Jan 20 2021
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Calls Needed on an Important Abortion Bill

By | Virginia | No Comments

Last week, I informed you letting know that you can make a difference in Virginia by praying and taking action on important bills being considered during the 2021 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly. SB1276, Essential Health Benifites; Abortion Coverage, is one such bill.

SB 1276 passed out of the Commerce and Labor Committee and will soon come up for a floor vote in the Senate. This dangerous bill would eliminate the restriction under the Affordable Care Act (at the taxpayers’ expense) offered in Virginia regarding abortion funding. In other words, it will allow state health care plans to cover abortion. More health care plans covering abortion means more abortions.

Take Action!

  1. Call or email your state senator today and urge him or her to OPPOSE SB 1276 when it comes to the floor for a vote. Click here to find your state senators. Type in your address and click Search.
  2. Forward this email to family and friends.

Join us in prayer: Father God, we know that the shedding of innocent blood is an abomination to you. We ask for your forgiveness, as a nation, as a state, for the sin of abortion. We pray earnestly for our Virginia General Assembly. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ that there would be reason and courage among our legislators and that every bill introduced to further the killing of innocent babies would be defeated. We pray in the name of Jesus that protection of all innocent human life from conception until natural death would become the law of our state and our nation. In the precious name of our Lord and Savior, we pray, amen.

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” – Deuteronomy 30:19

Thank you!
Jan Robey
Associate State Director

Jan 20 2021
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Hawaii state capitol

Prayer Project Right Here in Hawaii

By | Hawaii | No Comments

“First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” I Timothy 2:1-2

It is time to recruit encouragers for our Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Hawaii Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) Project for the 2021 Hawaii State legislative session. Many of you have been dedicated encouragers with us over the years. We appreciate your faithfulness.

Now is not the time to grow weary. Isaiah 54:17 promises us that no weapon forged against us will prevail. Prayer opens the keys to Kingdom power and is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us. So, are you ready to pray?!

CWA of Hawaii EAL Project is focused on encouragement and prayer for our state legislators while they are in session. It is a commitment to pray daily for a state legislator(s) and send him/her a postcard every week until the end of the session around the first of May. CWA of Hawaii will provide postcards with pre-printed Scriptures and quotes from our founding fathers, as well as a page of suggested encouraging notes for you to write. Simply express appreciation for the legislator’s service and note your prayers for him or her, add a postcard stamp, and mail the postcards weekly.

Take Action! If you wish to participate in our EAL project, or have questions, please contact me at [email protected]. When signing up simply provide your physical address, phone number, and the number of legislators you would like to adopt. A packet of postcards and instructions will then be sent to you.

Thank you for being a faithful supporter and member of CWA of Hawaii! You may always contact the state office with questions or suggestions. We appreciate you and all you do to keep these United States of America and our state of Hawaii “one nation/state under God!”

Respectfully,
Barbara J. Ferraro
State Director
CWA of Hawaii

Jan 18 2021
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Why Join Young Women for America?

By | News and Events, YWA | No Comments

Why Join Young Women for America?
A Community for Politically Conservative, Christian Women in College

“The Harvard of Christian schools” —that’s Wheaton College. I chose to attend Wheaton College for many reasons, mainly because I felt called by the Lord. It is known as an academically challenging institution that prioritizes students’ faith development. From school chapels, to all school communions, to prayer in class, Wheaton clearly demonstrates its commitment to growing students intellectually and spiritually.

Even in 2021, Wheaton was named one of the most conservatives schools in the country by the Princeton Review and Niche. As someone who was interested in the political realm, I took note of that. In comparison to other colleges, Wheaton is relatively conservative. Truth be told, dancing in public just became permitted in 2003. The campus is dry. Wheaton does not have fraternities and sororities, but we find our ways to have fun.

In comparison to other secular schools, Wheaton is in fact pretty politically conservative as well, although not to the extent I expected. I have learned that even at conservative colleges, it is important for politically active, Christian, conservative women to find and support one another. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to begin a Young Women for America (YWA) chapter at Wheaton. Young Women for America seeks to educate young female leaders on Biblical and conservative issues, equipping them to then educate their peers while surrounding themselves with a community of women who share their core beliefs.

Although I identified as more politically conservative than politically progressive, I was concerned that I would not be around people with differing perspectives. I soon realized I was wrong. Whether it was politically or theologically, people across the campus shared varying stances on political issues. Even though we were brothers and sisters in Christ, we disagreed on how to approach policy. From discussions on economic systems to abortion rights, it became clear that students held a wide range of perspectives.

As I began my freshman year, I started realizing that I was one of the more politically conservative people on campus. It seemed like most of the politically engaged students tended to be more left leaning. One of my closest friends at Wheaton, for example, is pro-choice, and she is anything but alone in her thinking. In all honesty, I was surprised by how many people at Wheaton favored more liberal stances on social issues.
I expected a few people who favored pro-choice policy but did not realize their presence would be as popular as it turned out to be.

As I entered into my sophomore year, it became increasingly clear that the conservative voice on campus was relatively quiet. Whether it was faculty, students, or staff, I started to question who I could go to and discuss politics. I was wrestling with these issues. “How can I honor God politically?” “Have I been thinking about things incorrectly my entire life?” “How can so many people follow God and support abortion rights?” I was and still am in need of guidance; I am only 21.

However, I found it difficult to find support and encouragement when approaching these topics. I found it difficult to be transparent about my political views, because the conservative perspective in classes frankly seemed to be less popular among students. I felt like I had a hard time articulating my thoughts in one of my classes in particular because I did not want to be cast as insensitive or non-empathetic. In all candor, I questioned where the other politically conservative people were at Wheaton. Maybe they just are not as politically involved? Maybe they also feel isolated in their thinking? Have they already found their community of politically like-minded people?

Yes, I wanted to hear other perspectives, but I also wanted to grow in my own values and beliefs. For any person, it is important to have a community of people who support you in your beliefs. On college campuses across the country, conservative voices are lacking. Many young women, especially, feel disheartened by their inability to find people who view life through a similar ideological lens. It can be pretty discouraging to consistently face push back for possessing unpopular opinions. Young Women for America seeks to create a community for like-minded women to engage and depend on one another. There is something special and empowering about a group designed especially for Christian women. Not only does Young Women for America seek to foster members’ knowledge of political issues, but to also grow their faith. This is not simply a political group or a ministry, but a way to incorporate the two. It is unique to have a set community for young women who share the same faith which then informs their political ideology.

This marriage of Christianity and conservative principles is one of the reasons I wanted to begin a Young Women for America chapter at Wheaton. It was clear that the women’s voices on campus needed to be heard. I have found that there are many women who tend to be more conservative but are concerned about how to articulate their beliefs. That is why groups like YWA are so necessary.
Politically conservative women should be equipped to engage with those who think differently than them. Whether that be learning about special topics or hosting speakers, we need to foster and grow in our knowledge on how to have conversations with those who think differently.

YWA focuses on seven issues particularly, approaching them all from a Biblical perspective. The hope is that we can affect change in our colleges, communities, and beyond by educating, advocating, and praying for these principles. With colleges becoming more politically progressive, it is crucial that politically conservative women are able to find their voices. And YWA helps in that effort.
When it comes to political issues, it is important that we utilize research and arguments from a Biblical foundation as well. We should have an active voice that is not silent, even if society claims that being socially progressive is morally right.
In order to better represent the conservative voice, we have to surround ourselves with those who will help us engage with those who are more hesitant to hear our perspective. With an edifying community, we can grow in our ability to communicate our views and amplify our voices.

Ultimately, Young Women for American offers a place for young women to learn, support, and pray for the country and greater world.

By Hayden Sledge, YWA Chapter President at Wheaton College 

Jan 15 2021
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Maine Legislative Session Underway

By | Maine | No Comments

The 2021 Maine legislative session has begun. During this six-month session, we urge all members to participate as grassroots activists by praying and taking action when called upon by Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Maine.

It is imperative that your state legislators hear from you concerning CWA of Maine-supported pro-family, pro-life bills and help to defeat dangerous, anti-family legislation that CWA of Maine opposes.

I will alert you via e-mail regarding these bills and ask you to contact your one senator and/or one representative after praying about the bill. For greater impact, please check your e-mails often and feel free to share these alerts with others.

If you do not know who your representative is, click here. They are listed alphabetically by town.  If you do not know who your senator is, click here.  The senators are also listed alphabetically by town.

The core issues of Concerned Women for America are:

  • Definition of the Family
  • Sanctity of Life
  • Education
  • Sexual Exploitation
  • Religious Liberty
  • National Sovereignty
  • Support for Israel

We covet your prayers for our protection, health, wisdom, and guidance.  Asking God’s blessing upon you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.

Penny Morrell
State Director

Jan 15 2021
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What To Do Until Inauguration Day

By | CEO, News and Events | No Comments

On Wednesday of next week, the United States will inaugurate a new President. Joe Biden will take the oath as the 46th President. All of us can look around and see the conflict and discontent in our country. I was seeking the Lord about the state of our nation and asking Him for a word of direction. The word I got was PRAY!

I have put together a prayer guide for the next six days until Inauguration Day, which I would encourage you to use to guide your prayer time leading up to the inauguration. We will be having a time of concentrated prayer on Wednesday, January 20,  at 4:00 p.m. Eastern (3:00 p.m. Central; 2:00 p.m. Mountain, 1:00 p.m. Pacific). By that time, we will have a new president, and we will be gathering to pray for the new President and the new administration.

Register here to attend this time of concentrated prayer. Thank you for standing with CWA in prayer for our nation.

Penny Nance
CEO and President

Jan 15 2021
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U.S. House Barrels Through Trump Impeachment

By | Legal, Legislative Updates, News and Events | No Comments

Despite a plea by many to focus on a peaceful transition of power and warnings against fomenting further political upheaval following the unconscionable violence at the U.S. Capitol, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) stoked the flames of impeachment this week to punish the departing president.  The House passed two resolutions, the first ordering Vice President Mike Pence to convene a meeting of the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to the Constitution and declare the sitting president “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”

In a letter of response to Speaker Pelosi, Vice President Pence responded that with just eight days left in his term, “I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our Nation or consistent with our Constitution.” The Vice President urged the Speaker and every member of Congress to “avoid actions that would further divide and inflame the passions of the moment” and to work together to “unite the country.”

A second resolution was introduced for the purpose of “Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.” Two hours of debate was equally divided between the parties, and a vote on the resolution passed 232-197 with ten Republicans joining the Democrats in favor of the impeachment resolution.

Meanwhile, political punishment and retribution were aggressively directed at members of Congress who opposed the certification of electors in particular states over serious irregularities in the election process. Concerned Women for America (CWA) CEO and President Penny Nance joined conservative leaders in calling out the “opportunistic attempts by some to use last week’s events as a pretext to dismiss legitimate concerns about election irregularities, and illegal and unconstitutional actions.”

In their memo titled “Cruz, Hawley, Brooks, and colleagues follow the Constitution,” Nance and leaders of the Conservative Action Project denounce the attack on the Capitol but defend the constitutional mandate of Congress:

“Conservatives condemn the violent actions that took place at the United States Capitol last week. Our self-government is founded upon the rule of law, and violence as a form of protest is never acceptable. Unlike most Democrats, we condemned the violent actions of rioters over the summer. We condemn the recent violence with equal vigor.

“But one thing is also clear: the actions of 8 Senators and 139 House members, including Sen. Josh Hawley, Sen. Ted Cruz, and many others, who intended to or did debate the certification of certain states’ 2020 electors is not, and never will be, tantamount to violence. The right and ability to object to electoral certification is written into the Constitution and housed in the procedural rights of those who represent us.”

The timeline for what happens next is unresolved and is anyone’s guess. Under the Constitution, the House is required to transmit formally the impeachment resolution to the Senate. The Senate is required to hold a trial with House managers bringing the charges against the president and the president’s defense responding to the charges. But President Trump will no longer be president as of noon on January 20.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has announced that he will not call the Senate back before its scheduled return on January 19 since time does not allow for a serious trial to be conducted before Inauguration Day. After that point, a new party will control the reins of the U.S. Senate, and a new president will occupy the White House. It will be incumbent on them to determine the path forward.  Will they choose to work to unite the country or to continue stoking the flames of political division?

Jan 15 2021
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Follow Through on Final Actions will Provide Foundation for Future Battles

By | Legislative Updates, News and Events | No Comments

The Trump Administration has taken several important actions in the final weeks of office that will provide an important foundation of policy, fact, and analysis as we anticipate the battleground defining the policy agenda of the next administration. Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) was directly engaged in contributing to, commenting on, and advocating for these policy actions:

  1. HHS “Keep Kids First” Rule. HHS issued a final rule to protect faith-based adoption and foster care agencies that ensures federal grants are in line with nondiscrimination statutes and long-standing religious liberty protections. The final rule follows the rule of law, correcting the activism of the Obama administration that imposed new categories of sex discrimination on grantees and sidelined many faith-based adoption and foster care providers. HHS’s action aims to protect the ability of Christian adoption and foster care providers to participate in grant programs and maintain their rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It also asserts the government’s responsibility to adhere to federal statutes as passed by Congress and relevant Supreme Court decisions, not pursue an activist expansion of civil rights laws.
  1. Bostock and Title IX. The U.S. Department of Education Office of General Counsel issued a concise directive to the Office for Civil Rights for how the Bostock decision relates to its authority under Title IX. The Question & Answer document, which was sent to over 56,000 education entities across the country, is an official legal analysis that will require a new administration to reckon with its facts before taking any action to impose a new definition of “sex” on schools. The directive asserts, “The Department’s longstanding construction of the term ‘sex’ in Title IX to mean biological sex, male or female, is the only construction consistent with the ordinary public meaning of ’sex’ at the time of Title IX’s enactment.” It makes clear that Bostock does not overrule biological sex with “gender identity” under Title IX and that schools must ensure equal opportunities and benefits in athletics and facilities for women and girls on the basis of biological sex.
  1. Fetal Tissue Research Rulemaking. HHS initiated a rulemaking to govern fetal tissue research conducted by outside researchers as the final step in its promised actions to end unethical research using aborted babies. The proposed rule, “Establishment of Safeguards and Program Integrity Requirements for Health and Human Services-Funded Extramural Research Involving Human Fetal Tissue,” has entered a 30-day public comment period that will continue as scheduled despite a change in administration. This important rulemaking would impose strict requirements and tighten rules on any outside research of this nature supported by federal funds, including banning any abortion provider like Planned Parenthood from supplying and profiting from the acquisition of human fetal tissue for research purposes.

CWALAC applauds these actions as a tribute to our impactful work with policymakers and the tireless dedication of federal officials who have served the Trump Administration with honor in following through on these significant policy achievements. They leave a permanent record that the incoming administration cannot erase.

Jan 14 2021
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Global Pro-Life Leadership Will Carry On in Geneva Consensus Declaration

By | Legislative Updates, News and Events | No Comments

By Doreen Denny, Vice President of Government Relations.

Protecting the sanctity of human life on the global stage was among the first acts of the Trump Administration and is set to become a lasting achievement. During his first days in office, President Trump expanded the Mexico City Policy as Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance in an Executive Order. His administration pursued a rulemaking to help secure these protections. While we can anticipate hostile action by the new administration, the fruitful effort of the Trump Administration coalescing nations to commit to policies that promote life and human flourishing will undercut their premise for any “stroke of the pen” retractions of pro-life policy in U.S. global health assistance going forward.

The Geneva Consensus Declaration initiated by the United States with co-sponsors Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, and Uganda, and co-signed by 28 additional countries provides an indelible legacy, even if a new administration seeks to reverse course. The joint declaration of October 22, 2020, Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family, asserts the commitment of coalition nations working together to promote better health care for women, protect human life, strengthen the family unit as the foundation of society, and declare every nation’s sovereignty in global politics. By “reaffirming the inherent dignity and worth of the human person,” the Geneva Consensus Declaration underscores every nation’s sovereign right to push back international abortion ideology and pass their own laws regarding abortion.

In December 2020, the U.S government, on behalf of supporting countries, officially filed the pro-life Geneva Consensus Declaration with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Kelly Craft, Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, instructed the Secretary-General to circulate  the declaration with member states as part of the official record of the General Assembly ”inviting all Member States to sign the declaration.”

The declaration has now been issued as an official document of the United Nations and translated into all six official UN languages. This action ensures that the Geneva Consensus Declaration and the good work of the Trump Administration will continue on the world stage, giving other UN member states the opportunity to embrace the declaration, even if U.S. leadership should falter.

As President Trump stated at the 2019 United Nations General Assembly, “Americans will never tire of defending innocent life. We are aware that many United Nations projects have attempted to assert a global right to taxpayer-funded abortion on demand, right up until the moment of delivery. Global bureaucrats have absolutely no business attacking the sovereignty of nations that wish to protect innocent life. Like many nations here today, we in America believe that every child born and unborn is a sacred gift from God.”

Over 76 percent of Americans continue to oppose American taxpayer dollars supporting abortion in other countries. Abortion that destroys innocent human life is not healthcare and should not be promoted as a legitimate form of family planning. There is no international right to abortion, nor any international obligation to finance or facilitate abortion. Every nation has the sovereign right to implement programs and activities consistent with its own laws and policies. They should be able to preserve human dignity as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Consensus Declaration, not be bullied by pro-abortion nations.

Please join CWA in praying for the incoming administration to stand for life: Lord, we beseech You for the future direction of our country and pray that the United States government will continue to stand for the dignity and worth of every human life.

Jan 12 2021
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Statement from Penny Nance on Impeachment Proceedings

By | CEO, News and Events | No Comments

Concerned Women for America‘s CEO and President Penny Nance released this statement regarding the impeachment proceedings against President Trump:

“If President-elect Joe Biden wants to bring the country together, we need congressional leaders to focus on a productive and peaceful transition of power, not foment political punishment. Our emotions are raw, and this nation needs time to heal. The violence and destruction at the U.S. Capitol last week is indefensible. Wielding political power to weaponize retribution and punish political opponents is antithetical to American ideals. Joe Biden has the opportunity to seek unity and healing, but that will not happen by creating greater strife and rubbing salt into our wounds.”

 

Jan 12 2021
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Comments Needed on Virginia Model Policies for Transgender Students

By | Virginia | No Comments

At the direction of the Virginia General Assembly, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) was instructed to develop model policies for the Treatment of Transgender Students in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. As you read through a small sampling of the proposed policies listed below my signature line, keep in mind that there are no religious exceptions or accommodations for those in the faith community. The model policies are far-reaching and will have untold impact on our children and grandchildren. Parental authority and religious freedom are under attack.

Now is the time to make your opinion heard. The public has an opportunity to weigh in on the model policies. The comment period runs from January 4 to February 3, 2021.

Take action:
Click here to submit a comment. Let them know that you disapprove of this radical push to eliminate differences between females and males and the brainwashing of our children and grandchildren.

Please join us in prayer: Father God, we approach your throne with grave concerns. We ask for guidance, wisdom, and discernment as we navigate these troubling and challenging times. May we be full of grace and compassion as we interact with those who disagree with us.

Nehemiah 4:14 “Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughter, your wives, and your houses.”

Jan Robey
Associate State Director 

Sample of proposed model policies:

Page 6 Definitions – “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.”

Page 10 – “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator … The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” A student could be investigated, and if resolved at the school level, a parent would not be notified.

Page 10 – “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” School staff and students would face disciplinary action.

Page 12 – “school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents.” Parental authority ignored.

Page 12 – “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity…”

Page 13 – “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.”

“School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming,” and school personnel who suspects a child is at risk “should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” Parents could be at risk for teaching their children biblical sexuality.

Page 17 – “For any school program, event, or activity, including extra-curricular activities that are segregated by gender, (School Division) shall allow students to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity.”

“Athletic participation regulated by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) or another organization such as the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA), as well as middle school athletics, shall be in compliance with policies and rules outlined by those organizations.”

Page 18 – “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.”

“School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” This will eliminate privacy and safety in the use of bathrooms and locker rooms.

Jan 12 2021
0

You CAN Make a Difference in the 2021 Virginia General Assembly!

By | Virginia | No Comments

The 2021 Virginia General Assembly convenes Wednesday, January 13, 2021, and will continue through the end of February. The General Assembly, meeting mostly virtually, will be addressing legislation of great importance to you and your family, and you can count on Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Virginia to represent your interests during the session. Our legislative team will be monitoring proposed legislation and informing you on how to pray and act on the legislation. You can read our top legislative priorities here.

Many of us feel tired and discouraged about our country’s direction. Nevertheless, our families need us to be vigilant! Mrs. Beverly LaHaye, the founder of CWA , said this, “God does not call us to be successful. He calls us to be faithful.” I hope you will purpose in your heart today to be faithful this year to pray and act on critical 2021 legislation.

Sincerely,
Janet Robey
Associate State Director

CWA of Virginia Legislative Team:
Carole Denner, Teresa Pregnall, Janet Robey, Cathy Tankersley

Jan 11 2021
0

South Dakota Legislative Session Begins

By | South Dakota | No Comments

The 2021 South Dakota legislative session begins Tuesday, January 12. During this 37-day session, we urge all members to participate as grassroots activists by praying and taking action when called upon by Concerned Women for America (CWA) of South Dakota.

It is imperative that your state legislators hear from you concerning CWA of South Dakota-supported pro-family, pro-life bills. Even more crucial is your help to defeat dangerous, anti-family legislation that CWA of South Dakota opposes.

I will alert you via e-mail regarding these bills and ask you to contact your one senator or two representatives after praying about the bill. For greater impact, please check your e-mails often and feel free to share these alerts with others.

If you do not know the names of your one senator and two representatives, click here or phone the auditor at your county courthouse.

This year, Lisa Gennaro has been added to our CWA of South Dakota lobbying team as a volunteer, representing you in Pierre and promoting CWA’s issues.

The core issues of Concerned Women for America are:

  • Definition of the Family
  • Sanctity of Life
  • Education
  • Sexual Exploitation
  • Religious Liberty
  • National Sovereignty
  • Support for Israel

This session is looking to be very busy. Added to the challenge are the precautions presented to us because of COVID-19. We covet your prayers for our protection, health, wisdom, and guidance.

Asking God’s blessing upon you for your faithfulness in prayer and action,

Linda Schauer
State Director

Jan 08 2021
0

For America (Day 113) – A Prayer for the New Year

By | LBB, News and Events, Prayer | No Comments

How beautiful are the feet
Of those who bring good news,
Who proclaim peace, good tidings,
And the salvation of the Lord.

May our gaze turn to them;
May our ears hear the sweet sound
Of the proclamation of Your Word
In this new year.

Lord of the harvest,
Send us laborers
For we know the harvest is plentiful.
We need those who love the mission field.

The pain of so many is so evident.
Like sheep without a Shepherd,
They move here and there
Swept by the winds of every moment.

Yet we know of an immovable Rock
Jesus, the Christ
By Whose blood all our sins are swept away.
We know that He alone can save.

Forgive our callousness
Which heretofore has blinded us
And prevented us from the self-sacrifice
You require.

You showed us the way,
Yet we turn away.
Forgive us
And illuminate our hearts and minds.

You are God.
The winds still obey at Your very word.
Let the political winds of the present age
Tremble at the sound of Your Name.

Take this year. Take our lives.
Do as You please, Oh Lord on high!
We stand in awe and are still
To know You and Love You more and more.

Heal our land, heal our hearts,
Unite us as one.
In You we want to abide.
Amen— may it be so.

Jan 08 2021
0

Changing the Rules in the 117th Congress – Amen and Awoman?

By | Legislative Updates, News and Events, Religious Liberty, Sexual Exploitation | No Comments

The U.S. House of Representatives convened last Sunday for the opening of the 117th Congress. It became apparent rather quickly that we will have our work cut out for us. Mario Diaz, Concerned Women for America’s General Counsel, and Doreen Denny, Vice President of Government Relations, talk about the opening events that showcased the challenges ahead.  Read the letter that CWALAC sent to the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives opposing the rules changes.

Jan 07 2021
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CWA Response to Lawlessness in D.C.

By | CEO, Legal, Legislative Updates, News and Events | No Comments

Concerned Women for America’s CEO and President Penny Nance responded to the January 6 events at the U.S. Capital in Washington, D.C.

“Lawlessness is not a Christian, conservative value.  @CWforA condemns acts of violence and destruction.  Righteous indignation and strategic political engagement are right and just reactions to injustice not mob rioting.  We are better than this as a nation.  Stop it.”

“I know good, peaceful people who came to #dc to exercise their First Amendment rights in reaction to voter fraud, but they need to go home now.  Others are using it as an excuse for criminal behavior.  Unacceptable!  @CWforA @YWforA”

Dec 31 2020
0

How to Face 2021

By | Legal, News and Events | No Comments

In some ways, many of us could not wait to put 2020 behind us. It was a terrible year for many families and businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic. In another sense, though, it feels like there is still some unfinished business with 2020 that prevents us from fully embracing the plan God is setting before us for 2021.

The election certainly feels that way. Even following a vaccine, the continued lockdowns, and the uncertainty about what is to come, have many of us are feeling exhausted even before the new year begins. How can we face 2021 feeling this way?

I will tell you; I look no further than the preeminence of Christ. Paul wrote to the Church at Colossae that, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:15-16)

Did you notice that by Him, thrones and dominions and rulers and authorities are created? Do you see how relevant this word is for us today in America as we face 2021 full of uncertainty?

We may not know many things, but we know one thing as sure as the sun lights the sky: by Jesus Christ, rulers and authorities are put in their positions of power.

What joy! What assurance! For we know this God is good and merciful, loving and kind; His ways are perfect.

Why do we fret then? Why do we worry? Why do we wonder how we will keep things together?

Paul continued, “And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (v.17).

It is in Him that all things hold together. It is through Him, that’s how.

Do you believe it? If you do as I do, then it is to Him that we should go with all our concerns over January 5 and 6, and 20. We go to Him, and we can rest in His loving care. He is in control.

“[H]e is the head of the body, the church,” Paul wrote, “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent” (v. 18).

Here we arrive at our plan of action, dear readers. Let us allow Jesus Christ to have preeminence in all our endeavors in 2021. He is our aim—His exaltation. Our minds must be continually on Him; we live and breathe, pray and take action in a manner worthy of Him who called us by His grace.

Let joy be our trademark. Let the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, be the sweet aroma permeating all our engagements. God is in control.

In some ways, I see many of us as the disciples on the boat. The storm hit; there is chaos around. They are scared. The boat is filling up with water. Will they make it?

So, they go to Jesus, who is sound asleep in the stern. “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” they asked (Mark 4:38).

Tears fill my eyes almost every time I read that question. We are seriously this clueless—this self-absorbed. We dare question the Master’s love—His care.

Many of us are asking Him this very question today. “Jesus, will you allow them to get away with this? Do you not care?”

He does. It pains me to have to write these two words, but He does. It physically hurts me to admit that I need the reminder.

And consider Jesus’ loving response, even as He rebukes the winds and the rain: “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

Well, have you? Do you doubt He can rise and rebuke the political winds from our storm and restore peace?

I tell you, there is no force in nature capable of withstanding His rebuke. Believe it! God is on the move, and He will leave us standing in awe at His mighty works, wondering, “who is this that even the political winds and the pandemic sea obey Him?”

This is as true for us in 2021 as it was for the disciples in Jesus’ day.

By Mario Diaz, Esq., CWA General Counsel
Download printable copy.

Dec 31 2020
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education students

Trump Orders Emergency Learning Scholarships

By | Education, Legislative Updates, News and Events | No Comments

As 2020 Ends and Schools Stay Closed, President Trump Orders Emergency Learning Scholarships to Offer Hope in the New Year  

COVID-19 caused many public schools to stay closed for most of 2020, creating mounting hardships for American students and their ability to continue learning effectively, especially those in difficult circumstances. Building on his past actions to help support students, President Trump closed out the year by signing an Executive Order “to ensure the education, health, safety, and well-being of America’s children, our most essential resource upon which the future of our great Nation depends.”

Under the Executive Order on Expanding Educational Opportunity Through School Choice, President Trump is seeking to protect American students who need in-person learning options from prolonged school closures. Despite providing $13 billion in federal support for K-12 schools to safely resume in-person learning earlier this year, more than half of all public-school students began school remotely this fall. The lack of in-person learning is showing the greatest harm among low-income students and students with disabilities.

As noted in the President’s order, research and surveys conducted through the pandemic have revealed many sobering results:

  • Students’ math progress in low-income neighborhoods decreased by nearly 50 percent, and those from middle-income neighborhoods fell by almost a third.
  • Eighty percent of children with special needs are not receiving the services and supports to which they are entitled, and approximately 40 percent of children with special needs are receiving no services or supports.
  • Educators found student absences, including from virtual learning, have nearly doubled during the pandemic.

Analysts are projecting now that if in-person learning does not resume fully in the new year, low-income students will lose over a year of learning.

To help mitigate this harm, President Trump wants to provide “emergency learning scholarships,” offering direct support to disadvantaged families with K-12 students. Under the order, the President instructs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to act consistently with law to allow funds available through the Community Services Block Grant program to be used for emergency learning scholarships for any eligible child lacking access to in-person schooling. As outlined, these scholarships may be used for: tuition and fees for a private or parochial school; homeschool, micro-school, or learning-pod costs; special education and related services, including therapies; or tutoring or remedial education.

The President declares, “I am committed to ensuring that all children of our great Nation have access to the educational resources they need to obtain a high-quality education and to improving students’ safety and well-being, including by empowering families with emergency learning scholarships.”

With teachers’ unions standing in the way of expanding parental choice and educational options for students, we hope the President’s closing act of 2020 will be the ticket to freedom many families have been hoping for in the new year.

Dec 24 2020
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A Christmas Message from Penny Nance

By | CEO, News and Events | No Comments

It’s Christmas Day! What a wonderful time to reflect on the birth of our Savior and God’s goodness. Scripture tells us that, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).”

And that is the thought I’d like to leave with you today. God is near.

I know 2020 was a tough year for many, but we must never equate adversity with the absence of God.

So, I lift up a prayer for you today wherever you are, whatever situation you are going through, that you may experience Immanuel, God with you.

Merry Christmas!

Penny Nance
CEO and President

Dec 24 2020
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For America— A Christmas Prayer

By | News and Events | No Comments

Written by CWA’s General Counsel Mario Diaz, Esq.

Oh Lord, Our God,
Your Majestic Holiness
Fills us with joy
Throughout the Christmas season.

Your wondrous works displayed
On that day in Bethlehem
Keep our hearts and minds engaged still today,
Amazed at the extent of Your Love.

The sounds of that “Silent Night,”
Are forever on our lips.
Let the people hear us sing,
“Gloria, in excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest!)”

Let the “thrill of hope” be felt
In the midst of our weary world.
“Born is the King of Israel,”
The babe — the King of the whole world.

Glad tidings, You brought,
A Gospel of Truth, salvation for all,
If we only believe.
What joy; what peace!

Immanuel — God with us.
God with us.
How can this be?
You, here, for me?

There is no other comfort,
Apart from this —
Apart from You: the Prince of Peace,
Eternal Father, Mighty God.

Of Your kingdom, there shall be no end.
We stand as a testament,
Moving and breathing, hoping and longing
In You, through You, and for You.

May Yours be the glory and honor,
Majesty and power,
Forever and ever,
Amen.