Assembly 2018 May 18–20, 2018 Greetings! My name is ___________ and I am thrilled to be here to speak with you about the United Methodist Women Assembly 2018!! Join me in Columbus, Ohio, May 18 – 20, 2018, the site of the very first Assembly, where we will officially celebrate our 150th Anniversary.

Assembly is an inspirational, educational conference for women (and a few good men), that – every four years - brings together more members and new women in one place at one time than any program of United Methodist Women. The theme for the 2018 Assembly is “The Power of Bold”. We know when women UNITE, bold and courageous actions happen. Our first women embraced their “Power of Bold” 150 years ago.

In 1869, eight women heard about the needs of girls in India In 1869, eight women heard about the needs of girls in India. They united, raised funds and took action by sending two trained women on a journey. It was bold. It was powerful. It was the catalyst that caused an important movement serving women, children and youth to take root, grow, and continue--addressing needs in local communities and around the globe throughout the 20th century. One hundred and fifty years later, that society is the largest faith-based women’s mission organization in the world, changing the lives of women, children, youth and families down the street and around the world.

In 1942, the movement had grown and decided to create an event to come together-- in Columbus, Ohio. That first Assembly was also an important part of our UMW legacy. For in 1942 we initially made plans to go to St. Louis but they wouldn’t allow our African American and Caucasian sisters to stay in the same hotels together. United Methodist Women said that wouldn’t meet our values of equality for all and moved the entire event to Columbus, OH where all our women were welcome to be together. This was in 1942, during WWII….way before the civil rights movement. That’s a legacy to be proud of!

Maternal and child health Climate justice Ending criminalization of communities of color and mass incarceration Economic inequality Today that legacy continues to shape the work of our organization as we focus on our four priority issues for the quadrennium: maternal and child health, climate justice, ending criminalization of communities of color and mass incarceration, and economic inequality.   Come back to Columbus with us to celebrate 150 years of BOLD action that began with those 8 women.

Assembly is not only a time for fellowship, it is also an opportunity to empower our members to be stronger discipleship leaders in their communities. Assembly 2018 hopes to draw 8,000 participants for deep, rich worship and plenaries, cutting edge speakers, riveting workshops and town hall meetings, unforgettable immersion exhibit experiences, our Ubuntu Day of Service, impactful action opportunities and MORE ways of connecting and building relationships with fellow United Methodist Women, leaders and partners than ever before.

More Tech to Connect New website Mobile Apps E-mail marketing At Assembly we are honoring our legacy while visioning for the future. Part of building for our future is using 21st century technologies to create communities and increase opportunities for supporting important programs for women, children, and youth: The online membership census helps us to cater to your interests at Assembly and all other United Methodist Women events. Smartphone technologies offer many exciting ways of organizing your Assembly schedule, and connecting with United Methodist Women members. Get updates through our e-newsletter. Our members who still use regular mail as their main source of written communication will continue to receive communication from us in that manner.

Walking hand and hand into the future!   These important ways of staying connected will help us maximize opportunities for women of all generations for Assembly.

Registration opens: September 1, 2017 Early registration fee : $295 Early registration deadline: November 30, 2017 Regular registration fee: $330 Regular registration deadline: April 9, 2018 Ubuntu Day of Service: $60 The early registration fee for the 2018 Assembly will be $295 with a November 30, 2017, deadline. Regular registration fee will be $330 with an April 9, 2018 deadline. This fee includes the two healthy lunches for attendees. With inspiring worships, amazing speakers, riveting workshops and Town Hall Meetings, immersion exhibits and service & actions opportunities, Assembly offers a great value compared to many other faith-based conferences. Talk to women about saving for Assembly NOW. Our website offers a page to help think through a 12 month savings plan.  

Assembly is a place for all faithful women – women from all races and nationalities, women from rural to urban, from the heartland to the oceans, from all political persuasions, a place for all children of God to UNITE. Tell all your friends in faith to go to the website – umwassembly.org - now and give us their name and contact information. Here’s an opportunity to bring new women to our work. Assembly will offer an incredible personal faith journey that also visions a important movement for the next 150 years. When women unite, bold and courageous action happens…..and what do United Methodist Women have that transforms the lives of women, children and youth every day? ….what’s the theme again? Let’s say it together….THE POWER OF BOLD!! See you in Columbus in 2018!