I'm Rev. Claudia Scheda, priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, and I've been named among the Presiding Bishop's Delegation to the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women which meets in New York City during March 2024. It's a great honor, and a great opportunity to meet women from across the Church and across the globe who work together for justice, peace, and stability for the women of the world and their families.

This year's theme surrounds building gender equality, and empowering women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.

This work is so important, yet few expenses are covered for delegates like me. Won't you help me get there? Your contribution will cover basic transportation, housing, and meal expenses during the two-week session. Hotels start near $300 per night; round-trip flights begin near $200. Even small gifts of $25 or $50 will cover a meal.

During my years of ordained ministry I've been active in prison reform work, women's reproductive rights and health access, and many other issues that impact women locally as well as globally. The Commission on the Status of Women is a natural expansion of that work, but I can't do it alone. My goal is to raise $4000 for expenses; any gift amount will be greatly appreciated. Any unused funds, or monies beyond the goal will be donated to ministries that feed and house the needy in West Seneca and Buffalo NY, where my congregations (St. David's and St. John's-Grace respectively) are located.

Many thanks,

Claudia Scheda +