 107 seconds another individual is sexually assaulted in the United States. The crime known as sexual assault does not discriminate and preys on victims of every age, race, and gender which involves an average of 293,066 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year; and

WHEREAS, Globally one in 3 women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime, with an estimated 444,384 rapes being reported in South Africa during 2012/2013; and

WHEREAS, Human trafficking preys upon the poor and the most vulnerable members of a society, especially women and children--an estimated 20.9 million men, women and children are trafficked for commercial sex or forced labor around the world today with the majority being women and girls; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that between 100 and 140 million girls and women alive today have undergone Female Genital Mutilation/Genital Cutting (FGM/C), mainly in Africa and some Middle Eastern countries. Three million girls a year are thought to be at risk of genital mutilation.

Be it resolved by The 2nd Episcopal District, in the 18th WMS Quadrennial Convention, Indianapolis, IN July 17-21, 2015 that:

1. The Connectional WMS will partner with other local, national and international organizations and agencies that provide awareness, education and aid to women and girls who are Survivors of sexual violence and exploitation.

2. The Connectional WMS will commit to pray for, protect and defend our women and girls who are Survivors of sexual violence and exploitation.

3. The Connectional WMS will develop programs and initiatives to provide resources and aid to our women and girls who are Survivors of sexual violence and exploitation in areas where the need is going unmet.

4. The Connectional WMS will collaborate with organizations and agencies involving peace initiatives that positively impact and promote healing in the lives of our women and girls who are Survivors of sexual violence and exploitation.

5. The Connectional WMS will become advocates for our women and girls who are Survivors of sexual violence and exploitation by lobbying for and supporting legislation that greatly impact and benefit Survivors.

Submitted by: Angela D. Wharton

District: 2nd Episcopal District

Do you want to adopt this Resolution? Yes (1)No (2)

RESOLUTION 2

Healthy Lives Matter

Preamble:

The bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NLT)....Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

Whereas: The Bishops Council informative book, "The Anvil" reminds us that God is concerned about our whole being, physically, as well as spiritual. This book stresses the importance for leaders and members of this Great Church of African Methodism to "live well" and to take responsibility for our health.

Whereas: The Connectional Women's Missionary Society's mission is to "...continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world." But, in order for us to effectively fulfill this mission, we must be "fit for service" and empower ourselves and other parishioners toward making informed health care decisions. and

Whereas: We know that heart disease is preventable, but statistics state, it is the number 1 killer of black women. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. More that 44.5% of black women compared to 27% of white women have high blood pressure. Healthy Lives Matter!

Whereas: Statistics show that diabetes affects more than 1.5 million black women with 730,000 undiagnosed cases causing a myriad of problems to include blindness, obesity, kidney disease and limb amputations. Most of these cases of diabetes can be prevented. Healthy Lives Matter!

Whereas: Mental health services has not been a priority in the Black community. We have seen an increase in the number of suicides and homicides. Black people account for 25% of the mental health needs in this country. Depression rate among black women is 50% higher than that of white women. Depression is controllable with proper medical attention. Mental Health services are more available under The Affordable Health Care Act.

Be It Resolved: Healthy Lives Do Matter in the kingdom of God and as responsible role models for His service we need to eat right, exercise regularly, incorporate more movement into our daily routines. We need regular checkups even if you don't have insurance. Find a funded program in your area. As a matter of good stewardship Christians must attempt to maintain good health. While we will occasionally become ill, healthy living must be our ultimate goal. We must remember that faith is not just spiritual. The body is the temple of God. And, that means we have the responsibility of being good caretakers of God's temple. We need to engage in meaningful and productive conversations that influence health outcomes and change thinking regarding HEALTH MATTERS.

Be It Further Resolved: That we, the Women's Missionary Society in collaboration and partnership with the Connectional Health Commission of the AMEC will provide education on preventative health, use resources available such as the health monitor, AMEC.ORG, local agencies for education and treatment, other links, Apps, and network to ensure "Healthy Lives Matter Because They Do!

Submitted by: Sybil J. Hunter, MSN, R.N., FNP

Health Commissioner - 10th Episcopal District

Do you want to adopt this Resolution? Yes (1) No (2)

RESOLUTION 3

"Black Lives Matter"-A movement created for all people, acknowledging that all lives matter.

WHEREAS, The Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is a Christ-Centered Global Organization, comprised of an "Intergenerational Community of caring women; and

WHEREAS, we are charged with collaboratively working with other caring Women's Organizations, ecumenically and globally, on issues concerning peace, justice and human rights; and

WHEREAS, The Black Lives Matter Movement is an effort for all people and is concerned with the fact that "all lives matter". It is a campaign that has focused attention on the historical, systemic and symptomatic inequalities that have been embedded in American culture and systems since slavery; and

WHEREAS, These biased systems have resulted in blatant examples of police brutality, where Black men and women are killed four times more often by police officers than with any other ethnic group; and

WHEREAS, Because of these inequalities, black men and women are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system of the United States, Mass incarceration and inequities in arrests and sentencing practices have created a situation that is referred to as the "Prison Industrial Complex"; and

WHEREAS, Because of these inequalities, as reported by The New York Times and other news sources around the United States, there are more than 1.5 million black men, between the ages of 25-54, missing from black communities throughout the United States, that are either dead or in prison, rendering many black communities with an unbalanced ratio between women and men, as high as 100 black women for every 83 black men, or up to 37% in some communities; and

WHEREAS, Over the past decade, black women have become the fasting growing population of inmates entering into the prison system in the United States, which further devastates the black family by leaving children without a responsible, caring parent to guide them.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will stand with the meaning and intent of the "Black Lives Matter" Movement, while also affirming that all lives matter, including police officers killed in the line of duty.

BE IT ALSO RESOLVED: that the Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will join with likeminded groups to bring awareness regarding the plight of communities where the absence of black men is creating a national crisis and the undue hardship this circumstance has placed on black women with the added burden of black women being the sole provider for the family, and is opening the strong potential of black genocide.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church give credence to the, "Black Lives Matter Movement", which has brought together a cross-cultural and international movement of young leaders from all races who have united to bring awareness and social consciousness with a commitment to bring about change that will enable the world to become a better place for all to live.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That we, The Women's Missionary Society, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church join, embrace and encourage peaceful and non-violent protests committed to challenging and changing a system of racism to an environment designed to better serve and protect all; a system that recognizes that "ALL LIVES MATTER."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Connectional Women's Missionary Society support the Black Lives Matters" Movement by hosting dialogues and encouraging conversations on race relations issues, and other methods of safe and peaceful protesting and showing tangible support by providing meals and water for protestors, conducting prayer services and spiritual interventions for those who take a stand and become a voice for justice.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That the Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, through alignment with the Black Lives Matter Movement reaffirm our own stated mission, "We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world."

Submitted By: Louvenia Ellis Sailor

Resolutions Committee: - Eleventh Episcopal District

Do you want to adopt this Resolution? Yes ( 1 ) No ( 2 )

RESOLUTION 4

Health Care Access and Coverage

Preamble: The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and the Connectional Womens Missionary Society together has more than two centuries of experience demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ to those persons with pressing health concerns throughout the world. One of the earliest and notable examples is how Bishop Richard Allen and others worked in Philadelphia, PA to address the yellow fever epidemic in 1793. Current and future expressions of love and compassion must continue to ensure access to affordable, quality, and comprehensive health care which is critically important for all people.

Whereas our Christian faith reminds us that love is a universal language and the teachings and practices of Jesus Christ involved preaching, teaching and healing;

Whereas our Jesus command to love our neighbors as ourselves includes striving for optimal health and wholeness, caring for the mind, body and soul;

Whereas we recognize that an inequity in health care access exists worldwide, impacting all of our AME churches, as well as the communities, families, individuals we serve;

Whereas the June 2015 Joint World Health Organization (WHO)/World Bank Group Report revealed that, "at least 400 million people do not have access to one or more essential health services and 6% of people in low- and middle-income countries are tipped into or pushed further into extreme poverty because of health spending;

Whereas President Barak H. Obama signed the Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010, which has resulted in a historic increase in health care access in the United States of America, namely that: 16.4 million uninsured people had gained health coverage, and on March 31, 2015 about 10.2 million Americans had paid their premiums and had active coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, and over 12.3 million additional individuals were enrolled in Medicaid, and the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as of April 2015, as compared to before October 2013;

Whereas since 2013, the uninsured rate declined 9.2 percentage points for African Americans, resulting in 2.3 million adults gaining coverage, as well as 7.7 million women gaining health coverage, with an estimated 55 million women also benefiting from preventive services coverage with no out-of-pocket costs, health insurers can no longer discriminate based on gender, so being a woman is no longer a preexisting condition;

Whereas Healthy People 2020 efforts under the United States Federal Government stated that other influences on health include the availability of and access to: high-quality education, nutritious food, decent and safe housing, affordable and reliable public transportation, culturally sensitive health care providers, health insurance, clean water and non-polluted air;

Be it resolved that in the United States, while 28 States and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, efforts will be employed to encourage appropriate legislators in remaining states to expand Medicaid so that more to people can receive health coverage; and

Now therefore, be it further resolved at this 18th Quadrennial Session of the Womens Missionary Society Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, that Womens Missionary Societies worldwide will serve as Champions for Health Care to increase information and education on health access concerns and take steps to address coverage needs through strategic public and private partnerships.

Humbly Submitted by: The Rev. Dr. Cassandra A. Sparrow

District: Second District

Do you want to adopt this resolution? Yes (1) No (2)

RESOLUTION 5

REMOVAL OF THE CONFEDERATE FLAG FROM ALL GOVERNment BUILDINGS

AND PUBLIC PLACES

WHEREAS, The Confederate flag represents a symbol of slavery and racism to 72% of African Americans according to a CNN poll; and

WHEREAS, Strom Thurmond's States' Rights Party in direct defiance of civil rights laws adopted the Battle Flag of Northern Virginia i.e. Confederate Flag as a sign to the Federal government that they would resist the enforcement of laws intended to integrate the South; and

WHEREAS, In response to the 1956 Brown v. Board of Education ruling the state of Georgia protested the decision to desegregate schools by redesigning their state flag to include the Confederate flag; and

WHEREAS, The Supreme Court of the United States of American on June 18, 2015 ruled that government had the right to deny the use of the Confederate flag on license plates designs; and

WHEREAS, Controversy still surrounds the Confederate battle flag and it serves as a divisive symbol among citizens of the United States of America, which causes varying perspectives on its meaning; and

WHEREAS, Many white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and Aryans have used the Confederate flag as a rallying symbol to spread hatred and commit terrorism; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, confessed Charleston murderer Dylann Roof (who surrounded himself with Confederate flags) acknowledged that he killed nine black people in Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church solely because they were black further demonstrates the racial hatred associated with the Confederate flag.

BE IT RESOLVED, We call upon all federal, state, and local governments to remove the Confederate flag from all public displays.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, We use this current controversy about the Confederate flag as a vehicle to engage in an open dialogue about racial matters, academic and economic disparities, and reform of the justice system.

Submitted by the Resolution Committee


RESOLUTION 6

A Resolution to Honor the Sainted Memories of the Mother Emanuel 9

Whereas, Mother Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston, South Carolina, is a house of worship that has been dedicated to working theologically and politically for the freedom of people of African descent for nearly two centuries;

Whereas, Gods spirit has moved in Mother Emanuel to produce freedom fighters and justice seekers like Denmark Vesey and Morris Brown;

Whereas, because of Mother Emanuels ministry of hope and defiance the church was burned by white supremacists, yet rebuilt by Gods children of light;

Whereas, on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church racist violence incarnate again walked into the church and received gracious hospitality but dispensed virulent hatred; received mercy yet acted murderously;

Whereas, 9 of Mother Emanuels children were snatched from our midst;

The Honorable Reverend Clementa Pinckney, pastor and South Carolina state senator

Sister Cynthia Hurd, librarian and beloved community servant

The Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, assistant pastor, speech therapist, and cherished girls high school track coach

Brother Tywanza Sanders, 2014 graduate of Allen University and a young man who was destined for great things

Sister Ethel Lance, church custodian and dedicated church member

Sister Susie Johnson, loyal church member and a most generous spirit

Sister DePayne Middleton Doctor, administrator at Southern Wesley University and church choir member

The Reverend Daniel Simmons, retired pastor and a warm, gregarious spirit

Sister Myra Thompson, wife of the vicar of Holy Trinity Reform Church in Charleston, South Carolina

Whereas, we shall never forget our sisters and brothers slain in Gods sanctuary;

Whereas, we pledge ourselves to remain steadfast and unmovable, we will not be afraid, we will not retreat, and we will continue to be a liberating and reconciling people;

Therefore, Be It Resolved: That the Womens Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church dedicate this 18th Quadrennial Session to the memories and legacies of the Mother Emmanuel 9;

Be It Further Resolved: That in their honor we will work diligently for justice and peace we will not rest until freedom comes!

Submitted by: Resolution Committee


RESOLUTION 7

SUPPORT FOR FULL AND/OR INCREASED FUNDING TO HISTORICALLY BLACK

Colelges and UNIVERSITIES

WHEREAS, During the period of slavery higher education for students of color was virtually nonexistent; and

WHEREAS,This void was filled by the establishment of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), institutions that afforded African Americans citizens equal educational opportunities ; and

WHEREAS,HBCUs fulfill an essential role in contemporary society disproving stereotypes that suggest Black people are academically deficient by producing productive professionals that include teachers, doctors, dentists, lawyers, scientist, politicians, astronauts, high ranking military officers and many prominent Americans such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Booker T. Washington, Thurgood Marshall, Herman Cain, Alex Haley, Spike Lee, Eyrkah Badu, Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, Common, and Oprah Winfrey; to name a few ; and

WHEREAS,After the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision ended separate but equal school systems, which resulted in HBCUs facing funding challenges and fighting for survival which are similar to the situation they experienced during The Great Depression and World War II; and

WHEREAS, According the United Negro College Fund the 105 HBCUs are experts at educating African Americans, generate 25% percent of all bachelors degrees in STEM fields earned by African Americans; awarded 14 percent of all African American engineering degrees; and four-year HBCUs produce graduates at less than half the cost of other four-year colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS,The Association of Public and Land Grant Universities divulged in a report that between 2010 and 2012 several states including Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Florida and Delaware which are home to HBCUs withheld nearly $57 million in funding designated for these institutions, despite the federal governments commitment to match the state funds.

BE IT RESOLVED, That we encourage state legislatures to pass laws and approve budgets that ensure HBCUs receive fair and equitable funding at the same rate as predominantly white schools the federal government cracks down on the one-to-one matching by states; and

BE IT RESOLVED,That we promote the establishment of polices at procedures by the United States Department of Education that holds states accountable for denying appropriate funding to HBCUs; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That we as a church community support HBCUs in their efforts to obtain funding to sustain all of their academic, administrative and research needs.

Submitted by The Resolution Committee


RESOLUTION 8

A Resolution on the Status of K-12 Education in the United States of America

Whereas, according to Professor William Galston of the University of Maryland School of Public Affairs there are two systems of public education in the United States of America;

Whereas, one system of education exists in suburban, wealthier jurisdictions and the other system of education exists in poorer, urban, and largely non-white jurisdictions;

Whereas, many of the students that are being educated in poorer, urban, non-white jurisdictions are dropping out of high school, receiving high school diplomas that do not certify academic confidence in basic subjects, and entering society unprepared for gainful employment, higher education, or technical training;

Whereas, the method by which schools are funded in the United States is fundamentally unjust and ensures that wealthier students receive better educations than poorer students;

Whereas, the schools surrounding our churches and attended by our children are often unsafe, ignored, and staffed by teachers and administrators who do not believe in our excellence and sacred worth as a people;

Whereas, since our genesis as the Free African Society in 1787, educating and training our children have been or mission and our passion;

Whereas, in times past, we did not allow persons who did not believe in our beauty, humanity, and dignity to form our childrens minds and shape their imaginations;

Whereas, we recognize the need for intervening in our childrens education in every corner of this nation;

Therefore, Be It Resolved: That the Connectional Womens Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church sanctions and encourages each local society to study the educational needs of the children in the communities that they serve;

Be It Further Resolved: That each local society determines what interventions are most needed and act upon their findings. This may include cultural and historical education, tutoring, mentoring, or other programs and opportunities for students. This may also include the founding institutes, academies, or private schools.

Be It Finally Resolved: That the Connectional Womens Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church employs its deep reservoir of educational expertise and experience to improve and increase our advocacy for the transformation of educational realities and outcomes for the children of every community our Lord has called us to serve.



RESOLUTION 9

Global Advocacy on Behalf of People with Disabilities and their Families

Whereas the mission of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people;

Whereas the purpose of the AME Church is to 1) make available Gods biblical principles, 2) spread Christs liberating gospel, and 3) provide continuing programs which will enhance the entire social development of all people;

Whereas the mission of the Womens Missionary Society of the AME Church affirms that we are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world;

Whereas the purpose of the Womens Missionary Society is to grow as Christian disciples in the knowledge and experience of God through Jesus Christ so that through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit we commit to the work which fulfills the mission of the church by naming and facing the challenges, and helping one another as we engage in ministry and actions which reflect Gods redemptive plan for the church, the community, and the world;

Whereas the word of God says that the Church shall be called a house of prayer for all people,

Whereas persons with disabilities make up the worlds largest minority group;

Whereas 15% of the worlds population has disabilities; and

Whereas there are approximately 2.5 million persons in the AME Church worldwide, among which there are about 375,000 people with disabilities;

Be it resolved that the Womens Missionary Society of the AME Church will serve in its ministry and witness as an advocate for social justice and the human rights of persons with disabilities and their families worldwide;

Be it further resolved that in the planning for continued global missions for the AME Church, language be included to call for modifications which make church buildings accessible to persons with disabilities and their families;

Be it further resolved that the AME Church must educate congregants to raise awareness and sensitivity to the oppression, inequitable experiences, and the growing population of persons with disabilities; and

Be it further resolved that these actions must take place in the AME Church, and especially through the services of the Womens Missionary Society, to ensure that social justice becomes a reality for this population of Gods people who have historically been marginalized and overlooked by the household of faith.

Humbly submitted by: Rev. Dr. Cassandra Sparrow and Rev. Dr. Marion Morton Crayton,

District: Second District


RESOLUTION 10

Ensure that veterans receive needed services that promote Healthy

LIVES AND overall well being

WHEREAS, In 1775 the United States of America (U.S.A.) formed the Army as a means of defending the Nation, and has since increased the U.S. Armed Forces to five branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy that incorporate fulltime active duty, reserve and guard forces, veterans and retirees; and

WHEREAS, The role of the United States of Americas military has expanded and involves training armed forces in other countries, global peacekeeping in cooperation with the United Nations, humanitarian aid in response to natural disasters, space exploration, and the development of new technology; and

WHEREAS, The U.S.A. has deployed more than 168,000 troops including reserve units to Iraq and Afghanistan to undertake counterterrorism and counter-insurgency operations and rebuilding both countries; and

WHEREAS, The General Accounting Office reports that many veterans who served in the military after September 11, 2001 successfully readjusted to civilian life with minimal difficulties in the first few years after they were discharged, others have experienced readjustment difficulties which, include financial and employment, relationships, legal, homelessness, and substance abuse; and

WHEREAS, National Academy of Science noted that Military personnel and their families can face health concerns that vary from those of civilians. These may include additional or different nutritional needs and exposure to uncommon agents and diseases, as well as the transition from health services provided by the Department of Defense to those provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

WHEREAS, In its strategic plan, The Veteran Administration set the improvement of veteran wellness and economic security as one of its strategic objectives.

BE IT RESOLVED, That we will make our elected officials aware that we support expansion of holistic benefits provided to veterans that address physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs; and further

BE IT RESOLVED, Local churches will become involved in and/or aware of programs and services that will end homelessness, decrease substance abuse, promote education and employment opportunities, and support military personnel and their families.



RESOLUTION 11

A Special Resolution to Consider the Implementation of Local Male YPD Directors

Whereas: Ever since its inception as an umbrella organization structured under the Connectional Womens Missionary Society, the Connectional Young Peoples and Childrens Division has remained steadfast in its mission to develop young missionaries and mirror the aims, goals, strategies, and commitment to missions set by the WMS; and

Whereas: Positive role models, both male and female, have an undeniable impact in the lives of young men and young ladies. It has become paramount that young boys face serious challenges and are in need of positive male influences that will assist them in their social development. According to a report from the United Nations Development Programme, over one million children are being raised without a father or positive male model who can assist in the holistic social development of young children; and

Whereas: It can be considered a viable missionary endeavor to provide for the betterment of young boys by increasing their frequency of contact with Christian men who are active in their local churches and missionary societies, and by providing opportunities for men in their local congregations to exhibit mentorship, guidance, and other qualities that are consistent with the mission of the Womens Missionary Society; and

Whereas: Men have historically been active members of the WMS and with greater diversity burgeoning in the leadership of the General Church, it is a necessary undertaking to consider the implementation of male directors at the local level; therefore, be it

Resolved: This resolution has no legislative authority and is not intended to circumvent the parliamentary process of the WMS Quadrennial Convention. Instead, this resolution is calling for an organized approach to at least consider the implementation of local male YPD Directors; therefore, be it further

Resolved: That the Connectional YPD is proposing the following recommendations to develop an organized approach and possible legislative recommendations at the next Quadrennial Convention. The YPD defers to the discretion of the WMS and recognizes that these are simply recommendations for the WMS to consider at a later meeting. Also, nothing in this resolution nor in the recommendations should be construed to consider male elected leadership roles beyond a Local YPD Director. Because of our storied history of progression and activism, we remain hopeful that the below recommendations will culminate in a mutually reinforcing outcome that will benefit the young people of our Zion:

I. A Feasibility Study organized by the International WMS President or her designee that will include surveys and other membership evaluation devices.

II. The Appointment of a Joint YPD-WMS Special Committee that will convene at each WMS Executive Board Meeting.

Submitted by: YPD


RESOLUTION 12

Organizational Review and Organizational Self-Assessment

Whereas, The Womens Missionary Society (WMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has a record of 131 years of service committed to winning souls to Christ and addressing health, economic, peace and justice issues, while experiencing external environmental shifts such as significant technological advances, diverse cultures, health disparities, changing world leadership structures, terrorism, etc.;

Whereas, a paradigm shift has occurred which calls for the WMS to reexamine factors such as who is served, appropriate methodologies, as well as unique historical and geographical considerations;

Whereas, In order to maintain relevancy in light of current global issues and to impact future generations, it is imperative for the WMS to take a fresh, new look at the organization to evaluate its efficiency and effectiveness; to evaluate processes and their impact on results; by assessing the organizational capacity, organization performance, organization motivation and the external environment.

Be It Resolved, that the International WMS President will appoint members to serve on a committee which will implement the organizational review and self-assessment process, and make recommendations for subsequent process analysis and improvement that will allow WMS to adapt, survive, perform and influence in changing times.

Be It Further Resolved, that the committee will engage in a selection process and recommend an independent consultant firm to conduct the Organizational Review and Organizational Self-Assessment for the period since 2003 when the last study took place;

Be It Further Resolved, that the Organizational Review and Self-Assessment which is a systematic process for obtaining valid information about the performance of WMS and the factors that affect the performance, will also include a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis and other evaluative tools deemed necessary by the consultant firm;

Be It Further Resolved, that the Organizational Review and Self-Assessment be completed and results shared by 2019.


Do you want to adopt this Resolution?Yes (1) No (1)

The Resolution Committee

Supervisor Pam DeVeaux-Chairperson

Sister Nomalungisa Ngondo- Co-Chairperson

2

Supervisor Joan McAllister

Supervisor Vivienne Anderson

Supervisor Sylvia Talbot

Sister Phyliss Ruffin

Sister Regenia Melvin

Sister Debra Walker

Sister Marilyn Boxley

Sister Yvonne Bonner

Sister Belinda Frasier

Sister Andrea Montgomery

Sister Alice Cornett

Sister Sybil Hunter

Sister Louvenia Sailor

Sister Anna Graham

Sister Alice Harris

Sister Yvette Joseph

Sister Grace Liyungu

working resolutions

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