Presbyterian Mission Agency

Young Women’s Leadership Development

Today’s young women are actively contemplating current and future leadership in the church. Some are looking for current opportunities to represent young women voices at various levels of the church. Many are prayerfully discerning their call to ordained or lay ministry. Others simply want to learn more about the church. Although there are many common issues faced by all young women of our church, their needs vary depending on the call they are contemplating. We seek to understand these needs and provide helpful resources.

Young Women’s Leadership Development is a national ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Agency operating within the Women's Leadership Development & Justice ministry offices.. The office of Young Women’s Leadership Development provides resources to young adult women (ages 18-35) who are considering leadership opportunities in the church.

• We support national networks that target specific groups of young adult women. Currently there are two national networks supported by the office. National Network of Presbyterian College Women (NNPCW) serves college age women (ages 18-25). Racial Ethnic Young Women Together (REYWT) serves racial ethnic women between the ages of 18 and 35.
• We can provide young women with opportunities to serve in various leadership positions at a national level. Our office partners with other PC(USA) agencies to increase young women’s voice and representation in the church.
• We organize national and regional events that offer young women leadership training and opportunities for networking with peers and mentors.
• We seek to globalize leadership development of young women by partnering with ecumenical agencies.
  
  

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  From the Church Pew to the Global Pulpit 

  by Jessica Denson, Communications Specialist

  A group of about 70 Presbyterians let the world know: the faithful will be active participants in efforts to end violence against women. The inter-generational group took part in the annual session of the Commission for the Status of Women (CSW) held in March at the United Nations.
  
  “It’s very important that there is a spiritual voice for women,” Annanda Barclay, who was part of the delegation of Presbyterians, said. “I think all too often – especially in our national arena – that spiritual, faithful voice gets lost or drowned out. It doesn’t get heard as loud as opposing views.”

  Every year during CSW, the UN seeks input from non-governmental agencies in shaping its international policy on women's issues. Representatives from member states evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide. Read the full article. 

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  Presbyterian Delegation to Help Form an Intergenerational Approach to Eliminating and Preventing Violence Against Women  

  by Jessica Denson, Communications Specialist

  This March, a group of about 70 Presbyterians, along with ecumenical partners and many non-profit organizations, will play a vital role as the United Nations outlines its international approach to women’s issues – specifically in efforts to eliminate and prevent all forms of violence against women and girls. Among the group, young Presbyterian women will serve as the eyes, ears, and voice of their generation.

  They will take part in activities surrounding the annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York City March 4-15.  During this yearly meeting, representatives from member states gather at UN headquarters to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide. Through this dialog with Presbyterians and other attendees, the Commission sets its global policy in regards to women’s issues under the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Read the full article. 

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  Let Us Play: Expressing Our Faith Through Dance

  by Jessica Denson, Communications Specialist

  “It offers another mode of teaching and encouragement to reach people who might not get it through the traditional worship services.  It’s one more avenue to bring us closer to God.”

  Sharde’ Chapman uses liturgical dance and other creative art forms to more fully live out her faith and help others to learn more about their own.

  “We also call it ‘praise dance’-it is dancing to the gospel or Christian songs in ways that are meant to enhance the message of the song, increasing understanding whether you’re young or old or even if there is a language barrier.”  Read more.

Meet the Interim Associate for Young Women's Leadership Development

Catherine (Kate) Carlisle is the Associate for Young Women's Leadership Development. Kate has a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Haverford College.  She has studied with the Taize Community in France, at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and with the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Kate was a chaplain intern at the University of Louisville Hospital and James Graham Brown Cancer Center, and a student pastoral intern at Congregational Church of Somersville, CT, and Bedford Presbyterian Church in Bedford, NY.  At Kentucky Refugee Ministries in Louisville, she was an assistant in the Family & Children¹s Center, which focused on helping stay-at-home moms, who were not eligible for assistance.  She worked with Southeast Asian refugees and learned numbers in several Southeast Asian languages.

In her work, Kate will engage in conversations and determine strategies for addressing issues facing women in the larger church.  She will also work towards meeting the leadership development needs of young women in the church.  Along with other new young adult staff at the Presbyterian Mission Agency, this mission and ministry directly links to the 2013-2016 Mission Work Plan's directional goal to "engage and join with young adults in reforming the church for Christ's mission."

Take part in upcoming events

These events offer leadership development opportunities for young women.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
March 4-14, 2013
Apply now! Deadline Oct 1, 2012

Speaking of Young Women’s Leadership Development… 

It’s incredible to witness what young women can do when given the tools and resources to share their gifts. Learn how the programs offered through YWLD are reconnecting young women to the church, and read the stories of “graduates” who are now contributing to the growth of God’s mission in the world in amazing ways.

'Yes, they can!'

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