October 20, 1999 -- Directors of the Women’s Division affirmed the concept of a new initiative at their October 15-17 board meeting that will affect National Mission Institutions as they begin to share resources and knowledge in innovative ways with other institutions across the United States.
The new concept, entitled Sharing Partners Action Network (SPAN), will negotiate with stable, well-financed mission institutions to share their expertise in program development, administration, resource development, and financial appropriations from the General Board of Global Ministries with struggling institutions around the United States.
"The SPAN initiative has been developing for more than 12 years as Women’s Division directors have struggled with the best way to provide adequate resourcing for all National Mission Institutions in times of shrinking resources," said Connie Takamine, treasurer of the Women’s Division. Through studies and research, directors looked at the "set appropriations" for each institution, their relationship within the connectional system, their property value, their board of directors, their training and technical assistance, and other GBGM resources that they receive.
These appropriations have had little change in 30 years and there was a need to make them more equitable and relevant, said Ms. Takamine.
"Ascribing a value to each of these items was important, because many institutions receive a diversity of funding from federal, state, local, private, and church-related sources," said Ms. Takamine.
Directors agreed to begin to explore the SPAN program’s implementation in the year 2001.
Increased funding to weaker institutions will come with requirements, though. Intensive staff consultation, training, peer counseling and technical assistance will accompany the sharing of financial resources.
The SPAN program will help strengthen national institutions both individually and as a network through the strengthening of weaker institutions’ board of directors, leadership, and finance. Meanwhile, directors see the initiative as reducing institutions’ dependence on the appropriation funding from the General Board of Global Ministries while freeing up appropriations for new sites, initiatives and specific efforts.
By looking at these criteria, the Women’s Division established eligibility guidelines for who would be a Sharing Partner. The criteria include GBGM appropriations of not more than 5% of the institution’s budget; governmental funding of no more that 20%; United Way funding of no more than 10%; strong support from the annual or missionary conference; strong board and staff leadership; and a mechanism in place for fund-raising and resource development.
Based on the amount negotiated with the SPAN partners who will be chosen next year, a portion of their appropriation from the General Board of Global Ministries will be reduced each year to help struggling institutions.
In return, the receiving partner will not only have more financial support, but will have to undergo community assessment and evaluation of its program; training of the UMW representatives, executive director and board of directors; development of a strategic plan; reorganization of its Board and review of the by-laws; greater involvement of the board with its institutions and the General Board of Global Ministries; development of a mission statement; and proof of a yearly audit.
The Women’s Division represents United Methodist Women, a one-million member organization whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Members raise around $20 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.
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