Clara Barton Internship for Womens Issues
The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) and Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation (UUWF) created the Clara Barton Internship for Women’s Issues—a splendid opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to influence the critical public policy issues that pertain to gender equality.In December 2001, the Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation sold the site of the Clara Barton Birthplace and Camp in North Oxford, MA, to the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. After considering several options, the UUWF decided to use the proceeds of the sale to endow an internship in the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy to focus on social justice issues pertaining to women. Because of the deeply meaningful legacy of our Universalist forebear, Clara Barton, the internship carries her name.
The UUWF donated an initial $200,000 to endow the internship. To help match this gift, an additional $200,000 was raised by organizations and individuals who share our vision of a world where women are truly equal.
One year of an internship in the Washington Office costs between $30,000 and $40,000. This includes a modest stipend, health care and benefits, and money for program , training, and travel expenses. A $400,000 endowment that yields five percent (5%) each year provides $20,000 for this important advocacy work. The Unitarian Universalist Association continues to provide additional financial support for this position as well.
Donations can be given in a number of ways:
- Pledge to give cash or stock over a period of 3-5 years.
- Designate a gift in your will to The UUA Clara Barton Internship Endowment Fund.
- Or, name the Clara Barton Fund as a beneficiary of your IRA or a life insurance policy.
The UUA Charitable Gift and Estate Planning team can help you find a giving arrangement that works for you, including gift annuities, charitable trusts, and others that make payments to you now and that will support The Clara Barton Fund after you have died. For more information, please contact the UUA Stewardship and Development Staff Group at giftinfo @ uua.org or 1-888-792-5885.
Since its inception, three UU young adults have held the position of UUWF Clara Barton Intern, Legislative Assistant for Women's Issues of the Washington Office for Advocacy. The experience has provided rich opportunities for them to learn how to do advocacy and link their efforts with congregations and grass-roots UU groups. In addition they have volunteered in local programs and also have jointly participated in a reflection process to better understand the theological implications of their work.
The struggle for women's equality has made great strides forward in the last 30 years, but in today's political climate that progress is at risk of slowing down—or stopping altogether. This internship recognizes that Unitarian Universalists have always been at the forefront of the movement, and should be today as much as ever. Thanks to the UUWF, and with your generous support, we will make this vision a reality.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
