The AWE group was one of 15 non-profit organizations selected by Omega to use the facilities free of charge during their annual service week. Filmmakers Jane Zipp and Amy Bostwick of Metro Arts filmed some of the sessions for the next AWE DVD to preview at General Convention. Input to the retreat agenda and sessions was given by its members, funders, International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN), provincial committee of UNCSW, and church center staff among others.

Important outcomes of the retreat include:

AWE has been sponsoring the participation of Anglican women from around the world at the annual meeting of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York since 2004. At the retreat AWE adopted a three year plan to continue this work and committed itself to raise funds for and facilitate an on-going presence at the UNCSW. In light of Taimalelagi Fagamalama Tuatagaloa-Matalavea’s imminent retirement from the position of Anglican Observer at the UN, AWE will continue to seek approval for ECOSOC status to the UN on behalf of Episcopal Church in order to secure an official relationship of its own. Also, a volunteer presence at UN commissions during the interim period between Observers will be pursued.

A transition team for AWE will soon be announced which will begin to function over the summer to prepare for the shifting role that Phoebe Griswold will play in the years ahead. Phoebe plans to continue as convener until November 1 when she will become a consultant/Ambassador for AWE. The transition team will insure a smooth movement to a shared leadership model as the group plans for 2007 and beyond.

The third area of outcome was a new plan and commitment for AWE to become a learning community particularly focused on understanding the empowerment of women from the multi cultural contexts of the Anglican Communion. A small task team was identified who will plan a coordinated effort to become a model for an organic, holistic, and thoroughly representative body over the course of the next 3 years in order to become an expert group knowledgeable about the ingredients, processes and results of strengthened women’s voices and presence in the world. This plan will consider theology and worship, sustainability, healing, circle leadership, and cultural sensitivity among other issues. AWE has an international committee membership that will expand its role in participating in the new learning component.

For more information regarding AWE, go to  http://www.episcopalchurch.org/uncsw.htm or email krobey@episcopalchurch.org.