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United Women in Faith to Join New York Liberty at Barclays Center, Celebrate Mission

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For Immediate Release
From left to right, Sally Vonner, Hazel McIntosh, Kenya Roberts and Gail Douglas Boykin represented United Women in Faith as “Nonprofit of the Game” with the New York Liberty in 2024.
NEW YORK CITY – United Women in Faith believes it’s important to support women in the church and in the community. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the New York Liberty. At 2:30 p.m. on July 13, representatives of United Women in Faith will take the court for a special event. This on-court event at the Barclays Center will uplift United Women in Faith’s mission of empowering women, children and youth through love, peace and justice. It will also continue the legacy of the Liberty’s dedication to social justice and collaboration with non-profit organizations.
“I am thrilled to join our sisters at the New York Liberty to celebrate our shared mission of justice,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith, who will be attending on behalf of the organization. “These players are champions of women’s rights in addition to being reigning champions of the WNBA.”
Tickets to support United Women in Faith and attend the game will be available through June 15 at this link. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m., before the game begins at 3:00 p.m. This is the second year of collaboration between the organizations, with United Women in Faith honored as “nonprofit of the game” in 2024.
“Compassion and justice have a place in every part of life, and the court is not excluded from this,” said Vonner. “It is through these connections and collaborations that we all continue to empower women and touch the lives of so many.”
WHO: United Women in Faith
New York Liberty Basketball Team
 
WHAT: On-Court Event at New York Liberty v. Atlanta Dream
 
WHEN: July 13, 2:30 p.m. EST
 
WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11217, US
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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation.

Revolve Fund Partners with Just Futures

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For Immediate Release
BALTIMORE – All people deserve access to a dignified retirement. But the on ramp to launch retirement plans for small businesses and nonprofits can be steep. The Revolve Fund is working with Just Futures to help. The Revolve Fund today announced an expanded grant partnership with Just Futures to support smaller nonprofits in Baltimore. Revolve’s initial grant investment in late 2024 was designed to support Just Futures as they support nonprofit organizations in developing retirement plans and investments that are aligned with their values.
“Along with real estate, retirement accounts represent one of the largest assets for many Americans,” said James Wahls, managing director of Revolve Fund. “Many smaller nonprofit leaders are unable to offer retirement accounts because setting them up can be costly. Leaders are often focused on the work in front of them – the fires that must be extinguished – rather than retirement planning. Just Futures rectifies the retirement conundrum by lowering the barriers to entry for nonprofits and individuals.”
“In 2022, almost half of American households had no savings in retirement accounts, according to the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF).” Of those who do have retirement savings, many are not saving enough to sustain their lifestyles when they stop working. Others wonder how to invest ethically with sensitivity to their values.
Beyond investment management, Just Futures offers technical assistance and administrative support for nonprofit leaders looking to establish retirement plans for themselves and their teams. They also lighten the load of overwhelmed human resources staff, managing much of the administrative burdens of setting up retirement accounts. For this partnership, Revolve will identify and subsidize the costs of eligible smaller Baltimore-based nonprofit and social justice organizations to set up retirement plans with Just Futures.
“We know that most Americans are underinvested for retirement,” Wahls said. “For grassroots leaders and others, retirement security is a huge issue. Revolve invested in Just Futures because they help ensure dignified retirements through values aligned investments. Its main customers are missional organizations.”
“We participate in the same rigorous financial analysis as any other investment firm. We also offer a second analysis that is based on values alignment. This ensures that missional organizations can offer their staff retirement options that are values-aligned as opposed to extractive investments that may run counter to the entity’s stated goals.
“As a result of entities like Just Futures, nonprofits don’t have to choose between retirement planning and values alignment. It’s possible to do both,” Wahls said.

On 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, United Women in Faith Remembers Struggle for Civil Rights

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NEW YORK –  United Women in Faith today issued the following statement in remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the events leading up to Bloody Sunday: 

“On this day sixty years ago, 600 men, women, and children began to march from Selma to Montgomery to protest the suppression of Black voters. Segregationists injured 58 people that day, from tear gas burns to skull fractures. After seeing this cruelty, demonstrators rose across the country and President Lyndon B. Johnson vowed to make the Voting Rights Act law. At the successful march two weeks later, over 25,000 people arrived at the state capitol in Montgomery.

“As the largest denominational organization for women, we pause to remember the legacy of those who risked life and limb in pursuit of the right to vote,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “Although it has been 60 years since Bloody Sunday, we know that the fight for voting rights – indeed civil rights – continues.”  

“We may not all feel the brunt of an officer’s baton, but we are still fighting against repressive forces who stand in opposition to voter access for all. During the United Methodist General Conference in 2024, Vonner introduced legislation regarding Voting Rights Protections in the United States on behalf of United Women in Faith. The resolution passed and now serves as a reminder of The United Methodist Church’s commitment to voting rights. It is also an expression of our appreciation for those who fought so women and people of color could exercise their right to vote.

“In the same way that our foremothers and ancestors stood against segregation and fought for civil rights, we lift our voices today. 

“On this 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday – and every day – we honor the sacrifices of past generations and look ahead to the work that is left to be done,” said Vonner. “We will put faith, hope and love into action to overcome every trial we face.”

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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation. Connect with the organization here.

This post was updated on March 7 at 8:50 am to reflect corrections.

United Women in Faith Celebrates Women’s History Month, Honors Founding Mothers

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For Immediate Release

NEW YORK – As we celebrate Women’s History Month, United Women in Faith issued the following statement:

Throughout history, women have driven the charge for justice and equality. From Sojourner Truth and Reverend Anna Howard Shaw fighting for the right to vote, to Mary McLeod Bethune fighting for equality in education, to Fanny Crosby composing over 8,000 hymns and songs as a blind woman, Methodist women have set the foundation for a more fair and just world.

“We are inspired by the women who came before us and pushed the boundaries of what women were allowed to do,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “Our history informs our work today, and we build on the principles that they championed.”

Today, leaders such as Vonner, Sung-Ok Lee, Susan Moberg, Tamara Clark, Mollie James-Vickery, and Khia Shaw-Wilson follow in the steps of our foremothers. Through educating, organizing, advocating, and programming, they continue to strengthen our communities and create justice.

Programs such as Mission u, a transformative educational program encompassing both Bible-based curricula and events, and Soul Care Retreats, which rejuvenate the spirit and nurture the whole person, bring us together and remind us of our mission. From eight women in 1869 to nearly half a million members today, United Women in Faith is continuing the fight for a more equitable, connected, and inclusive world.

“It is an honor to be a part of such a dedicated, accomplished team of women leaders leading the way for change,” said Vonner. “I’m here to lead and serve our members, but I’m also part of the community–and what a strong, hopeful community that is.”

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United Women in Faith is a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation. Connect with the organization here.

The Nation Must Quickly Course Correct

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United Women in Faith
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK – United Women in Faith, the nation’s largest denominational organization for women, today expressed concern regarding the early policy actions of the new administration.
“We are deeply troubled by the administration’s policy decisions, including the systemic rollback of civil rights protections, especially for communities of color, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, expulsion of immigrants and proposals to dismantle organizations like USAID, which provide essential humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations globally. Such policies threaten the well-being of individuals and communities that depend on the support of these programs.
“As an organization rooted in faith and committed to justice, we hold that every individual, regardless of immigration status, gender, class, race, religion, sexuality, or location, is made in the image of God and deserves dignity, care, and respect (Genesis 1:27). These policies contradict our belief in the fundamental rights and inherent worth of all people.
“We believe that government has a sacred responsibility to protect its people and those most vulnerable in society. Instead, we are witnessing policies that foster division and disproportionately harm those who are already marginalized, including women, children, immigrants, indigenous peoples, queer communities and communities of color. As Scripture teaches, ‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ (Amos 5:24). Justice and righteousness should guide all of our national policies, ensuring that they serve the common good.
“The President’s recent foreign policy comments also raise serious concerns. We are deeply disturbed at the proposed expulsion of more than 2 million Palestinians from their homeland in Gaza that [is tantamount to ethnic cleansing and] violates international and humanitarian law. As an organization that values the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, we urge our leaders should respect international law and act with wisdom and caution in all matters of foreign policy.
“We are deeply disturbed by the attempt to roll back basic civil rights protections for students, to increase the criminalization of communities of color and to undo gains made in advancing climate justice. As United Women in Faith, we’re committed to ensuring that the long-term interests of women, children and youth are central. “United Women in Faith calls on our nation’s leaders to place greater emphasis on policies that promote justice, equity, and reconciliation. We urge all elected officials to uphold human rights and the dignity for all of God’s creation and work toward the common good of all people, regardless of their background or political views. The health of our nation depends on a commitment to fair and just policies that reflect the values we hold dear as a society.”
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