Communicators for Women Religious

Last week, I had the honor of giving a workshop on “Blogging: A Communication Ministry” at the National Conference for Communicators for Women Religious held in Mesa, Arizona, October 1-4, 2019.

Years ago, religious communities did not have communication directors or staffs.  Today, they are a valuable asset in carrying out the charism and mission of the community. I salute the Communicators for Women Religious who this year celebrate their 25^th Anniversary for their pioneering efforts on bringing their professional communication skills and expertise to communities of religious women.

In speaking to this audience of professional communicators, I shared my perspectives on the importance of online presence for women religious and the role of professional communicators in supporting it. Here is what I said:

The online presence of women religious first and foremost expresses their charism/mission. It extends their ministries to internet audiences on platforms that they have the skills, personnel and resources to use effectively.  The quality of content and presentation reflects their values as consecrated religious and their respect for the audiences they serve.

Professional communicators assist religious communities of women to engage in multiple means of communication that will advance their mission and expand their outreach. In the 21^st century, professional communicators must provide expertise and support not only for print products but also for the use of online platforms based on their skills and the skills of the members. They educate staff and members on best practices for all online communications and are committed to learning about and employing appropriate new forms of online outreach. They keep the priorities of leadership in mind and demonstrate how those priorities can be fostered online.

You can learn more about the Communicators for Women Religious here: https://c4wr.org/about/

There are many online tools that communities can use to advance their charism and mission.  Blogging is one of them.  It is a powerful tool that can be very effective in building and supporting an online community for a religious community, parish or organization. I will write more about blogging in future posts.

Have you benefited from the services of a professional communicator in your online ministry?   Are you a professional communicator? Tell us in the comments below.  Thank you.