By Cheryl Hammond Hopewell, Corresponding Secretary, Connectional Lay Organization
In every component of the AME Church, communication is essential to maintaining unity, accountability, and effective ministry on all levels. The Connectional Lay Organization Corresponding Secretary plays a vital role in ensuring that this communication flows smoothly, supporting the executive leadership and the general membership in fulfilling the mission of the Connectional Lay Organization (CLO). It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Corresponding Secretary of the Connectional Lay Organization since July 2021.
The Connectional Lay Corresponding Secretary serves as a vital link, ensuring that information from leadership is properly conveyed and that responses, reports, and official correspondence are handled with care and precision. Whether serving at the local, district, annual conference, episcopal district, or connectional level, the Corresponding Secretary helps uphold the order and integrity that are hallmarks of the AME Church and its components.
Some of the duties of the Connectional Lay Corresponding Secretary include, but are not limited to, managing official communications on behalf of the Connectional Lay Organization. This includes preparing and distributing notices, letters, emails, announcements, and official responses. The Corresponding Secretary also ensures that meeting notices and information, event information, and directives from leadership are shared with the membership in a timely manner. The Corresponding Secretary prepares Resolutions and other official correspondence. The CLO Corresponding Secretary also manages the articles for the CLO officers and Episcopal District Presidents to The Christian Recorder. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of organizational protocol.
While some may not know or appreciate the role of the Corresponding Secretary, for the executive board and the leadership, if used correctly, the Corresponding Secretary is an indispensable support. Communications must be clear and effective to the body. Also, maintaining an accurate directory of members and maintaining records of outgoing correspondence provides transparency and continuity. When the membership feels informed, they are more likely to remain engaged, committed, and supportive of the organization, and they will feel they are a vital part of it.
As the Connectional Lay Corresponding Secretary, I meet quarterly with the Episcopal District Corresponding Secretaries to ensure continuity between the Episcopal Districts and the Connectional Lay Organization and between the Episcopal Districts with each other. In general, the Corresponding Secretary is a communicator, connector, and servant-leader whose work supports executive leadership and empowers the membership through effective communication. The lack thereof can make or break an organization.
Very well written, informative, and relevant.
Very informative
Thanks Dr Hopewell