Title: Women of the ELCA Shift Emphasis From Poverty to Crisis ELCA NEWS SERVICE July 13, 1996 WOMEN OF THE ELCA SHIFT EMPHASIS FROM POVERTY TO CRISIS' 96-WO-16-AH MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- A focus on "Women and Children Living in Poverty" that began six years ago will shift to "women and children in crisis" based on action taken at the Third Triennial Convention of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America meeting here July 12. A resolution that called for extended programming and funding for "Women and Children Living in Poverty" was amended from the floor. Women of the ELCA designates a triennial emphasis; the organization functions on a three-year cycle. The emphasis on Women and Children Living in Poverty has been extended twice by the organization's Executive Board. The original motion from the synodical women's organization in Northwest Washington asked the organization to "continue to support and affirm all women and children in poverty through programming and funding ... by extending this programmatic agenda through the year 2002." Since 1990 "women have become increasingly involved in promoting justice for low-income women and children through education, service and empowerment projects and advocacy," according to background information. In 1996 the organization budgeted about $500,000 for programming and grants related to the emphasis, according to Jonathan Kalkwarf, finance director for Women of the ELCA. Convention discussion centered around delegates' concern that the emphasis should be broadened. Others said the problems of women in poverty deserve particular attention. An amendment to specify women with disabilities was defeated. Elaine Adams of Indianapolis pointed to increased numbers of people served by programs for the poor. "Women and children in poverty are in crisis situations. This belongs at the heart of the church." Janet Calico, Dallas, said the organization needs "a new vision." Zelda Stevenson, Great Falls, Mont., said "the job of Women and Children Living in Poverty is not completed." To define "crisis," Jackie Chattopadhyay, St. Anthony Village, Minn., listed "abuse, gangs, poverty, drugs, drunk driving, divorce and homelessness." In a related action the convention resolved: "That Women of the ELCA recognize the need to eliminate waste and abuse in the current system, just as we recognize the need to empower people to move toward supporting themselves and their children, but that the focus of any attempt at reform should be to eliminate poverty by promoting meaningful employment and achievement of self-sufficiency; and, "That Women of the ELCA seek ways ... to express our concerns about families, not just women and children in poverty, to our representatives in Washington, D.C., and state legislatures to decrease taxes and to reduce rules and regulations on businesses, for we know that only healthy, profit producing businesses can provide good and meaningful jobs." The convention addressed other issues including violence in the media, voluntary efforts to build churches, support for families affected by AIDS, building family relationships, diverse approaches to Bible study and support for the ELCA Braille and Tape Service. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312) 380-2958; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955; Lia Christiansen, Asst. Dir., (312) 380-2956