The CMwD Women & Religion (W&R) Committee is a standing committee of the Central Midwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We are also a part of the Continental UU Women and Religion movement.

Nine women are chosen from a wide geographic area to represent women in the District for a three-year term. The W&R Committee sponsors a Winter WomanSpirit retreat each year, along with a Summer WomanSpirit retreat at Ronora Lodge in Michigan. Both events are organized by "local" committees with the help of the District W&R Committee.

Women who have previously served on the W&R Committee comprise our “WiseWoman Council.”

If you would like to serve on the W&R committee, fill out the application form. You may also e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions. VOLUNTEER FORM (PDF)

04/26/10 Three 3-year terms are open now. We will contact you promptly when we receive your application.

Laura Cass     2009-2012
Chair 2010-11
Secretary 2009-10
WWS2011 Liasion

Lauree is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart, IN and is a busy woman who enjoys making a better place for other women in work, spirituality and life.  A mother of three -- including one child in college, one in grade school and one pre-school -- she keeps busy homeschooling the two youngest, working at her holistic service company (Holistically Alive) and an all natural and organic product manufacturer and vendor (Flower-Child Organics).  In addition, Lauree is a free lance writer, serves on the CMwD W&R committee, and co-holds a chapter of the Witch Hat Society serving the Michiana area. She serves on the fundraising committee at UUFE and is completing a dual doctorate in metaphysical science.

Jessica is a member of the UU Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana. She was on the Summer WomanSpirit committee in 2009 filling in for a friend, and lent her energies to the summer ceremonies.

Nancy Irons     2006-2010

Past Chair 2010-2011
Chair 2009-10, Secretary 2006-7
WWS2008 Liaison, WWS2004 Ambiance Chair

Nancy has served W&R in many capacities, and is an active member of her local church. She co-planned the 2010 Women's Leadership Day honoring women from congregations all over the Central Midwest District. Nancy co-chaired the 2008 Cakes for the Queen of Heaven Train-the-Trainer project in the Central Midwest District, a collaborative effort among CMwD W&R, CMwD UU Women's Connection, and the Continental UUW&R.

Natalie Silk     2009-2012
Winter WS Committees, 2007, 2008

A member of Countryside Church in Palatine, Natalie has been a longtime volunteer teacher in their Sunday morning religious education program for children and youth. She brings her interests into the classroom and seeks to share her spiritual understandings with young people.