Reconciling Ministries Network

Programs: Resourcing the movement: created, produced and distributed e-newsletters via flashnet to 13,000 subscribers 30 times in a year. Compiled, designed, produced, and distributed across the united states\educational, liturgical, theological, outreach, and movement-building resources. Equipped a 20-person national board of directors, 4 regional organizers, 2 field organizers, 1 contract organizer for the african central conferences, and numerous volunteers to advance full inclusion across the united states. Facilitated communication within the movement through online venues such as rmn website, blog, facebook, twitter, youtube, vimeo, flickr, etc. Created and maintained directory of reconciling communities and reconciling united methodists.

legislative support and witness at general conference: working with coalition partners, organized and led presence at general conference 2016, including: advance planning, education, legislative strategies, endorsement, organization, and education of volunteers, facilitating communication among those present, general witness and presence. More that 5400 letters were sent to delegates, there was over 100 screenings of an act of love, and more than 100 stories shared as a part of the it's time campaign.

building leadership teams and communities for change: provided counsel to local and regional groups and individuals as they work for the rights of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Provided guidance and counsel to united methodist congregations around the country as they seek to be more inclusive to lgbtq persons. Organized, hosted, and facilitated regional gatherings to promote social justice for lgbtq persons in the life of the church. Provided training and education to local leaders to improve their effectiveness in local organizing. Trained 634 individuals in over 50 annual conferences of the united methodist church to participate in outreach and advocacy. There were 73 new reconciling communities and 3328 new reconciling united methodists. Rmn staff visited reconciling united methodist communities (congregations, campus ministries, sunday school classes, etc. ) and prospective reconciling communities around the world providing leadership, vision, and inspiration through public speaking, teaching. Rmn has established a partnership with a group based in new york doing similar organizing and advocacy in rwanda and kenya to build contacts and network to support the work of creating safe spaces for lgbtq persons in the african central conferences of the united methodist church.