EVENTS:

Let's Talk: A conversation with the National Board President and Executive Committee

The executive committee of American Baptist Women's Ministries invites American Baptist women to have a conversation with the national board president and executive committee on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 8:00 PM EST. Please join us as we discuss the proposed bylaw changes recommended by the National Board that will be voted on at the annual meeting of ABWM on June 23, 2023. Before attending the meeting, please read the FAQs about the bylaws below. Click here to register. 



Bylaws FAQS
Haga clic aquí para leer las preguntas frecuentes sobre los estatutos en español.

What is the process of revising the bylaws? 
The national board makes recommendations on proposed changes. The process was as follows:  

1. The ABWM bylaws have been discussed over a series of board meetings and executive committee meetings for over a decade. In 2022, the current Executive Committee revisited the need for our governing document (bylaws) to clearly cover the ABWM mission, vision, and alignment. 
2. In 2023, an ABWM attorney reviewed the bylaws and made recommendations for compliance.
3. A bylaws committee of American Baptist women reviewed the recommendations and proposed additional changes to the Executive Committee. 
4. The Executive Committee reviewed, amended the committee's proposed changes, and presented proposed changes to the ABWM National Board (region/state presidents). 
5. The National Board reviewed, amended, and voted to send proposed changes to the annual meeting on Friday, June 23, 2023, for the final vote. 

 
How do I participate in the vote? 
Each voting member of this organization shall be a woman who is an active member of an American Baptist church. Ways to attend the annual meeting: 

• Click here to register to attend virtually.
   
• Attend Women and Girls' Day on Friday, June 23, 2023, 9:00 am-4:00 pm EST, held virtually and in-person at First Baptist Church of Caguas, Puerto Rico. The annual meeting will take place from 9:00 am -10:30 am, followed by Women’s and Girls’ Day You may use this link to attend both events and you may indicate on registration if you will attend virtually or in-person. Click here for more information and to register.

 
I didn't receive the email with the proposed bylaw changes. How do I receive information about the bylaws? 

• To review the proposed bylaws and to register for the annual meeting, please visit www.abwomensministries.org/events.
• ABWM sent the proposed bylaws changes via email. Please check your junk/spam mail folder. 
• To sign up to receive updates about ABWM, please visit www.abwomensministries.org/newsletters.  

 
How do the bylaw changes impact autonomy? 

• Consistent with the statement, "early Baptists saw that the effectiveness of their ministries would be greater through cooperation with other believers." (https://www.abc-usa.org/10facts/)
• The integrity of each region/state's autonomy is maintained because compliance is based on an honor system (the ABWM National Organization accepts what you report as your donations received).
• Consistent with Baptist polity and tradition, we are interdependent.
• Autonomy is not inconsistent with organizational structure, alignment, and compliance. 

 
Why are there designed percentages of support? 

• Designated percentages for giving are consistent with denominational practices. For example,
  • 15% of United Mission Love Gift giving goes to ABWM, and 85% is divided among ABC-USA and ABC regions.
  • According to the ABC-USA Common Covenant Budget, there is an agreed distribution (United Stewardship Plan) and a coordinated giving calendar (America for Christ, One Great Hour of Sharing, World Mission Offering, Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering, and Region Offerings)

 
What do donations support? 
Your donation will support this and so much more! 

• Bible Study and spiritual formation workshops during ABWM region/state conferences, workshops, retreats, and national conferences 
• Scholarships for women and girls to attend college, seminary, & trade schools
• Scholarships for women and girls to attend ABWM, denomination, and events related to mission/ministry events
• Grants for American Baptist churches and organizations that support ABWM mission/ministries
• Leadership training for women and girls in your church, area, and region
• Free webinars, Fall & Winter
• Speakers for conferences, retreats, and program resources
• Hi e-Steam for AB GIRLS, Bible Studies, spiritual formation, and STEAM
• Workshop, webinars, and gatherings for Young Adult Women's Ministries and AB GIRLS
• Domestic Violence Training and Certification Workshops
• Building Beloved Communities in ABWM region/states
• Cultural Competency Awareness Learning Opportunities
• Organizational operations (salaries, programming, grant writing, fundraising, etc.)

 
Who is required to be a Vital Partner?
Executive Committee members are required to be Vital Partners. All region/state presidents are encouraged to be a Vital Partner. To be a Vital Partner at the beginning (Sustaining) level is $228 a year. That equals approximately $0.62 a day or approximately $4.34 a week. www.abwomensministries.org/VitalPartners 
  

Who can lead as an officer of ABWM? 
Any woman who is an active member of an American Baptist church may be elected or appointed to serve as an officer of American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM). Each woman is encouraged to participate according to her own needs, interests, and gifts, as led by the Spirit of God. 




Support American Baptist Women's Ministries! 
Gift American Baptist Women's Ministries with a $72 birthday donation for 72 memorable years of ministry with women and girls: Honor the past by supporting the present and ensuring the future! Send your tax-deductible gift by check payable to American Baptist Women's Ministries, marked as "birthday gift", 1075 First Ave STE C-210, King of Prussia, PA 19406, or click here to give online.