The Sophia Network aims to celebrate women in youth work and ministry, what we have achieved and what we are contributing to the kingdom of God. We want to increase the visibility of women in youth work, making the wider church aware of the fantastic work that women are doing. The Sophia Network will enable women in youth work to connect with each other, share skills and experiences and offer encouragement and support.

Our ultimate aim is to encourage women and men to work together more closely in a way that reflects the heart of God, but we recognize that sometimes issues need to be addressed before women can contribute on a level playing field.

There is a huge diversity of women who are active in youth work and ministry. We hope that whatever your personal circumstances, skills and needs that you’ll be able to contribute to the Sophia Network, receive from it and help to inspire, encourage and support women like you across the UK.

What does the Sophia Network do?

The real answer to this question will come from the members of Sophia, as you interact, connect and make suggestions, but this is what we expect to happen over the next couple of years.

• We hosted a consultation in Spring 2008 for members to identify key priority areas that we can work on together. We’ll put together an action plan in September 08 to initiate, support or contribute to a project in each of those areas, working in partnership as much as possible.
• Through the network, youth workers will be able to find out who is doing similar work to them or who is working nearby.
• We’ll organise opportunities for women youth workers to get together at events like the Youthwork conference and Greenbelt and will facilitate regional networking meetings.
• The Sophia Network will create a broader knowledge within the Christian community of the women who are active in youth ministry and what they contribute.
• Conference and event organisers can contact Sophia to get suggestions for female speakers.
• Women youth workers will have an opportunity, through the discussion forum, to publicise what they are doing, ask for advice, share experiences.
• Women youth workers can potentially find mentors, either for a one-off meeting or on an on-going basis.
• The blog will make people aware of relevant issues in the news and the culture – for example, female role models, legislation, films.
• Women youth workers can find help to address the particular challenges that they face as women by asking the website community or by accessing the resources.
• As demand grows, we will organise or facilitate training, retreats and mentoring for women in youth work and ministry.