​​Governed Designations
​(Name & Identity)

The Church Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Women of the ELCA Churchwide Women’s Organization
Synodical Women’s Organization New England 7B Synodical Women’s Organization (New England 7B SWO)
Units Congregational, intercongregational, or special organizations of Women of the ELCA within the New England Synod

​Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Article I — Name & Identity.

 Governing Authority
​(Functions & Responsibilities)

Each convention, board, committee, task force, or other body of this synodical women’s organization shall be conclusively presumed to have been properly constituted. Neither the method of selection nor the composition of any such body may be challenged in a court of law, nor used as a basis to challenge the validity or effect of any action taken or authorized by that body.
​
Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Article V.

Board Members
(Governance)

  1. Board consists of three or more elected members serving two-year terms.
  2. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.
  3. No member may serve more than seven consecutive years in any combination of roles.
  4. Vacancies are filled by the board until the next convention.
  5. Terms begin immediately following installation.​
Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Articles VI–VII.​

Board Duties
(Governance)

  1. Transact necessary business between conventions.
  2. Set policies for effective functioning.
  3. Supervise and coordinate committee work.
  4. Identify board members for networking with churchwide and units.
  5. Determine time and place of conventions (including virtual).
  6. Prepare agenda, rules, and program for conventions.
  7. Report actions to each regular convention.
  8. Recommend the budget.
  9. Fill vacancies among SWO leaders until the next convention.
  10. Determine incapacity and removal of leaders/board members (two‑thirds vote required).
  11. Act as Constitution & Bylaws Committee and submit amendments for review.
  12. Act in other matters delegated by the convention.
  13. ​
Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Articles VI–VII.

Convention Governance & Legislative Authority

The Synodical Convention is the highest legislative authority of the New England 7B Synodical Women’s Organization. It gathers voting members, leaders, delegates, and units to conduct the official business of the organization.

Convention Governance The convention meets regularly according to constitutional requirements for notice, quorum, and representation. Special conventions may be called when necessary to address urgent or time‑sensitive matters.

Legislative Authority The convention:
  • Receives and acts on reports
  • Elects synodical leaders
  • Adopts the budget
  • Establishes policies and directions for the SWO
  • Acts on recommendations from the board
  • Conducts any other business appropriate to the organization
Actions of the convention guide the work of the board, committees, task forces, and ministry clusters throughout the biennium.

​Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Article VI.

​Leadership & Resources
​ (Functions & Responsibilities)​​

The synodical women’s organization, in partnership with the churchwide women’s organization, clusters or conferences, and units, shall within its territory:
  1. Establish plans and policies to fulfill the purpose of the organization.
  2. Activate churchwide organization emphases and priorities.
  3. Stimulate growth in faith and its significance for all of life.
  4. Recruit, prepare, and support leaders.
  5. Work within the church and society for the affirmation of women and the utilization of their gifts for ministry.
  6. Promote and advocate for peace and justice in cooperation with others.
  7. Foster creative programming in units and clusters or conferences.
  8. Assist units to design appropriate structure for effective functioning.
  9. Build supportive and interdependent relationships among individuals and units, and strive to foster the grouping of units in clusters or conferences.
  10. Promote and interpret the life and work of the organization within the organization, the church, and the general public.
  11. Establish financial policies, build budgets, and encourage support of the financial objectives of the synodical women’s organization by individuals and units.
  12. Establish and promote ecumenical relationships, consistent with churchwide policy.
  13. Provide for synodical women’s organization conventions.
  14. Provide materials and historical information for the archivist.

​Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Article V.

Duties of SWO Leaders
(Governance)

President
a. Presides at conventions and board/executive committee meetings.
b. Ensures constitutional compliance and appoints committees.
c. Serves ex officio on all committees except Nominating.
d. Submits a report to each regular convention.
e. Serves as liaison with the churchwide organization.
f. Represents or appoints representatives to inter-Lutheran and ecumenical associations.
g. Serves as representative to the Synod Council or appoints a representative.


Vice President
a. Acts in the absence, disability, or resignation of the president.
b. Performs duties as requested by the president or board.


Secretary
a. Serves as secretary of the board and executive committee.
b. Records and distributes minutes.
c. Notifies units of conventions.
d. Maintains the roll of units and their leaders.
e. Secures required reports from units.
f. Performs duties as directed by the board.
g. Preserves historical records and documents.
​

Treasurer
a. Maintains records and accounts for all funds.
b. Disburses funds according to financial policies and budget.
c. Presents financial reports to conventions and board/executive committee meetings.

Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Articles VI–VII.

Leadership, Board, Officers & Governance Core

Leadership Structure
The synodical women’s organization is guided by elected officers and a board who share responsibility for carrying out the purpose and ministry of Women of the ELCA. Their work helps connect units, support leaders, and ensure the organization functions smoothly across the biennium.
​
Board Composition & Terms
  • Board members serve two‑year terms.
  • No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.
  • No individual may serve more than seven consecutive years in any combination of roles.
  • Vacancies are filled by the board until the next convention.
  • Terms begin immediately following installation.

Officer Roles
The officers of the synodical women’s organization are:
  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer​

Each officer carries responsibilities that support governance, communication, record‑keeping, financial stewardship, and the overall health of the organization.

Governance Core
Together, the board and officers:
  • Carry out essential business between conventions
  • Set policies that help the organization function well
  • Coordinate committee and cluster work
  • Prepare for conventions and support delegates
  • Recommend budgets and oversee financial practices
  • Report actions to the convention
  • Ensure constitutional alignment
  • Provide steady leadership for the SWO
​
Leadership, board, officers, and the governance core form a stable foundation for synodical governance, offering structure, clarity, and continuity for leadership and ministry.

​Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Article VII.

Giving, Financial Governance, Stewardship & Accountability

Financial GovernanceFinancial governance within the synodical women’s organization includes budgeting, reporting, and the responsible use of funds shared by individuals, units, and partners in ministry.


Stewardship PracticesStewardship within the synodical women’s organization includes:
  • transparent financial communication
  • thoughtful budgeting
  • responsible use of resources
  • alignment with churchwide financial policies
  • encouraging support for ministry goals and programs
These practices help ensure that financial gifts strengthen the organization’s work across the New England Synod.


AccountabilityThe board and officers work together to:
  • maintain accurate financial records
  • oversee the receipt and disbursement of funds
  • present financial reports to the convention
  • follow established financial policies
  • support units in understanding financial expectations
Shared accountability builds trust and supports the organization’s mission.


Leadership in GivingStewardship is both a leadership responsibility and a ministry practice. Through careful planning, clear reporting, and faithful use of resources, the synodical women’s organization models generosity and responsible financial care.


Giving, leadership, financial governance, and stewardship together support accountability and strengthen the ministry of Women of the ELCA across the New England Synod.

​Governance Source: Women of the ELCA Constitution, Article VIII.

GOVERNANCE & CONTINUITY
2024–2026 Term

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP  ​

​JEANNE MINASIAN — PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
PROGRAMS -- Governance Authority + Identity Stewardship
• Annual governance review and constitutional alignment
• Board leadership and ministry identity stewardship
• Executive oversight of ministry clusters
• Annual reporting and SWO representation
• Continuity planning during leadership transitions
ROLE SUMMARY
Provides board leadership, represents the SWO, ensures constitutional alignment, and anchors ministry identity.
ENLIGHTENMENT
Anchors identity, ensures stability, and holds the synod steady during change.
​DORIS NORMAN — VICE PRESIDENT
Rhode Island
PROGRAMS - Program Alignment + Ministry Cohesion​
• Event oversight and program planning
• Ministry support across all clusters
• Coordination with Program Leaders
• Leadership continuity during transitions​
ROLE SUMMARY
Supports the President, oversees program alignment, and leads planning for gatherings and events.
ENLIGHTENMENT
Ensures ministries function cohesively and gatherings reflect mission.
​SECRETARY — VACANT
Position requires election by the SWO voting body
​PROGRAMS - Documentation Integrity + Transparency  
• Record‑keeping and documentation
• Archival stewardship and repository management
• Communications support and governance notices
• Minutes, motions, and follow‑up tracking
ROLE SUMMARY
Maintains the official records of the SWO, ensures transparent documentation, and upholds constitutional requirements for minutes, notices, and archival integrity.​
ENLIGHTENMENT
Preserves institutional memory and ensures transparency.
​FAWN DEMELLO — TREASURER
​Connecticut
PROGRAMS - Financial Stewardship + Mission Support​
• Budget creation and financial reporting
• Audit preparation and fiduciary oversight
• Mission support and spending alignment
• Compliance with constitutional and bylaw‑based financial practices
ROLE SUMMARY
Manages finances, oversees the budget, provides financial reporting, ensures compliance, and supports mission giving.​
ENLIGHTENMENT
Safeguards financial integrity and supports mission sustainability.

​ADVISORY LEADERSHIP

Elizabeth B. Burgess — Advisor to the Board
Maine
PROGRAMS — Continuity, Counsel + Historical Stewardship
• Provides continuity and grounding from prior presidential leadership
• Offers counsel to the Executive Committee and Board
• Supports ministry identity and editorial clarity
• Ensures historical alignment in decision‑making
• Strengthens governance memory and organizational stability
​ • Serves as a non‑voting advisor outside constitutional authority
ROLE SUMMARY Provides continuity, counsel, and historical grounding without exercising governance authority.​
ENLIGHTENMENT Holds memory, offers clarity, and steadies leadership through seasons of change.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP — DELEGATE COHORT

Delegates serve as Program Leaders within the three Ministry Clusters.
Delegates (Alphabetical by Last Name)
• Sandy Cichon (RI)
• Valerie Holcomb (CT)
• Lindsa McIntyre (MA)
• Donna Mayo (MA)
• Marietta Meyer (CT)
• Lynn Zeltman (NH)
CLUSTER 1 — Formation & Leadership
Cluster Purpose: Strengthens discipleship, equips emerging leaders, and supports spiritual growth across New England.
Enlightenment: Cultivates grounded, spiritually formed leaders who guide the church with wisdom, courage, and clarity.
Resource Types: Study guides, leadership kits, retreat templates, etc.
CLUSTER 2 — Justice & Service
Cluster Purpose: Advances justice, public witness, and hands‑on service rooted in faith.
Enlightenment: Awakens faithful action, amplifies compassion, and embodies Christ’s call to justice in the world.
​Resource Types: Advocacy kits, mission project guides, service day templates, etc.
CLUSTER 3 — Community & Healing
Cluster Purpose: Creates connection, nurtures care, and strengthens the spiritual and emotional health of women across the region.
Enlightenment: Nurtures belonging, restores wholeness, and reflects God’s healing presence in community.
​Resource Types: Community kits, prayer guides, wellness resources, etc.

​IDENTIFIED ROLES — PROGRAMS PROPOSED STARTING (TO BE APPROVED)

These roles represent proposed program and governance structures for the next term and require approval by the voting body.
​They are presently being supported to ensure continuity and readiness.
​COMMUNICATIONS & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Proposed Role — Pending Approval
​
PROGRAMS — Communications Governance + Organizational Architecture
• Communications governance and editorial oversight
• Ministry architecture and structural alignment
• Resource system design and digital infrastructure
• Organizational development and delegate support
• Operational framework and continuity planning
• Website content strategy and ministry integration
ROLE SUMMARY
Provides strategic communications framework, builds organizational structure, and ensures clarity, alignment, and continuity across all ministries and resources.​
ENLIGHTENMENT
​ Brings coherence, clarity, and connection to the organization so that every ministry can flourish with purpose and unity.

Contact

Email us: [email protected]

Our mailing address is:
New England 7B WELCA
28 Citation Drive
Plymouth, MA 02360

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