ECW Update, 17 Jul 09 - Laura Orcutt

Wednesday was exciting. At the Prvoince VIII ECW breakfast, Linda, Isabel, and Laura were welcomed, offered a pilgrimage to the National Cathedral and training and support as needed. The United Thank Offering (UTO) gave a presentation on the study of UTO to see where it should be properly aligned in relation to 501(c) status, in relationship to Emergency Relief and Development (ERD), and the proper placement of UTO's money. As a result, a resolution was placed on the floor to have 2 ECW representatives and an additional UTO representative on the Study Committee INC055 for voice and experience on the issue of UTO's status. Two other resolutions came forth the following day, one to reactivate their liaison representation on the UTO board and ECW National board in order to uphold current by-laws of the respective organizations and the other to have an ECW member on the Status of Women committee.

On Thursday, we had a closing celebration filled with song and thanks for a very holistic Triennial that incorporated mind, spirit, and soul in action and in prayer. The current ECW board was farewelled and the new ECW board was installed. Province IX, a new province, selected a president and representative to the ECW National board. The 2009 Triennial adjouned shortly before 4 pm.

We (Linda, Isabel, and Laura) received wonderful support from Province VIII ECW leadership to move forward with a diocean ECW board. We have developed an initial plan that we are excited to share. We are very grateful for the opportunity to have come as Triennial delegates and fell encouraged and strengthened in mind and spirit.