UNITED METHODIST WOMEN STRENGTHENS LINKAGES WITH
TEEN AND COLLEGE-AGE WOMENUNITED METHODIST WOMEN STRENGTHENS LINKAGES WITH
TEEN AND COLLEGE-AGE WOMENAs the organization of United Methodist Women expands networks with teen- and college-age women across the country, dialogue is taking place to change the misconceptions held by young people about who United Methodist Women members are, and what the organization represents. With growing cohesiveness developing between two and three generations, there is anticipation of greater outreach through the mission work of United Methodist Women as younger women begin to take leadership roles.
Through a process of listening to the concerns of their "daughters," United Methodist Women have heard that young women are respectful of the history of the organization and appreciative of its past accomplishments, but feel strongly that there must be greater involvement of their generation if they are to continue the legacy. They wish to be better informed and trained to pick up the mantle.
At a dialogue session held in the Fall in New York City, one young woman asked that she and her peers not be lumped together under the ubiquitous Generation X label, for they do not view themselves as a group of young people without an agenda. All of the participants were passionate in their expressions of concern about politics, the environment, health, and all matters related to the future well-being of women and children. The young women reached consensus that their concerns were quite similar to those of older United Methodist Women members and the issues with which they have traditionally been involved in seeking to fulfill the organization’s Purpose.
"It is not our wish to dismiss your ideas, but to expand on them," one said. Convinced that they are in closer touch with the community at large and consequently have a better eye and ear for what is needed to bring more young people into active mission outreach, the young women said that they know what their peers are viewing and reading, and the technology they employ. "Our desire is to share this information with our local and national church leaders and policymakers. We truly want to be heard."
The enthusiasm displayed thus far suggests that great possibilities lie ahead for the organization of United Methodist Women. If your local church has not established a unit for teen- and college-age women and you would like more information about starting a unit, contact: Cheryl A. Hemmerle, Executive Secretary for Teen and College/University Women, Room 1501, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, N.Y. 10115-0122. Fax: 212-870-3736; E-mail: chemmerl@gbgm-umc.org
United Methodist Women is an organization comprising one million members. The organization’s purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders, and advocate for social justice. United Methodist Women members raise more than $25 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.