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The global education
and action program
is jointly sponsored
by Women of the ELCA
and the Division for
Global Ministries of
the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in
America. This unique program
for and about women
increases
understanding of,
and mutual respect
for, other
cultures and
people;
supports the work
and struggles of
women and men in
other countries;
encourages greater
cooperation
between synodical
Women of the ELCA
participants and
synod global
mission advocates
in strengthening
relationships with
their companion
synods; and
facilitates
conversations
among women by
using the
relationships
already
established
through the ELCA’s
Companion Synod
Program to move
beyond personal
and
church-to-church
relationships and
toward finding
common ground and
advocating for
change in the
lives of women.
International Seminars
Central to this program are
yearly international study
seminars. These seminars equip participants to serve as advocates for women in their companion churches and countries. Women who attend the seminars will
- gain insight into the lives of women from diverse class and ethnic backgrounds;
- become aware of their own ethnic and class biases and how they can be overcome;
- examine the connections between global and local issues; and
- learn more about their own companion synod churches and the role of women in them.
Responsibilities of the Participants
The main responsibility of the seminar participants is to make a two-year minimum commitment to serve as global education advocates in their synod, sharing experiences gained during the seminar, and working with the synod to lift up issues affecting women in companion synod countries and churches.
Sharing time
with women and
girls in the
indigenous
community of Quitirrisí
in Costa Rica in
November 2005.
Around the world in
144 days
In November 2005,
Women of the
ELCA’s Global
Education and
Advocacy Program, in
partnership with the
Division for Global
Mission, completed a
trip around the
world in 144 days —16 days at a time
(more or less), over
9 years, with more
than 100 sojourners.
Sixteen women of the
ELCA traveled to
Nicaragua and Costa
Rica last November for the last
leg of the nine-year
journey around the
world. They were
accompanied by seven
Central American
women.
From Nicaragua to
Costa Rica, stories
of the feminization
of poverty, the
struggles of single
parenting, and the
rise of HIV/AIDS
provided us with a
deeper understanding
of our sisters in
our companion synod
churches and
countries.
Grounded in the
concept of
accompaniment
("walking with"),
the state-side women
make a two-year
commitment to serve
as global education
advocates in their
synod. They share
their experiences
and work with the
synod to lift up
issues affecting
women in companion
synod countries and
churches. They
encourage action
that will make a
difference in the
lives of women here
in the United States
and in the countries
visited, and in our
churches.
Ultimately, they
help us to see the
global connections
between the lives of
women everywhere.
In a few months, the
global education
program will expand
its communication in
a way that will
reach beyond the
advocate network to
keep you abreast of
current issues, work
being done in
companion synods,
and actions you can
take. Work is also
underway to reshape
the seminar
experience as we
gear up for the next
10 years of going
around the world.
How to use this
information
Learn more about
your synod’s
church-to-church
companion
relationship and
the lives of women
in that country.
Have your global
education advocate
speak to a general
meeting or adult
forum. Invite
neighboring
congregations.
(For a list of
advocates, call
800-638-3522, ext.
2471.)
Consider making a
trip and becoming
an advocate.
Make a gift to
Women of the ELCA
to support the
global education
program.
Watch for
information on
global seminar
scheduling on this
site.
For more
information on the
global education
program, contact
Valora Starr at
800-638-2741 or by
e-mail: Valora.Starr@elca.org
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