Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2013 Issue

U.N. continued from page 17 been trying to advocate for years now, specifically in terms of military service. But almost every different talk that we went to touched on this somewhat. Using men as allies, like the title of one of the conferences, really is the key to gender equality and an end to violence. We met an amazing gender statistics and facts I’ve learned, the most important thing I’ve learned was that though everybody has stories, these stories don’t define who we are. These “victims” are really sisters, and girls with crushes, and mothers and dreamers. Basically I am proud to say I will never again look at anyone as just a victim. The Rev. Deacon Carey Chirico Prior to joining the girls at the Commission on the Status of Women, the Rev. Deacon Carey Chirico participated in a special women’s Indaba, a meeting of deep listening grounded in prayer and Scripture. Chirico reflected on this event, which brought together participants from across the globe. Photo: Sheryl Stroud Bryant Photo: Emily Cherry Photo: Sheryl Stroud Bryant The girls compare notes – and tend to social media updates – during a session break. Grace Schwartz, center, leads the prayers of the people in the chapel at the Episcopal Church Center. The girls all wrote and shared an original prayer. Nancy Schwartz (far left), one of the group chaperones and leaders, sits with (left to right) Becca Bryant, Maddie Stroud, Grace Schwartz, Kenna Dickard and Hannah Cannon at the Episcopal Church Center. equalist by the name of Michael Kaufman, who started the White Ribbon Campaign in Canada. Men and boys who wear these white ribbons pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. My primary goal after being given this incredible opportunity is to start a White Ribbon Campaign in Fredericksburg and also to start a boy’s group to complement our G.I.R.L.s group, and boost the representation of males at the 58th Commission on the Status of Women next year. Kenna Dickard A

Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2013 Issue | Page 20