Women's Briefing

The Women's Briefing, held the night before GC begins, is not an official meeting of the GC; but it allows women delegates (men are welcome, too!) a valuable opportunity to gather together to prepare for the weeks ahead.

As a first-time delegate in 2012, this gathering was critical in helping me get off on the right foot. The room is organized so that you sit with others from your legislative committee. This gives you a chance to meet others who you will be spending time with in committee, and some of the friendships I have continued to enjoy from GC2012 date back to this meeting. Committees are given time to discuss the petitions they will consider, share their thoughts and concerns, and discuss leadership for the committees.

Legislative committees have a Chair, a Vice-Chair, and a Secretary. Committees typically divide into sub-committees, in order to maximize the time given to petitions, so Sub-Committee Chairs are also needed. One of the purposes of this gathering is to help women, even first-time delegates, feel empowered to seek these leadership positions. In a brief space of time, encouragement is given, mentoring occurs, and plans are made. For delegates who are at the bottom of the learning curve, as I was four years ago, this experience is hugely helpful in allowing delegates to go into committee prepared to nominate and support women and men whose names have been lifted up at this event.

Here's a shout-out to Rev. Amy Lippoldt,
my choice to Chair the Judicial Administration Committee!

Last night's event also featured a reflection on Women Leadership by Rev. Kabamba Kiboko (whose brother was released from prison in the Congo two days ago - praise God!), which focused on the leadership of Esther. In the Hebrew alphabet, the name Esther begins with the first letter of the alphabet - Aleph. The name Elohim for God also begins with an Aleph. Rev. Kiboko encouraged us to find the Aleph within ourselves that encourages us to lead, "for such a time as this." Bishop Debbit Wallace-Padgett also encouraged women to Listen, Speak and Act. General Conference, for voting delegates, is not intended to be a spectator sport!

Finally, we were all encouraged to look carefully at legislation, particularly legislation put forward by the United Methodist Women involving Women and Children, with great care. Critical Questions which are helpful for assessing any petition were shared.

Now, we are ready to begin!