CWA of North Dakota Finishes Strong, Trains for the Future     7/23/2009
By Rebekah Ries

2009 has been an exciting year for Concerned Women for America (CWA) of North Dakota. Through the prayers and actions of the CWA of North Dakota members, the State Legislature passed several bills affirming life and truth. These bills required abortion clinics to offer women the opportunity to see an ultrasound of their unborn child, to inform patients that "the abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique living human being," and to notify women that they could not be forced or coerced into having an abortion. Additionally, the North Dakota Legislature passed a resolution instructing the North Dakota Congressional Delegation not to vote for the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act."

Now that the legislative session is over, CWA of North Dakota members are taking the time to regroup, refocus, and prepare for next session's challenges. "There is a strong sense among CWA people here in North Dakota that this is a time to go forward and do more, not less, and it is certainly NOT a time to retreat," says Janne Myrdal, State Director of CWA of North Dakota.

For five volunteer leaders in North Dakota, "doing more" means attending CWA's Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., this September. A record number of volunteer leaders from North Dakota will be attending the conference, and Janne attributes this to the chapter's sense of urgency in standing up for family values. "The clouds seem very dark right now as far as our conservative values are concerned," says Janne. "Yet it is exactly at such times that we need to take a stand more than ever!"

CWA's Leadership Conference is an annual opportunity for state volunteer leaders from all over the country to network, encourage one another, and learn about the issues CWA deals with on a daily basis. Participants hear from renowned conservative leaders, interact with CWA board members, policy experts and staff, and receive valuable training on how to make their voices heard on the issues in which they believe.

"CWA's Leadership Conference has always been a time for me to connect with other state leaders, be encouraged and receive great input on issues and ways to engage our culture on the issues that concern us," Janne says. She is especially looking forward to this year's program, which includes a special 30th Anniversary Celebration on the last evening of the conference.

Janne praises the attendees from North Dakota for their willingness to attend a conference so far away, even in tough economic times. "As a state director, I am very encouraged that these ladies are making the sacrifice to come to D.C., some of them even to lobby for Project 535," Janne says. "Times are not easy, but then again, we have never been promised easy, and we have had it pretty easy for years."

Janne hopes these women's passion will inspire other volunteer leaders in North Dakota to join them at the conference. "Let's make sure we take our place 'on the wall' and stand, even if we come from a seemingly insignificant state like North Dakota," says Janne. "To God no place is ever insignificant, and certainly no person - CWA member or not - who prays, speaks, and acts on behalf of the unborn, families, or victims of sex trafficking will lack His blessing and strength."

"I look forward to being energized once again at this year's conference," says Janne, "and I look forward to sharing and receiving vision for the next 30 years!!!"

For more information about CWA's Annual Training Conference or to register for the event, please visit http://www.cwfa.org/anniversarycelebration/.

To get involved in CWA of North Dakota, go to http://nd.cwfa.org or e-mail director@northdakota.cwfa.org. If you would like to get involved with one of our other fine state organizations, please visit the CWA in the States site.

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