UUWF to Commission 2012 Equity & Justice and Margaret Fuller Projects

Twenty Four Women Honored with thecommunicator Non-Profit Org The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation U.S. Postage Clara Barton Sisterhoods in 2011 PAID 25 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02108 617-948-4692 tel Milwaukee, WI • Golden, CO – Lois Abbott, by Jefferson Permit #1275 Unitarian Church communicator theThe Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Spring 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 • Green Bay, WI – LaVerneBochek-Robbins, by the Green Bay Area UU Fellowship • LaCombe, LA – Eula Helen Mayne, by the DC Intern Appointed North Shore UU Society of Louisiana Jessica Halperin has joined the UUA’s Multi- UUWF to Commission 2012 Equity & • Madison, WI – Nancy R. Dott, Barbara S. cultural and Witness staffing group as UUA From left: Universalist Clara Barton, for whom UUWF’s Sisterhood program is named. Among those Nodine, by the UU Alliance, First Unitarian Program Associate for Women’s Issues, the Justice and Margaret Fuller Projects honored with Sisterhoods in 2011 were Betty Cutler Nering, by Valley UUWF, Valley UU Fellowship, Society new title for the UUWF Clara Barton Intern Chandler, AZ; Donna Kopick, by the Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship’s Women’s Group, Bloomington, • Minneapolis, MN – Fran Addington, for Women’s Issues. She is a 2008 graduate of o enhance UU Women’s Federation’s Since UUWF will commission this year’s MN; and Esther Jones, by the UUWF Chapter at The UU Congregation of Santa Fe, NM. Carolyn Mo, by the Association of Earlham College in Richmond, IN, where she participation in the theme of the Equity and Margaret Fuller Projects, no Universalist Women, First Universalist was a recipient of a four year, achievement- T Unitarian Universalist Association’s unsolicited proposals will be considered based presidential honors scholarship. Her special 2012 justice General Assembly, this year. Plans are to identify at least one he UUWF’s Clara Barton Sisterhood Join with us in celebrating those enrolled Church background is in communications, having the UUWF will this year focus two of its project each for the two programs in time for was founded in 1969 as a way for in the Sisterhood between January 1 and • New York, NY – Cornelia Do, Marion previously worked for the Friends Committee three grants programs on the GA theme by announcement at GA. women’s groups, congregations December 31, 2011: Stano, by the Women’s Alliance, Unitarian T on National Legislation (Quakers) and other commissioning this year’s funded projects. and other individuals and organizations to Church of All Souls • Ashville, NC – Ann Macpherson, non-profit organizations in the Washington, “Our goal is to identify and fund the best honor women aged 80 and over for their honored by the Unitarian Universalist • Pensacola, FL – Flo Fulwiler, by the UU D.C. area. She will work out of the UUA’s “Given our mission, the way our funding possible UU projects directly related to the contributions to their congregations and Church of Asheville Church of Pensacola Washington Center. programs support it, and the GA theme of intersection of our mission and the justice GA communities. www.uuwf.org furthering the rights of immigrants – both theme,” Rev. Keller said. “Because of this our • Belmont, MA – Elizabeth Betty Braucher, • Reading, PA – Caroline Simonson, by the documented and undocumented – and funding programs will function proactively Laura C. Miller, and Ethel R. “Smoke” First UU Church of Berks County Read what Jessica has to say about her new Why women aged 80 and over? The indigenous peoples,” said UUWF President rather than reactively this year. Instead of Twichell,by The First Church in Belmont position - see page 2. Sisterhood is named in honor of Universalist • Ridgewood, NJ – Helen Lindsay, Nancy Rev. Marti Keller, “this is a good fit for all of limiting ourselves to consideration of proposals Clara Barton, born on Christmas Day, 1821 • Bloomington, MN – Donna Kopnick, by Petrie, by The Unitarian Society of us.” submitted to us, we use our established in North Oxford, MA. Best known as founder the MVUUF Women’s Group, Minnesota Ridgewood, NJ networks within the UU community to of the American Red Cross, Barton’s path Recent Website Postings Valley UU Fellowship • Rockford, IL – Kay Hotchkiss, by The UU The UUWF’s Equity and Justice grants, she identify such projects.” toward that work did not begin until she was and Links • Brewster, MA – Sylvia Doble Stringer, by Church of Rockford went on to explain, support one part of the over 40 – in an era when many women did “We need to think of ourselves as a religious Federation’s organizational mission ‒ advancing the Women’s Circle Alliance, First Parish • Santa Fe, NM – Esther Jones, by the Advancing justice for women and girls, not live to reach that age. movement,” writes Rev. Peter Morales, UUA justice for women and girls. Potential 2012 Brewster Santa Fe Chapter of UUWF, The UU President, in his recent article, Congregations Equity and Justice projects, she said, include • Chandler, AZ – Betty Cutler Nering, by Congregation of Santa Fe and promoting their spiritual growth. Information on honoring women in your and Beyond. “The difference is potentially UU justice projects with a direct, positive Valley UUWF, Valley UU Congregation congregation by enrolling them in the • Vero Beach, FL – Marian Wenzel, by the huge.” Visit www.uuwf.org for a link to the impact on the lives of immigrant and/or Scholarships Sisterhood can be found at www.uuwf.org or • Fort Myers, FL – Dorothy Webb, by the UU Fellowship of Vero Beach Message from the UUWF President article. indigenous women and girls. “This could be a by contacting the UUWF Office. UU Church of Fort Myers • Westport, CT – Marion Wertheim, by The local congregation working in partnership with Available Other recent website postings include: Unitarian Church in Westport On Social Action via Cyberspace a reproductive health clinic serving the unique Inside This Issue • UUWF statement on the “Occupy Wall ithin a few days of the story breaking that the Susan G. Komen Foundation had needs of these populations,” she said, “or with Street” and related protests Recent Website Postings decided to end its funding of Planned Parenthood programs to screen and educate literacy or life skills projects serving immigrant • A link to information about the UUA women and girls.” cont. from Page 4 and Links Page 1 about breast cancer, women and men all over the country let their voices be heard ‒ Donors, W “Gathered Here” initiative which UUWF on the side of affordable, accessible health care ‒ and against the exclusion of one of the largest Katherine P. Roberts, Derby, CT Alice Weeks, Longwood, FL Green Bay, WI - Green Bay Area UU Fellowship Commissioning Projects Page 1 board has endorsed providers of these services because it is pro-choice on the issue of abortion. The UUWF’s Margaret Fuller grants support Mary Rossborough, Salem, MA Elisabeth Weida, Port Washington, NY Lacombe, LA - North Shore UU Society of • An invitation to share with UUWF the ways Scholarships Available Page 1 the other part of the UUWF’s mission – Judith Rymer, Great Neck, NY Nancy Weiss-Fried, Cranston, RI Louisiana the women in your congregation gather Sandra Lee Sanderson, Pendleton, SC Luan Wells, Racine, WI Meadowview, VA - UU Church of the For as long as the UU Women’s Federation has existed, women in our faith movement have promoting the spiritual growth of women and Rev. Catherine Senghas, Jamaica Plain, MA Barbara Whitcomb, Littleton, MA Highlands Meet the New UUWF called for reproductive justice and compassion. Consistently, when surveyed, they have asked girls. “It’s particularly relevant that within a Evelyn Shepard, Honolulu, HI Rev. Bets Wienecke, Carpinteria, CA Orlando, FL - The Alliance, First Unitarian Clara Barton Intern Pages 1&2 that the UUWF work on this issue, as well as women’s health care in general. So I was ready to decade of its founding as the Feminist Theology Helen Snoke, Santa Fe, NM Pam Williams, Spring Valley, CA Church issue a statement condemning the action of the Komen Board and asking UUWF members and Make a Difference Awards,” Rev. Keller said, “this program was Dorothy Sonn, Stamford, CT Linda Wisniewski, Doylestown, PA Pensacola, FL - UU Church of Pensacola Thanking Our Donors Page 3 others to join with me. Perpetuate your values by making a differ- revisioned and renamed to embrace a wider and Mary Sparks, Chicago, IL Ora E. Wry, Narragansett, RI Reading, PA - First Unitarian Church of Berks International Women’s Day Page 4 ence in the lives of women and girls: consider richer variety of woman-centered theologies UUWF’s Marjorie-Bowens-Wheatley Robin Lee Sprietsma, Lisle, IL Jackie Zimmerman, Minnetonka, MN County Then news came that the foundation had reversed its decision, due in no small part to the including the UU Women’s Federation in your and spiritual practices.” Scholarship Program provides general Susan Stenovec, San Luis Obispo, CA Ashville, NC - UU Church of Asheville Riverside, CA - Women’s Federation, UU Clara Barton Sisterhoods Page 5 planned giving. The UUA’s Office of Legacy Mary Teslow, Franklin, NC Bloomington, MN - MVUUF Women’s Church capability we now have to spread the word in cyberspace, through e-mail, websites, Facebook, financial support to aspirants or candidates to Joan Tobin, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Group, Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship Rutland, VT - UU Church Twitter and ever-emerging communication vehicles. The response was consistent and passionate Gifts has the resources and expertise to help The revisioned program, she said, is inclusive the UU ministry who identify as women of Rosellen Trunnell, San Pedro, CA Cincinnati, OH - First Church Women, Vero Beach, FL - UU Fellowship of Vero Beach and clear. My hope is that UUWF will be diligent, agile and eloquent as we continue to work you – contact them at 1-888-792-5885 or of those who describe themselves using such color, Latina or Hispanic. Carol Venable, San Diego, CA First Unitarian Church For late-breaking news, toward equity and justice for women and girls. visit www.uua.org/giving and click on Planned terms as womanist, eco-feminist, or mujerista. Joella Vreeland, Minneapolis, MN Golden, CO - Jefferson Unitarian Church visit us online at www.uuwf.org. Giving. “We’ll be looking for 2012 Margaret Fuller Applications are currently available at Faithfully, projects that deepen our appreciation and www.uuwf.org/fundingprograms.html. Rev. Marti Keller, President, UUWF understanding of woman-centered religious The deadline for 2012 scholarship beliefs or spiritual practices of immigrants and applications is March 15. thecommunicator Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 5 www.uuwf.org indigenous cultures.” The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Meet Jessica Halperin, Thanking Our Donors MARCH 8th: International Women’s Day e extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all Maria Mitchell Circle ($250-499) Gregg Grisa, Washington, DC the new UUWF Clara Barton the individuals who contributed gen- Lynda Bluestein, Fairfield, CT John B. Hooper, Westport, CT By Arlene Johnson, Secretary Advancing justice W erous donations and pledges between Julia and Arnold Bradburd, Gwynedd, PA Clarise Jefferson, Normal, IL International Convocation of UU Women Intern for Women’s Issues January 1 and December 31, 2011. Luz Bravo-Gleicher, Providence, RI Arlene M. D. Johnson, Tulsa, OK for women and girls, Cathy Coult, Minneapolis, MN Patricia Kahn, Atlanta, GA Annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD), thousands of events are held throughout the world to Editor’s Note: The UUWF Clara Barton My hope is that we as Unitarian Universalists We equally appreciate the support of our Ruth L. Darling, Swampscott, MA Dorothy J. Kenney, Decatur, GA inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Ranging from local women’s craft markets, training workshops, Internship for Women’s Issues was established will have a positive impact on proposed member groups in local congregations, other Rev. Terry Davis, Atlanta, GA Priscilla Ledbury, Denver, CO theatrical performances, political rallies, parades, and business conferences, the array of events provide opportunities and promoting women’s groups and congregations. They are Evelynn Gioiella, New York, NY Mary Leonard, Boulder, CO in 2002 in the UUA’s Washington Office by legislation as it comes up at the state level or for women not only to celebrate but to connect and support each other in the ongoing struggle for equality. listed at the end of each giving circle, in order of Dr. Doris and Mr. Howard Hunter, Joyce Levi, Vero Beach, FL their spiritual growth. UUWF’s $200,000 donation and assistance to here in Washington. I’ll be working to build their home cities, for easier identification. Cambridge, MA Donna Loveland, Salem, OR the UUA in raising a matching amount for the that capacity through four main aspects. Dr. Kirstie Lewis, Bellevue, WA Virginia Luke, Bethesda, MD For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for permanent endowment that funds the internship. Olympia Brown Circle ($2,500-$4,999) Eva Marx, Hingham, MA Sandra Manzella, Boston, MA women’s rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. This year is the 101st anniversary of IWD, so celebrate and honor In Summer 2010, staffing of this position was First, I am compiling a core of relevant Edward A. Simmons, Hempstead, NY Linda Melski, Marshfield, WI Phyllis Marsh, Annapolis, MD the women who have led the way in your communities and make plans to actively make a difference in the lives of women and girls for the temporarily suspended as the UUA revisioned information on these issues that will be Betty Cutler Nering, Tempe, AZ Gladys McNatt, Madison, NC coming year. UUWF Board of Trustees its approach to public policy work. The new available on the UUWF’s website (but don’t Maia Louise Baldwin Circle ($1,000-$2,499) Dorothy K. Powers, Atlanta, GA Marilyn Mehr, PhD, New York, NY internship position changes the title and moves look now – I’ve only just started) so that our Phyllis and Don Rickter, Arlington, MA Barbara Prairie, Berea, KY Rev. Betty Jo Middleton, Alexandria, VA For more information on global events check out http::/www.internationalwomensday.com. Betty Sanders, Fort Worth, TX Belmont, MA - The First Church Rev. Alison Miller, Morristown, NJ the position’s emphasis from direct advocacy faithful voice can be heard by anyone with President Arlington, MA - Alliance of the First Parish, Bloomfield Hills, MI - Unitarian Alliance, Beverly Montgomery, Minnetonka, MN Thomson Reuters has developed some great resources as they invite you to join them in Rev. Marti Keller, Decatur, GA at the federal level to providing resources and internet access. First Parish Birmingham Unitarian Church Beverly D. Moore, Louisville, KY [email protected] opportunities for congregations and their leaders Littleton, MA - First Church Unitarian College Station, TX - Woman’s Alliance, Joan Moore, Nashville, TN celebrating International Women’s Day and the role of women in bringing about positive to advocate for issues specific to women. Second, I’m keeping in regular contact with Manhasset, NY - Women’s Group, UU Church of the Brazos Valley Janet Nortrom, Milwaukee, WI change in the world. To mark this occasion Reuters has created a slide show of women from Treasurer/Clerk UU reproductive justice advocates via a UU Congregation at Shelter Rock Concord, MA - Women’s Parish Association, Catherine Onyemelukwe, Westport, CT across the globe, living in extraordinary times. To view it, go to http://online.thompsonreuters.com/womensday. Mary Mercier, Hanson, MA by Jessica Halperin weekly listserv featuring news and action New York, NY - Women’s Alliance, Unitarian First Parish Janet T. Paulk, Decatur, GA Church of All Souls Hartford, CT - Unitarian Women’s Alliance, Jane Perkins, Bristol, RI [email protected] UUA Program Associate for Women’s Issues items. Email me ([email protected]) to sign up. Paramus, NJ - Women’s Alliance, Central Unitarian Society Nancy J. Peterson, Schenectady, NY Greetings from Unitarian Church Madison, WI - UU Alliance, First Unitarian Dr. Leslie and Ms. Susan Polgar, Lafayette, CA Vice President/Funding Programs Salem, OR - UUWF, UU Congregation Society Molly Remer, Rolla, MO Donors, cont. from Page 3 Kirstie Lewis, Ph.D., Bellevue, WA Washington! Congress Third, I look forward to hosting conference Milwaukee, WI - Womanspirit/Emerson Rev. Meg Riley, Minneapolis, MN is in session and the city calls, webinars, and other events to connect Marblehead, MA - Women’s Group, Judith J. Clough, Schenectady, NY Martha J. Jantho, Chicago, IL [email protected] Maria Louise Baldwin Circle ($500-999) Guild, First Unitarian Society Barbara D. Roberts, Woodbury, CT UU Church Michael and Shannon Cobb, Danbury, CT Joan S. Johnson, Louisville, KY is bustling. It’s a good you – leaders in UU congregations – to other Dr. Barbara W. Brown, Glencoe, MO Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - Women’s Violet E. Rutledge, Silver Spring, MD Minneapolis, MN - Association of Inge Crowley, Gurnee, IL Susan Kosanke, Honolulu, HI Vice President/Outreach day to be a Unitarian UUs working for women’s justice so we can Mary-Ella Holst, New York, NY Federation, Pacific Unitarian Church Edith P. Schwede, Lakewood, OH Universalist Women, First Universalist Mary Rose Curtis, Charlottesville, VA Jan Lahr, Corvallis, OR Rev. Terry Davis, St. Louis, MO Universalist advocate exchange strategies and inspiration. Rev. Marti Keller, Decatur, GA Schenectady, NY - Women’s Alliance, First Mickey Selwyn, Honolulu, HI Church Betsy Darr, San Francisco, CA Sandra Light, Woodstock, IL Verna Livingston, Port Washington, NY Unitarian Society Patricia Seubert, Memphis, TN [email protected] in the nation’s capital. New York, NY - Ethelwyn Doolittle Justice Susan De Sciora, Port Washington, NY Richard R. Lohmeyer, Kensington, MD In the short time since Finally, I will be personally wading into Nancy W. Van Dyke, Port Washington, NY Southlake, TX - Pathways Church Ruth M. Shaw, Collinsville, IL and Outreach Fund, Community Church Wendy DeGroat, Henrico, VA Barbara Ross Love, San Pedro, CA I began as the Program politics in Washington: speaking with Akron, OH - UU Women’s Association, Marcia Joslyn Sill, Seattle, WA Ridgewood, NJ - The First Unitarian Society Diana DeWeese, Springfield, IL Louise Malcolm, Keene, NH UU Church of Akron Dr. Marth May Eliot Circle ($100-249) Marjory Smith, Wilsonville, OR Santa Barbara, CA - UU Women’s Alliance, Rev. Danielle Di Bona, Weymouth, MA Odile Mattiauda, Providence, RI Associate for Women’s Issues at the UUA’s members of Congress, signing our name on Bellevue, WA - Women’s Perspective, Susan I. Allen, Bellevue, WA Dee Stegman, Cincinnati, OH Washington Office, I’ve attended coalition coalition letters to Capitol Hill, and working Unitarian Society Cornelia Do, Long Beach, NY Marjorie Matty, Jamaica Plain, MA This newsletter is published by the East Shore Unitarian Church Suzanne M. Ames, Tulsa, OK Elizabeth G. Stevens, San Diego, CA Santa Fe, NM, Chapter of UUWF, The UU Nancy R. Dott, Madison, WI Julie McKane, San Diego, CA meetings, briefings on Capitol Hill, and with interfaith progressive lobbyists to realize Unitarian Universalist Women’s Brooklyn, MA - Women’s Alliance, Elizabeth Anderson, Galveston, TX Dr. Cynthia Grant Tucker, Cordova, TN Congregation Priscilla Dumka, Carlisle, MA Julie McKinney, Greenport, NY Federation and is distributed to congregational activities; it’s been an inspiring our vision for a better world. First Unitarian Congregaional Society Holly Atkinson, New York, NY Helen Walther, Ft. Myers, FL Santa Paula, CA - Mary Livermore Society, Debra Eston, Concord, MA Myrtle McMahan, Fort Worth, TX members and other supporters in trial-by-fire in this field of faith-based Chandler, AZ - Valley UUWF, Valley UU Faith Bailey, Deerfield, IL Rev. Suzanne M. Wasilczuk, Duluth, MN UU Church Trudy Farrell, Kenosha, WI Patty Mogk, Grosse Pointe, MI Congregation Nancy Bartlett, Decatur, GA Ellen Wehrle, Oak Park, IL the UU community. Financials are advocacy and organizing. I need your help every step of the way. Westport, CT - The Unitarian Church Kathleen Fowler, Columbus, OH Perry Montrose, Weston, CT Dedham, MA - Branch General Alliance, Rev. Rebecca Blodgett, Concord, MA Marian Wenzel, Vero Beach, FL available upon request. Mary Francis, Norman, OK Helen Mary Neale, Dearborn, MI I am honored to work on such important I know that UUWF members and their First Church and Parish Margaret Brown, Bethlehem, PA Rhoda Whitney, Denver, CO Other Contributions ($99 and Under) Anne Frantz, Peterborough, NH Barbara Neher, Sarasota, FL East Lansing, MI - Women’s Fellowship, Marina B. Brown, Ann Arbor, MI Edwin F. Wilde, Spartanburg, SC issues as reproductive justice and government passion for justice created my position in Mary Amundsen, Rochester, MN David Friedman, Rochester, NY Luella Newstrom, Prior Lake, MN UU Church of Greater Lansing Susan M. Buckholz, White River Jctn, VT Beth Williamson, Bedias, TX Rev. Meredith U. Anderson, Orwell, VT Nancy V. Furnas, Stamford, CT Joan Niemiec, Minneapolis, MN UUWF Office support for low-income women, and I look Washington, and I’m grateful. And I’m asking Eugene, OR - Women’s Alliance, The UU Linda Lu Burciaga, Newburyport, MA Elizabeth Winder, E. Lansin, MI forward to partnering with UUs across the for more. Constituent communications and JoAnn Bachar, Milwaukee, WI Lauren Furst, Roslyn Heights, NY Susan Odessky, East Stroudsburg, PA 25 Beacon Street Church Dr. Randy Burnham, Westport, CT Rev. Leslie Woodward, Centerville, OH Martha Baron, Greenville, SC Joyce H. Gad, Cary, NC Wilma Oksendahl, Kailua, HI Boston, MA 02108 country to help make our society safer, more lobby visits mean more to Congressional Kansas City, MO - Demeters, All Souls UU Marcia M. Bystrom, Florence, AL Carol Ann Yeaple, South Yarmouth, MA Barbara Beach, Falls Church, VA Norma J. Gage, Venice, FL Rev. Marcia Olsen, Brookings, OR compassionate, and more just for women. offices than do the efforts of professional Church Rev. Barbara Child, Nashville, IN Nancy S. Young, Waterville, ME Margaret Beck, Grosse Point Farms, MI Carole Galanty, Atlanta, GA Kay Kirk Owen, Stockton, CA lobbyists, and it will be your letters to the Littleton, MA - Littleton Branch Alliance, Sylvia Cline, New York, NY Brewster, MA - Women’s Circle Alliance, First Frances Bicknell, Madison, WI Linda Godfrey-Bailey, Sharon, MA Elaine R. Peters, Hicksville, NY 617-948-4692 – tel First Church Unitarian Helen Lutton Cohen, Lexington, MA Parish [email protected] – email Unfortunately, now is a time when this editor, your questions at candidate forums, Ann E. Boynton, Melrose, MA Sara Gondwe, Gettysburg, PA Helen R. Pickett, Chatham, MA country is neither particularly safe nor just and your activism that will make a difference. Louiseville, KY - Women’s Alliance, First Mary Cullen, Lakewood, CO Castine, ME - UU Congregation Margaret Braxton, Arlington, MA Anita Grossman, Columbia, SC Lois Shepherd Porter, Schenectady, NY www.uuwf.org – web Unitarian Church Denny Davidoff, Norwalk, CT Chestertown, MD - UUs of the Chester River for women. Not since Row v. Wade in 1973 Joyce Brown, Fort Worth, TX Pat Hadley, Nashua, NH Dorothy Prier, Royal Oak, MI New York, NY – Women’s Alliance, Unitarian Jeannette Debs, Niceville, FL Dallas, TX - Women’s Day Alliance, Louise B. Brown, New York, NY Jessica Hale, Atlanta, GA Diana Prizeman, Brooklyn, NY Ellen Spencer have reproductive rights been under so much I am looking forward to working together. Church of All Souls Randy Diner, Albuquerque, NM First Unitarian Church attack from politicians hoping to turn their Merilys P. Brown, Green Valley, AZ Susan M. Haskin, San Diego, CA Linda Prokopy, W. Lafayette, IN Executive Administrator Paramus, NY – Women’s Alliance, Central Kathy Drehmel, Louisville, KY Fort Myers, FL - UU Church Kathy Burek, Minneapolis, MN John Hickey, Cambridge, MA Joy Christi Przestwor, Bakersville, NC [email protected] paternalism into law and women, especially Unitarian Church Susan Eckert, Arnold, MD Des Moines, IA - Unity Circle, First Unitarian Lawrence Calia, Brooklyn, NY Cynthia Hoffner, Atlanta, GA Qiyamah A. Rahman, Chicago, IL low-income women, have yet to see any Salem, OR – UUWF Group, UU Congregation Rev. Barbara Fast, Greenwich, CT Church Susan Hardinge Caravello, Glen Cove, NY Linda Holloway, Reston, VA Sue B. Reamer, Brookline, MA substantial recovery from the Great Recession of Salem Carla Feldhamer, Carbondale, IL Grosse Pointe, NI - Women’s Alliance, Unitarian Velain Carnall, Countryside, IL Dr. Betty Hoskins, Worcester, MA Jeanne W. Reed, Louisville, KY of 2008. Stockton, CA - The UU Alliance, First UU Beverly Anderson Forbes, Renton, WA Church Dawna Carrette, Concord, MA William Hoult, Arleta, CA Sally Reed, Millbrae, CA Church Pauline Gardiner, Arlington, MA Joliet, IL - UU Church Beth Casebolt, St. Clairsville, OH Rev. Esther Hurlburt, Lexington, KY Rebekah K. Richardson, Nahant, MA Swampscott, MA - UU Women of Greater Kate Gillis, W. Warick, RI Lawrenceville, GA - UU Congregation Megan Casebolt, St. Clairsville, OH Alice Jackson, New York, NY Jack Ripple, Phoenix, AZ Lynn, UU Church of Greater Lynn Patricia Goldhammer, San Diego, CA of Gwinnett Continued on Page 4 Jim Cavenaugh, Harrisburg, PA Nancy P. James, Concord, MA Continued on Page 5

thecommunicator Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 2 Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 3 Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 4 The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Meet Jessica Halperin, Thanking Our Donors MARCH 8th: International Women’s Day e extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all Maria Mitchell Circle ($250-499) Gregg Grisa, Washington, DC the new UUWF Clara Barton the individuals who contributed gen- Lynda Bluestein, Fairfield, CT John B. Hooper, Westport, CT By Arlene Johnson, Secretary Advancing justice W erous donations and pledges between Julia and Arnold Bradburd, Gwynedd, PA Clarise Jefferson, Normal, IL International Convocation of UU Women Intern for Women’s Issues January 1 and December 31, 2011. Luz Bravo-Gleicher, Providence, RI Arlene M. D. Johnson, Tulsa, OK for women and girls, Cathy Coult, Minneapolis, MN Patricia Kahn, Atlanta, GA Annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD), thousands of events are held throughout the world to Editor’s Note: The UUWF Clara Barton My hope is that we as Unitarian Universalists We equally appreciate the support of our Ruth L. Darling, Swampscott, MA Dorothy J. Kenney, Decatur, GA inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Ranging from local women’s craft markets, training workshops, Internship for Women’s Issues was established will have a positive impact on proposed member groups in local congregations, other Rev. Terry Davis, Atlanta, GA Priscilla Ledbury, Denver, CO theatrical performances, political rallies, parades, and business conferences, the array of events provide opportunities and promoting women’s groups and congregations. They are Evelynn Gioiella, New York, NY Mary Leonard, Boulder, CO in 2002 in the UUA’s Washington Office by legislation as it comes up at the state level or for women not only to celebrate but to connect and support each other in the ongoing struggle for equality. listed at the end of each giving circle, in order of Dr. Doris and Mr. Howard Hunter, Joyce Levi, Vero Beach, FL their spiritual growth. UUWF’s $200,000 donation and assistance to here in Washington. I’ll be working to build their home cities, for easier identification. Cambridge, MA Donna Loveland, Salem, OR the UUA in raising a matching amount for the that capacity through four main aspects. Dr. Kirstie Lewis, Bellevue, WA Virginia Luke, Bethesda, MD For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for permanent endowment that funds the internship. Olympia Brown Circle ($2,500-$4,999) Eva Marx, Hingham, MA Sandra Manzella, Boston, MA women’s rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. This year is the 101st anniversary of IWD, so celebrate and honor In Summer 2010, staffing of this position was First, I am compiling a core of relevant Edward A. Simmons, Hempstead, NY Linda Melski, Marshfield, WI Phyllis Marsh, Annapolis, MD the women who have led the way in your communities and make plans to actively make a difference in the lives of women and girls for the temporarily suspended as the UUA revisioned information on these issues that will be Betty Cutler Nering, Tempe, AZ Gladys McNatt, Madison, NC coming year. UUWF Board of Trustees its approach to public policy work. The new available on the UUWF’s website (but don’t Maia Louise Baldwin Circle ($1,000-$2,499) Dorothy K. Powers, Atlanta, GA Marilyn Mehr, PhD, New York, NY internship position changes the title and moves look now – I’ve only just started) so that our Phyllis and Don Rickter, Arlington, MA Barbara Prairie, Berea, KY Rev. Betty Jo Middleton, Alexandria, VA For more information on global events check out http::/www.internationalwomensday.com. Betty Sanders, Fort Worth, TX Belmont, MA - The First Church Rev. Alison Miller, Morristown, NJ the position’s emphasis from direct advocacy faithful voice can be heard by anyone with President Arlington, MA - Alliance of the First Parish, Bloomfield Hills, MI - Unitarian Alliance, Beverly Montgomery, Minnetonka, MN Thomson Reuters has developed some great resources as they invite you to join them in Rev. Marti Keller, Decatur, GA at the federal level to providing resources and internet access. First Parish Birmingham Unitarian Church Beverly D. Moore, Louisville, KY [email protected] opportunities for congregations and their leaders Littleton, MA - First Church Unitarian College Station, TX - Woman’s Alliance, Joan Moore, Nashville, TN celebrating International Women’s Day and the role of women in bringing about positive to advocate for issues specific to women. Second, I’m keeping in regular contact with Manhasset, NY - Women’s Group, UU Church of the Brazos Valley Janet Nortrom, Milwaukee, WI change in the world. To mark this occasion Reuters has created a slide show of women from Treasurer/Clerk UU reproductive justice advocates via a UU Congregation at Shelter Rock Concord, MA - Women’s Parish Association, Catherine Onyemelukwe, Westport, CT across the globe, living in extraordinary times. To view it, go to http://online.thompsonreuters.com/womensday. Mary Mercier, Hanson, MA by Jessica Halperin weekly listserv featuring news and action New York, NY - Women’s Alliance, Unitarian First Parish Janet T. Paulk, Decatur, GA Church of All Souls Hartford, CT - Unitarian Women’s Alliance, Jane Perkins, Bristol, RI [email protected] UUA Program Associate for Women’s Issues items. Email me ([email protected]) to sign up. Paramus, NJ - Women’s Alliance, Central Unitarian Society Nancy J. Peterson, Schenectady, NY Greetings from Unitarian Church Madison, WI - UU Alliance, First Unitarian Dr. Leslie and Ms. Susan Polgar, Lafayette, CA Vice President/Funding Programs Salem, OR - UUWF, UU Congregation Society Molly Remer, Rolla, MO Donors, cont. from Page 3 Kirstie Lewis, Ph.D., Bellevue, WA Washington! Congress Third, I look forward to hosting conference Milwaukee, WI - Womanspirit/Emerson Rev. Meg Riley, Minneapolis, MN is in session and the city calls, webinars, and other events to connect Marblehead, MA - Women’s Group, Judith J. Clough, Schenectady, NY Martha J. Jantho, Chicago, IL [email protected] Maria Louise Baldwin Circle ($500-999) Guild, First Unitarian Society Barbara D. Roberts, Woodbury, CT UU Church Michael and Shannon Cobb, Danbury, CT Joan S. Johnson, Louisville, KY is bustling. It’s a good you – leaders in UU congregations – to other Dr. Barbara W. Brown, Glencoe, MO Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - Women’s Violet E. Rutledge, Silver Spring, MD Minneapolis, MN - Association of Inge Crowley, Gurnee, IL Susan Kosanke, Honolulu, HI Vice President/Outreach day to be a Unitarian UUs working for women’s justice so we can Mary-Ella Holst, New York, NY Federation, Pacific Unitarian Church Edith P. Schwede, Lakewood, OH Universalist Women, First Universalist Mary Rose Curtis, Charlottesville, VA Jan Lahr, Corvallis, OR Rev. Terry Davis, St. Louis, MO Universalist advocate exchange strategies and inspiration. Rev. Marti Keller, Decatur, GA Schenectady, NY - Women’s Alliance, First Mickey Selwyn, Honolulu, HI Church Betsy Darr, San Francisco, CA Sandra Light, Woodstock, IL Verna Livingston, Port Washington, NY Unitarian Society Patricia Seubert, Memphis, TN [email protected] in the nation’s capital. New York, NY - Ethelwyn Doolittle Justice Susan De Sciora, Port Washington, NY Richard R. Lohmeyer, Kensington, MD In the short time since Finally, I will be personally wading into Nancy W. Van Dyke, Port Washington, NY Southlake, TX - Pathways Church Ruth M. Shaw, Collinsville, IL and Outreach Fund, Community Church Wendy DeGroat, Henrico, VA Barbara Ross Love, San Pedro, CA I began as the Program politics in Washington: speaking with Akron, OH - UU Women’s Association, Marcia Joslyn Sill, Seattle, WA Ridgewood, NJ - The First Unitarian Society Diana DeWeese, Springfield, IL Louise Malcolm, Keene, NH UU Church of Akron Dr. Marth May Eliot Circle ($100-249) Marjory Smith, Wilsonville, OR Santa Barbara, CA - UU Women’s Alliance, Rev. Danielle Di Bona, Weymouth, MA Odile Mattiauda, Providence, RI Associate for Women’s Issues at the UUA’s members of Congress, signing our name on Bellevue, WA - Women’s Perspective, Susan I. Allen, Bellevue, WA Dee Stegman, Cincinnati, OH Washington Office, I’ve attended coalition coalition letters to Capitol Hill, and working Unitarian Society Cornelia Do, Long Beach, NY Marjorie Matty, Jamaica Plain, MA This newsletter is published by the East Shore Unitarian Church Suzanne M. Ames, Tulsa, OK Elizabeth G. Stevens, San Diego, CA Santa Fe, NM, Chapter of UUWF, The UU Nancy R. Dott, Madison, WI Julie McKane, San Diego, CA meetings, briefings on Capitol Hill, and with interfaith progressive lobbyists to realize Unitarian Universalist Women’s Brooklyn, MA - Women’s Alliance, Elizabeth Anderson, Galveston, TX Dr. Cynthia Grant Tucker, Cordova, TN Congregation Priscilla Dumka, Carlisle, MA Julie McKinney, Greenport, NY Federation and is distributed to congregational activities; it’s been an inspiring our vision for a better world. First Unitarian Congregaional Society Holly Atkinson, New York, NY Helen Walther, Ft. Myers, FL Santa Paula, CA - Mary Livermore Society, Debra Eston, Concord, MA Myrtle McMahan, Fort Worth, TX members and other supporters in trial-by-fire in this field of faith-based Chandler, AZ - Valley UUWF, Valley UU Faith Bailey, Deerfield, IL Rev. Suzanne M. Wasilczuk, Duluth, MN UU Church Trudy Farrell, Kenosha, WI Patty Mogk, Grosse Pointe, MI Congregation Nancy Bartlett, Decatur, GA Ellen Wehrle, Oak Park, IL the UU community. Financials are advocacy and organizing. I need your help every step of the way. Westport, CT - The Unitarian Church Kathleen Fowler, Columbus, OH Perry Montrose, Weston, CT Dedham, MA - Branch General Alliance, Rev. Rebecca Blodgett, Concord, MA Marian Wenzel, Vero Beach, FL available upon request. Mary Francis, Norman, OK Helen Mary Neale, Dearborn, MI I am honored to work on such important I know that UUWF members and their First Church and Parish Margaret Brown, Bethlehem, PA Rhoda Whitney, Denver, CO Other Contributions ($99 and Under) Anne Frantz, Peterborough, NH Barbara Neher, Sarasota, FL East Lansing, MI - Women’s Fellowship, Marina B. Brown, Ann Arbor, MI Edwin F. Wilde, Spartanburg, SC issues as reproductive justice and government passion for justice created my position in Mary Amundsen, Rochester, MN David Friedman, Rochester, NY Luella Newstrom, Prior Lake, MN UU Church of Greater Lansing Susan M. Buckholz, White River Jctn, VT Beth Williamson, Bedias, TX Rev. Meredith U. Anderson, Orwell, VT Nancy V. Furnas, Stamford, CT Joan Niemiec, Minneapolis, MN UUWF Office support for low-income women, and I look Washington, and I’m grateful. And I’m asking Eugene, OR - Women’s Alliance, The UU Linda Lu Burciaga, Newburyport, MA Elizabeth Winder, E. Lansin, MI forward to partnering with UUs across the for more. Constituent communications and JoAnn Bachar, Milwaukee, WI Lauren Furst, Roslyn Heights, NY Susan Odessky, East Stroudsburg, PA 25 Beacon Street Church Dr. Randy Burnham, Westport, CT Rev. Leslie Woodward, Centerville, OH Martha Baron, Greenville, SC Joyce H. Gad, Cary, NC Wilma Oksendahl, Kailua, HI Boston, MA 02108 country to help make our society safer, more lobby visits mean more to Congressional Kansas City, MO - Demeters, All Souls UU Marcia M. Bystrom, Florence, AL Carol Ann Yeaple, South Yarmouth, MA Barbara Beach, Falls Church, VA Norma J. Gage, Venice, FL Rev. Marcia Olsen, Brookings, OR compassionate, and more just for women. offices than do the efforts of professional Church Rev. Barbara Child, Nashville, IN Nancy S. Young, Waterville, ME Margaret Beck, Grosse Point Farms, MI Carole Galanty, Atlanta, GA Kay Kirk Owen, Stockton, CA lobbyists, and it will be your letters to the Littleton, MA - Littleton Branch Alliance, Sylvia Cline, New York, NY Brewster, MA - Women’s Circle Alliance, First Frances Bicknell, Madison, WI Linda Godfrey-Bailey, Sharon, MA Elaine R. Peters, Hicksville, NY 617-948-4692 – tel First Church Unitarian Helen Lutton Cohen, Lexington, MA Parish [email protected] – email Unfortunately, now is a time when this editor, your questions at candidate forums, Ann E. Boynton, Melrose, MA Sara Gondwe, Gettysburg, PA Helen R. Pickett, Chatham, MA country is neither particularly safe nor just and your activism that will make a difference. Louiseville, KY - Women’s Alliance, First Mary Cullen, Lakewood, CO Castine, ME - UU Congregation Margaret Braxton, Arlington, MA Anita Grossman, Columbia, SC Lois Shepherd Porter, Schenectady, NY www.uuwf.org – web Unitarian Church Denny Davidoff, Norwalk, CT Chestertown, MD - UUs of the Chester River for women. Not since Row v. Wade in 1973 Joyce Brown, Fort Worth, TX Pat Hadley, Nashua, NH Dorothy Prier, Royal Oak, MI New York, NY – Women’s Alliance, Unitarian Jeannette Debs, Niceville, FL Dallas, TX - Women’s Day Alliance, Louise B. Brown, New York, NY Jessica Hale, Atlanta, GA Diana Prizeman, Brooklyn, NY Ellen Spencer have reproductive rights been under so much I am looking forward to working together. Church of All Souls Randy Diner, Albuquerque, NM First Unitarian Church attack from politicians hoping to turn their Merilys P. Brown, Green Valley, AZ Susan M. Haskin, San Diego, CA Linda Prokopy, W. Lafayette, IN Executive Administrator Paramus, NY – Women’s Alliance, Central Kathy Drehmel, Louisville, KY Fort Myers, FL - UU Church Kathy Burek, Minneapolis, MN John Hickey, Cambridge, MA Joy Christi Przestwor, Bakersville, NC [email protected] paternalism into law and women, especially Unitarian Church Susan Eckert, Arnold, MD Des Moines, IA - Unity Circle, First Unitarian Lawrence Calia, Brooklyn, NY Cynthia Hoffner, Atlanta, GA Qiyamah A. Rahman, Chicago, IL low-income women, have yet to see any Salem, OR – UUWF Group, UU Congregation Rev. Barbara Fast, Greenwich, CT Church Susan Hardinge Caravello, Glen Cove, NY Linda Holloway, Reston, VA Sue B. Reamer, Brookline, MA substantial recovery from the Great Recession of Salem Carla Feldhamer, Carbondale, IL Grosse Pointe, NI - Women’s Alliance, Unitarian Velain Carnall, Countryside, IL Dr. Betty Hoskins, Worcester, MA Jeanne W. Reed, Louisville, KY of 2008. Stockton, CA - The UU Alliance, First UU Beverly Anderson Forbes, Renton, WA Church Dawna Carrette, Concord, MA William Hoult, Arleta, CA Sally Reed, Millbrae, CA Church Pauline Gardiner, Arlington, MA Joliet, IL - UU Church Beth Casebolt, St. Clairsville, OH Rev. Esther Hurlburt, Lexington, KY Rebekah K. Richardson, Nahant, MA Swampscott, MA - UU Women of Greater Kate Gillis, W. Warick, RI Lawrenceville, GA - UU Congregation Megan Casebolt, St. Clairsville, OH Alice Jackson, New York, NY Jack Ripple, Phoenix, AZ Lynn, UU Church of Greater Lynn Patricia Goldhammer, San Diego, CA of Gwinnett Continued on Page 4 Jim Cavenaugh, Harrisburg, PA Nancy P. James, Concord, MA Continued on Page 5

thecommunicator Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 2 Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 3 Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 4 The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Twenty Four Women Honored with thecommunicator Non-Profit Org The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation U.S. Postage Clara Barton Sisterhoods in 2011 PAID 25 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02108 617-948-4692 tel Milwaukee, WI • Golden, CO – Lois Abbott, by Jefferson Permit #1275 Unitarian Church communicator theThe Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Spring 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 • Green Bay, WI – LaVerneBochek-Robbins, by the Green Bay Area UU Fellowship • LaCombe, LA – Eula Helen Mayne, by the Meet the New North Shore UU Society of Louisiana UUWF Clara Barton Intern UUWF to Commission 2012 Equity & • Madison, WI – Nancy R. Dott, Barbara S. Jessica Halperin has joined the UUA’s Multi- From left: Universalist Clara Barton, for whom UUWF’s Sisterhood program is named. Among those Nodine, by the UU Alliance, First Unitarian cultural and Witness staffing group as UUA Justice and Margaret Fuller Projects honored with Sisterhoods in 2011 were Betty Cutler Nering, by Valley UUWF, Valley UU Fellowship, Society Program Associate for Women’s Issues, the new title for the UUWF Clara Barton Intern Chandler, AZ; Donna Kopick, by the Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship’s Women’s Group, Bloomington, • Minneapolis, MN – Fran Addington, o enhance UU Women’s Federation’s Since UUWF will commission this year’s MN; and Esther Jones, by the UUWF Chapter at The UU Congregation of Santa Fe, NM. for Women’s Issues. She is a 2008 graduate of participation in the theme of the Equity and Margaret Fuller Projects, no Carolyn Mo, by the Association of Earlham College in Richmond, IN, where she Universalist Women, First Universalist T Unitarian Universalist Association’s unsolicited proposals will be considered was a recipient of a four year, achievement- Church special 2012 justice General Assembly, this year. Plans are to identify at least one he UUWF’s Clara Barton Sisterhood Join with us in celebrating those enrolled based presidential honors scholarship. Her the UUWF will this year focus two of its project each for the two programs in time for was founded in 1969 as a way for in the Sisterhood between January 1 and • New York, NY – Cornelia Do, Marion background is in communications, having three grants programs on the GA theme by announcement at GA. Twomen’s groups, congregations December 31, 2011: Stano, by the Women’s Alliance, Unitarian previously worked for the Friends Committee commissioning this year’s funded projects. on National Legislation (Quakers) and other and other individuals and organizations to • Ashville, NC – Ann Macpherson, Church of All Souls “Our goal is to identify and fund the best non-profit organizations in the Washington, honor women aged 80 and over for their honored by the Unitarian Universalist • Pensacola, FL – Flo Fulwiler, by the UU “Given our mission, the way our funding possible UU projects directly related to the D.C. area. She will work out of the UUA’s contributions to their congregations and Church of Asheville Church of Pensacola programs support it, and the GA theme of intersection of our mission and the justice GA communities. www.uuwf.org Washington Center. furthering the rights of immigrants – both theme,” Rev. Keller said. “Because of this our • Belmont, MA – Elizabeth Betty Braucher, • Reading, PA – Caroline Simonson, by the documented and undocumented – and funding programs will function proactively Laura C. Miller, and Ethel R. “Smoke” First UU Church of Berks County Why women aged 80 and over? The Read what Jessica has to say about her new indigenous peoples,” said UUWF President rather than reactively this year. Instead of Twichell,by The First Church in Belmont Sisterhood is named in honor of Universalist • Ridgewood, NJ – Helen Lindsay, Nancy position - see page 2. Rev. Marti Keller, “this is a good fit for all of limiting ourselves to consideration of proposals Clara Barton, born on Christmas Day, 1821 • Bloomington, MN – Donna Kopnick, by Petrie, by The Unitarian Society of us.” submitted to us, we use our established in North Oxford, MA. Best known as founder the MVUUF Women’s Group, Minnesota Ridgewood, NJ networks within the UU community to of the American Red Cross, Barton’s path Valley UU Fellowship • Rockford, IL – Kay Hotchkiss, by The UU Recent Website Postings The UUWF’s Equity and Justice grants, she identify such projects.” toward that work did not begin until she was • Brewster, MA – Sylvia Doble Stringer, by Church of Rockford and Links went on to explain, support one part of the over 40 – in an era when many women did Federation’s organizational mission ‒ advancing the Women’s Circle Alliance, First Parish • Santa Fe, NM – Esther Jones, by the Advancing justice for women and girls, “We need to think of ourselves as a religious not live to reach that age. justice for women and girls. Potential 2012 Brewster Santa Fe Chapter of UUWF, The UU movement,” writes Rev. Peter Morales, UUA President, in his recent article, Congregations Equity and Justice projects, she said, include Information on honoring women in your • Chandler, AZ – Betty Cutler Nering, by Congregation of Santa Fe and promoting their spiritual growth. and Beyond. “The difference is potentially UU justice projects with a direct, positive congregation by enrolling them in the Valley UUWF, Valley UU Congregation • Vero Beach, FL – Marian Wenzel, by the huge.” Visit www.uuwf.org for a link to the impact on the lives of immigrant and/or Scholarships Sisterhood can be found at www.uuwf.org or • Fort Myers, FL – Dorothy Webb, by the UU Fellowship of Vero Beach Message from the UUWF President article. indigenous women and girls. “This could be a by contacting the UUWF Office. UU Church of Fort Myers • Westport, CT – Marion Wertheim, by The local congregation working in partnership with Available On Social Action via Cyberspace a reproductive health clinic serving the unique Unitarian Church in Westport Inside This Issue Other recent website postings include: ithin a few days of the storybreaking that the Susan G. Komen Foundation had • UUWF statement on the “Occupy Wall needs of these populations,” she said, “or with Recent Website Postings decided to end its funding of Planned Parenthood programs to screen and educate Street” and related protests literacy or life skills projects serving immigrant women and girls.” Donors, cont. from Page 4 and Links Page 1 W about breast cancer, women and men all over the country let their voices be heard ‒ • A link to information about the UUA “Gath- on the side of affordable, accessible health care ‒ and against the exclusion of one of the largest ered Here,” initiative which UUWF board Katherine P. Roberts, Derby, CT Alice Weeks, Longwood, FL Green Bay, WI - Green Bay Area UU Fellowship Commissioning Projects Page 1 The UUWF’s Margaret Fuller grants support Mary Rossborough, Salem, MA Elisabeth Weida, Port Washington, NY Lacombe, LA - North Shore UU Society of providers of these services because it is pro-choice on the issue of abortion. has endorsed the other part of the UUWF’s mission – Judith Rymer, Great Neck, NY Nancy Weiss-Fried, Cranston, RI Louisiana Scholarships Available Page 1 • An invitation to share with UUWF the ways Sandra Lee Sanderson, Pendleton, SC Luan Wells, Racine, WI Meadowview, VA - UU Church of the For as long as the UU Women’s Federation has existed, women in our faith movement have the women in your congregation gather promoting the spiritual growth of women and Rev. Catherine Senghas, Jamaica Plain, MA Barbara Whitcomb, Littleton, MA Highlands Meet the New UUWF called for reproductive justice and compassion. Consistently, when surveyed, they have asked girls. “It’s particularly relevant that within a Evelyn Shepard, Honolulu, HI Rev. Bets Wienecke, Carpinteria, CA Orlando, FL - The Alliance, First Unitarian Clara Barton Intern Pages 1&2 that the UUWF work on this issue, as well as women’s health care in general. So I was ready to decade of its founding as the Feminist Theology Helen Snoke, Santa Fe, NM Pam Williams, Spring Valley, CA Church issue a statement condemning the action of the Komen Board and asking UUWF members and Make a Difference Awards,” Rev. Keller said, “this program was Dorothy Sonn, Stamford, CT Linda Wisniewski, Doylestown, PA Pensacola, FL - UU Church of Pensacola Thanking Our Donors Page 3 others to join with me. Perpetuate your values by making a differ- revisioned and renamed to embrace a wider and Mary Sparks, Chicago, IL Ora E. Wry, Narragansett, RI Reading, PA - First Unitarian Church of Berks International Women’s Day Page 4 richer variety of woman-centered theologies UUWF’s Marjorie-Bowens-Wheatley Robin Lee Sprietsma, Lisle, IL Jackie Zimmerman, Minnetonka, MN County ence in the lives of women and girls: consider Then news came that the foundation had reversed its decision, due in no small part to the and spiritual practices.” Scholarship Program provides general Susan Stenovec, San Luis Obispo, CA Ashville, NC - UU Church of Asheville Riverside, CA - Women’s Federation, UU Clara Barton Sisterhoods Page 5 including the UU Women’s Federation in your Mary Teslow, Franklin, NC Bloomington, MN - MVUUF Women’s Church capability we now have to spread the word in cyberspace, through e-mail, websites, Facebook, planned giving. The UUA’s Office of Legacy financial support to aspirants or candidates to Joan Tobin, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Group, Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship Rutland, VT - UU Church Twitter and ever-emerging communication vehicles. The response was consistent and passionate Gifts has the resources and expertise to help The revisioned program, she said, is inclusive the UU ministry who identify as women of Rosellen Trunnell, San Pedro, CA Cincinnati, OH - First Church Women, Vero Beach, FL - UU Fellowship of Vero Beach and clear. My hope is that UUWF will be diligent, agile and eloquent as we continue to work you – contact them at 1-888-792-5885 or of those who describe themselves using such color, Latina or Hispanic. Carol Venable, San Diego, CA First Unitarian Church For late-breaking news, toward equity and justice for women and girls. visit www.uua.org/giving and click on Planned terms as womanist, eco-feminist, or mujerista. Joella Vreeland, Minneapolis, MN Golden, CO - Jefferson Unitarian Church visit us online at www.uuwf.org. Giving. “We’ll be looking for 2012 Margaret Fuller Applications are currently available at Faithfully, projects that deepen our appreciation and www.uuwf.org/fundingprograms.html. Rev. Marti Keller, President, UUWF understanding of woman-centered religious The deadline for 2012 scholarship beliefs or spiritual practices of immigrants and applications is March 15. thecommunicator Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 5 www.uuwf.org indigenous cultures.” The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Twenty Four Women Honored with thecommunicator Non-Profit Org The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation U.S. Postage Clara Barton Sisterhoods in 2011 PAID 25 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02108 617-948-4692 tel Milwaukee, WI • Golden, CO – Lois Abbott, by Jefferson Permit #1275 Unitarian Church communicator theThe Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation Spring 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 • Green Bay, WI – LaVerneBochek-Robbins, by the Green Bay Area UU Fellowship • LaCombe, LA – Eula Helen Mayne, by the DC Intern Appointed North Shore UU Society of Louisiana Jessica Halperin has joined the UUA’s Multi- UUWF to Commission 2012 Equity & • Madison, WI – Nancy R. Dott, Barbara S. cultural and Witness staffing group as UUA From left: Universalist Clara Barton, for whom UUWF’s Sisterhood program is named. Among those Nodine, by the UU Alliance, First Unitarian Program Associate for Women’s Issues, the Justice and Margaret Fuller Projects honored with Sisterhoods in 2011 were Betty Cutler Nering, by Valley UUWF, Valley UU Fellowship, Society new title for the UUWF Clara Barton Intern Chandler, AZ; Donna Kopick, by the Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship’s Women’s Group, Bloomington, • Minneapolis, MN – Fran Addington, for Women’s Issues. She is a 2008 graduate of o enhance UU Women’s Federation’s Since UUWF will commission this year’s MN; and Esther Jones, by the UUWF Chapter at The UU Congregation of Santa Fe, NM. Carolyn Mo, by the Association of Earlham College in Richmond, IN, where she participation in the theme of the Equity and Margaret Fuller Projects, no Universalist Women, First Universalist was a recipient of a four year, achievement- T Unitarian Universalist Association’s unsolicited proposals will be considered based presidential honors scholarship. Her special 2012 justice General Assembly, this year. Plans are to identify at least one he UUWF’s Clara Barton Sisterhood Join with us in celebrating those enrolled Church background is in communications, having the UUWF will this year focus two of its project each for the two programs in time for was founded in 1969 as a way for in the Sisterhood between January 1 and • New York, NY – Cornelia Do, Marion previously worked for the Friends Committee three grants programs on the GA theme by announcement at GA. women’s groups, congregations December 31, 2011: Stano, by the Women’s Alliance, Unitarian T on National Legislation (Quakers) and other commissioning this year’s funded projects. and other individuals and organizations to Church of All Souls • Ashville, NC – Ann Macpherson, non-profit organizations in the Washington, “Our goal is to identify and fund the best honor women aged 80 and over for their honored by the Unitarian Universalist • Pensacola, FL – Flo Fulwiler, by the UU D.C. area. She will work out of the UUA’s “Given our mission, the way our funding possible UU projects directly related to the contributions to their congregations and Church of Asheville Church of Pensacola Washington Center. programs support it, and the GA theme of intersection of our mission and the justice GA communities. www.uuwf.org furthering the rights of immigrants – both theme,” Rev. Keller said. “Because of this our • Belmont, MA – Elizabeth Betty Braucher, • Reading, PA – Caroline Simonson, by the documented and undocumented – and funding programs will function proactively Laura C. Miller, and Ethel R. “Smoke” First UU Church of Berks County Read what Jessica has to say about her new Why women aged 80 and over? The indigenous peoples,” said UUWF President rather than reactively this year. Instead of Twichell,by The First Church in Belmont position - see page 2. Sisterhood is named in honor of Universalist • Ridgewood, NJ – Helen Lindsay, Nancy Rev. Marti Keller, “this is a good fit for all of limiting ourselves to consideration of proposals Clara Barton, born on Christmas Day, 1821 • Bloomington, MN – Donna Kopnick, by Petrie, by The Unitarian Society of us.” submitted to us, we use our established in North Oxford, MA. Best known as founder the MVUUF Women’s Group, Minnesota Ridgewood, NJ networks within the UU community to of the American Red Cross, Barton’s path Recent Website Postings Valley UU Fellowship • Rockford, IL – Kay Hotchkiss, by The UU The UUWF’s Equity and Justice grants, she identify such projects.” toward that work did not begin until she was and Links • Brewster, MA – Sylvia Doble Stringer, by Church of Rockford went on to explain, support one part of the over 40 – in an era when many women did “We need to think of ourselves as a religious Federation’s organizational mission ‒ advancing the Women’s Circle Alliance, First Parish • Santa Fe, NM – Esther Jones, by the Advancing justice for women and girls, not live to reach that age. movement,” writes Rev. Peter Morales, UUA justice for women and girls. Potential 2012 Brewster Santa Fe Chapter of UUWF, The UU President, in his recent article, Congregations Equity and Justice projects, she said, include • Chandler, AZ – Betty Cutler Nering, by Congregation of Santa Fe and promoting their spiritual growth. Information on honoring women in your and Beyond. “The difference is potentially UU justice projects with a direct, positive Valley UUWF, Valley UU Congregation congregation by enrolling them in the • Vero Beach, FL – Marian Wenzel, by the huge.” Visit www.uuwf.org for a link to the impact on the lives of immigrant and/or Scholarships Sisterhood can be found at www.uuwf.org or • Fort Myers, FL – Dorothy Webb, by the UU Fellowship of Vero Beach Message from the UUWF President article. indigenous women and girls. “This could be a by contacting the UUWF Office. UU Church of Fort Myers • Westport, CT – Marion Wertheim, by The local congregation working in partnership with Available Other recent website postings include: Unitarian Church in Westport On Social Action via Cyberspace a reproductive health clinic serving the unique Inside This Issue • UUWF statement on the “Occupy Wall ithin a few days of the story breaking that the Susan G. Komen Foundation had needs of these populations,” she said, “or with Street” and related protests Recent Website Postings decided to end its funding of Planned Parenthood programs to screen and educate literacy or life skills projects serving immigrant • A link to information about the UUA women and girls.” cont. from Page 4 and Links Page 1 about breast cancer, women and men all over the country let their voices be heard ‒ Donors, W “Gathered Here” initiative which UUWF on the side of affordable, accessible health care ‒ and against the exclusion of one of the largest Katherine P. Roberts, Derby, CT Alice Weeks, Longwood, FL Green Bay, WI - Green Bay Area UU Fellowship Commissioning Projects Page 1 board has endorsed providers of these services because it is pro-choice on the issue of abortion. The UUWF’s Margaret Fuller grants support Mary Rossborough, Salem, MA Elisabeth Weida, Port Washington, NY Lacombe, LA - North Shore UU Society of • An invitation to share with UUWF the ways Scholarships Available Page 1 the other part of the UUWF’s mission – Judith Rymer, Great Neck, NY Nancy Weiss-Fried, Cranston, RI Louisiana the women in your congregation gather Sandra Lee Sanderson, Pendleton, SC Luan Wells, Racine, WI Meadowview, VA - UU Church of the For as long as the UU Women’s Federation has existed, women in our faith movement have promoting the spiritual growth of women and Rev. Catherine Senghas, Jamaica Plain, MA Barbara Whitcomb, Littleton, MA Highlands Meet the New UUWF called for reproductive justice and compassion. Consistently, when surveyed, they have asked girls. “It’s particularly relevant that within a Evelyn Shepard, Honolulu, HI Rev. Bets Wienecke, Carpinteria, CA Orlando, FL - The Alliance, First Unitarian Clara Barton Intern Pages 1&2 that the UUWF work on this issue, as well as women’s health care in general. So I was ready to decade of its founding as the Feminist Theology Helen Snoke, Santa Fe, NM Pam Williams, Spring Valley, CA Church issue a statement condemning the action of the Komen Board and asking UUWF members and Make a Difference Awards,” Rev. Keller said, “this program was Dorothy Sonn, Stamford, CT Linda Wisniewski, Doylestown, PA Pensacola, FL - UU Church of Pensacola Thanking Our Donors Page 3 others to join with me. Perpetuate your values by making a differ- revisioned and renamed to embrace a wider and Mary Sparks, Chicago, IL Ora E. Wry, Narragansett, RI Reading, PA - First Unitarian Church of Berks International Women’s Day Page 4 ence in the lives of women and girls: consider richer variety of woman-centered theologies UUWF’s Marjorie-Bowens-Wheatley Robin Lee Sprietsma, Lisle, IL Jackie Zimmerman, Minnetonka, MN County Then news came that the foundation had reversed its decision, due in no small part to the including the UU Women’s Federation in your and spiritual practices.” Scholarship Program provides general Susan Stenovec, San Luis Obispo, CA Ashville, NC - UU Church of Asheville Riverside, CA - Women’s Federation, UU Clara Barton Sisterhoods Page 5 planned giving. The UUA’s Office of Legacy Mary Teslow, Franklin, NC Bloomington, MN - MVUUF Women’s Church capability we now have to spread the word in cyberspace, through e-mail, websites, Facebook, financial support to aspirants or candidates to Joan Tobin, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY Group, Minnesota Valley UU Fellowship Rutland, VT - UU Church Twitter and ever-emerging communication vehicles. The response was consistent and passionate Gifts has the resources and expertise to help The revisioned program, she said, is inclusive the UU ministry who identify as women of Rosellen Trunnell, San Pedro, CA Cincinnati, OH - First Church Women, Vero Beach, FL - UU Fellowship of Vero Beach and clear. My hope is that UUWF will be diligent, agile and eloquent as we continue to work you – contact them at 1-888-792-5885 or of those who describe themselves using such color, Latina or Hispanic. Carol Venable, San Diego, CA First Unitarian Church For late-breaking news, toward equity and justice for women and girls. visit www.uua.org/giving and click on Planned terms as womanist, eco-feminist, or mujerista. Joella Vreeland, Minneapolis, MN Golden, CO - Jefferson Unitarian Church visit us online at www.uuwf.org. Giving. “We’ll be looking for 2012 Margaret Fuller Applications are currently available at Faithfully, projects that deepen our appreciation and www.uuwf.org/fundingprograms.html. Rev. Marti Keller, President, UUWF understanding of woman-centered religious The deadline for 2012 scholarship beliefs or spiritual practices of immigrants and applications is March 15. thecommunicator Spring, 2012 | Vol 30, Issue 1 5 www.uuwf.org indigenous cultures.” The Newsletter of Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation