impassioned leaders & agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth

annual report2008Rachel’s Network

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kathy Borgen, Secretary

Irene Crowe, Vice Chair

Caroline Gabel, Chair

Marianne Gabel

Ann Hunter-Welborn

Renée Ingold, Treasurer

Fa Liddell

Winsome McIntosh, President

Adelaide Park Gomer

Molly Ross

Jocelyn Sladen

Carolyn Weinberger

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP LIAISONS

Margie AltEnvironment America

Nan AronAlliance for Justice

Frances G. BeineckeNatural Resources Defense Council

Leslie CarothersEnvironmental Law Institute

Jamie Rappaport ClarkDefenders of Wildlife

Amy CoenPopulation Action International

Dr. Deborah GangloffAmerican Forests

Kathryn Kennedy Center for Plant Conservation

Vikki SpruillOcean Conservancy

Rebecca WodderAmerican Rivers

CIRCLE OF ADVISORS

Rev. Canon Sally Bingham

Dr. Helen Caldicott

Dr. Theo Colborn

Dr. Sylvia Earle

Kathryn S. Fuller

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE

Hazel Henderson

L. Hunter Lovins

Dr. Carolyn Merchant

Nora Pouillon

Carolyn Raffensperger

Debbie Walsh

Alice Waters

Terry Tempest Williams

Rachel’s Network

STAFF

Winsome McIntoshPresident

Kate DrummondProgram Manager

Miriam FefferAssociate Director

Thu PhamChief Operating Officer

Jody SprakerProgram Manager

Who

WeA

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WHAT WE DO

Rachel’s Network is a national nonprofit mem-bership organization named in Rachel Car-son’s honor. Our mission is to promote womenas impassioned leaders and agents of changededicated to the stewardship of the earth.

Message from the Board Chair ..................................2

Message from the Founder & President .......................3

Expanding Membership & Recruitment .......................4

Developing Leadership & Staying Connected...............5

Learning from Expert Speakers...................................6

Gathering our Community .........................................7

Advocating for Environmental Health .........................9

Building Alliances among Congresswomen ...............10

Engaging Non-Traditional Partners ..........................11

Sustaining our Success ...........................................12

COVER PHOTOS, TOP TO BOTTOM: LAURIE KRACUM LEARNS ABOUT CONSERVATION INITIATIVES IN CHICAGO. WINSOME

MCINTOSH & ANNE ROWLEY DISCUSS NATIONAL POLICY IN FRONT OF THE CAPITOL. MEMPHIS HOLLAND APPLAUDS MEM-BERS’ IMPORTANT WORK DURING MEMBER DIALOGUE. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, ALL PHOTOS: JIM MCLEAN.

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: KAY FISCHER & MONTINE HANSL REVIEW MATERIALS AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. KATHYBORGEN & MARTHA DAVIS HEAR ABOUT IRENE CROWE’S LATEST PROJECT. MEMBERS APPLAUD A VOLUNTEER AT THE PUBLICSPEAKING WORKSHOP.

2008 Annual ReportT

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On behalf of Rachel’s Network’s board of directors,I am pleased to share this update on our accom-plishments throughout this busy and productive year.Thanks to valued stakeholders like you -- our mem-bers, funders, guest speakers, advisors, programpartners, and many others -- Rachel’s Network en-joyed a remarkable year of expansion and demon-strated our group’s resilience in the face ofeconomic crisis.

In 2008, Rachel’s Network continued to reachrecord levels of membership, uniting women whocollectively represent over $500 million in annualgiving and work to leverage their influence into trail-blazing endeavors that preserve our planet, protectour health, and strengthen our fellow women lead-ers. Our members lead at the uppermost echelonsof the organizations they support, giving generouslyof their time, financial assistance, and wisdomgleaned from years of experience. These extraor-dinary women are impressive as individuals, and tosee our members in the aggregate is to behold adazzling spectrum of interests, backgrounds, gener-ations, politics, and giving.

Over the past year, our board of directors com-pleted a transition to increased institutional over-sight. We codified board obligations andestablished a formal committee structure, with eachmember serving on at least two of the Develop-ment/Membership, Governance, Finance, Program,and Long Range Planning Committees. This in-creased involvement was embraced with enthusiasmby all, and I thank our board for volunteering theirinput and energy to keep the Network vibrant andhealthy. In the fall, we thanked departing boardmembers Annette Gellert, Debbie Ross, and VictoriaStack for their service and extended a warm wel-

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come to new directors Marianne Gabel, AdelaidePark Gomer, and Molly Ross, all steadfast support-ers and long-time members. I know their leadershipwill enrich our efforts and look forward to workingwith each of them as we continue to grow.

Though 2008 was a difficult year in the greater phil-anthropic community, we were honored to have se-cured the generous support of many members,former members, and external funders. Our sup-porters’ investment in the success of our programsand services constitutes a valued vote of confidencein our accomplishments to date, and we remaincommitted to stewarding these grants to ensure theireffectiveness. Our grantors’ faith in our Networkencourages us to redouble our efforts on behalf ofthe philanthropic community, women’s ever-increas-ing leadership, and the earth itself, including all itsinhabitants.

As you will read in the report that follows, 2008was a year in which RN reached new milestones ofgrowth and stretched toward further programmaticinnovation. I am grateful to have worked closelywith so many of you who have made Rachel’s Net-work a priority through your ongoing support, andI invite you to continue to play a role in our commu-nity in the years to come.

In appreciation,

Caroline D. GabelBoard Chair

When I reflect upon the last year with Rachel’s Net-work, I am heartened to see how far our organizationhas come in such a short time. Our Network’s growthonly seems to accelerate as we grow stronger, moresecure, and more deeply rooted in the philanthropic,advocacy, and women’s empowerment communities.Each year, we welcome new members, reach out tonew strategic partners, and develop programs thatbetter serve the inspiring women whose work lies atthe core of what we do.

In 2008, with an expanding roster of events and re-sources that informed and connected members, out-reach programs that engaged emerging advocates,and a steadily growing base of support, Rachel’s Net-work remained true to our mission of “promotingwomen as impassioned leaders and agents of changededicated to the stewardship of the earth.” Our mem-bers grew to nearly 100 strong, representing everyregion of our nation, drawing ideas from across thepolitical spectrum, controlling over $8 billion in foun-dation assets, and spanning seven decades in age.As in past years, our members continued to forgemeaningful relationships across these differences andin celebration of our common vision of a better world.Whether philanthropy is a full-time vocation or one ofmany personal and professional pursuits, each mem-ber shares a tireless devotion to serving society, athirst for learning, an interest in greater strategic ef-fectiveness, and a belief in the value of a “good ol’girls’ network” for women like us.

As fortunate as Rachel’s Network was in 2008, theyear also brought mixed blessings for all of us in thephilanthropic community. With a nation -- and, in-deed, a world -- in financial crisis, funding for non-profits like ours grew ever more scarce and moreprecious. Our Network remained tenacious in pursu-

2008 Annual ReportM

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ing grants to fund our general operations as well asour outreach programs, and we were fortunate tohave earned the generous support of external grant-makers as well as our own members, most notably theleaders serving on our board of directors.

Though our members were confronted with the chal-lenge of grantmaking during a time of uncertainty, thisexperience only underscores the need for an organi-zation like Rachel’s Network. With services thatguide members to maximize the strategic impact oftheir giving, our Network delivers value to membersunavailable elsewhere. The community of funders en-visioned at our founding, when 18 women philanthro-pists united around a shared commitment toconservation, has become a reality, and our membersare here to advise, inspire, and encourage one an-other, in times of abundance and scarcity. I statedlong ago that our Network has a richness about it thathas nothing to do with wealth, and those words havenever rung truer than today.

Rachel’s Network remains committed to keeping mem-bers in the vanguard of philanthropy, women’s em-powerment, and conservation advocacy in the yearsto come. I thank you for having helped us reach thispoint and look forward to continuing to share newsof our progress as we prepare for our tenth anniver-sary in 2010!

Sincerely,

Winsome McIntoshFounder & President

Rachel’s Network

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

In 2008, Rachel’s Network’s (RN) members were awellspring of support for our organization, givinggenerously of their time and resources to keep RNstrong. With nearly 100 total members throughoutthe year, our community represented a sprawling webof women funders with connections to educationaloutlets, advocacy groups, and foundations.

As in years past, our retention rate remained well over90 percent, confirming that RN offers membersunique value. Though diverse in age, geographic ori-gin, and politics, members remained connected bybonds of friendship and a shared commitment to phi-lanthropy, women’s empowerment, and conservation.At least 17 family relationships also graced our roster,including nine mother-daughter or daughter-in-lawpairs, three pairs of sisters-in-law, two aunts and theirniece, and one set each of sisters, cousins, and agrandmother and granddaughter.

RN by the Numbers: membership & recruitment

97 total 2008 members

93 percent annual retention rate

27 to 97 age range

22 home states

over 100 new prospects referred

12 new members joined in 2008

1 new Environmental Leadership Liaison

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RECRUITMENT & RETENTION EFFORTS

Recruitment is essential to RN’s continued strengthEach new member expands our Network to includefriends, relatives, organizations she supports, grant-making institutions, and fellow board members. Car-son Council membership is also our core revenuestream, accounting for nearly half of our budget.

RN earned solid annual membership growth, welcom-ing 12 new women to our community, along with oneEnvironmental Leadership Liaison. Our recruitment ef-forts continued to accelerate, with 26 members refer-ring prospects from around the country. Given thelimited intersection of women who fit the RN profile –active funders with an interest in the environment,health, and women’sempowerment – 2008represented a year ofsteady progress towardour long-term growth.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DAUGHTER ANNE ROWLEY & MOTHER JOCELYN SLADEN DISCUSS PLANT CONSER-VATION. JAN MONTGOMERY, RENÉE INGOLD & DERRY MacBRIDE ENJOY CASUAL NETWORKING TIME.MOTHER FA & DAUGHTER ALICE LIDDELL LOOK OUT OVER THE CAPITOL AT RN’S ANNUAL MEETING.

OUR NATIONAL NETWORK: MEMBERS’ HOME STATES

PHOTO: CAITLIN HELFRICH

Because retention of current members is equally cru-cial to building a stable community, RN kept membersin touch with regular networking events in hub cities,providing opportunities to reach out to prospectivemembers in those areas and introduce them to localmembers. Board members took the lead in hostingthese programs, with Irene Crowe welcoming mem-bers to a lunch in San Francisco in January and KathyBorgen gathering Denverites in April. In July, Win-some McIntosh traveled to Roaring Gap, North Car-olina to reach out to area residents and addressed ameeting of the Wayzata, Minnesota chapter of theGarden Club of America.

2008 Annual Report

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

RN’s board placement program redresses the genderimbalance at the highest tiers of the environmentalmovement by elevating members to the boards ofmajor organizations. In 2008, we placed six RNmembers on prominent nonprofit boards, giving thisprogram a total of 31 placements to date. By offeringresources for effective service, such as our Board Ori-entation Guidebook, we have developed members’leadership capacity and amplified their voices at thedecision-making levels of advocacy groups.

RN also continued to offer signature services such asresume development and business cards, preparingmembers to bring professional-caliber polish to theirvolunteerism and serve their causes with distinction.

SPEAKERS’ BUREAU

In 2008, RN launched a Speakers’ Bureau, whichconnects members with opportunities to share theirknowledge with organizations in search of an expe-rienced funder’s perspective. Three members – SusanFulton, Caroline Gabel, and Winsome McIntosh – ad-dressed the Smithsonian Conservation Research Cen-ter in Virginia in April. In November, Ruth AnnHarnisch spoke about women’s philanthropy at the20th Annual Symposium of the Center on Philan-thropy at Indiana University.

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Developing

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FISCAL SPONSORSHIP FUND

RN’s fiscal sponsorship fund allows members to de-velop new projects through our established nonprofitstructure. In 2008, member Montine Hansl of Honolulubegan to incubate the China/U.S. Environmental Edu-cation Project with RN. Montine worked throughout achallenging year, including the devastating Sichuanearthquake and excitement surrounding the BeijingOlympics, to establish connections in China.

RACHEL’S ACTION NETWORK

Rachel’s Action Network (RAN), our 501(c)(4) sisterorganization, promoted women leaders advocatingfor a healthy environment in this whirlwind electionyear. RAN members received quarterly EcoNews bul-letins, weekly listservs, and educational resources toenhance their political work. RAN introduced a re-vamped website andupdated its slate ofpublications to reflecta clean, new image.Most importantly,RAN endorsed a bi-partisan slate of pro-environment womenCongressional candi-dates, most of whomwon their elections.

PHOTO: RACHEL TABAKMAN

RN COMMUNICATIONS

Throughout the year, RN communications ensured thatmembers remained connected to each other and theNetwork. Our weekly news and events listservs dis-seminated stories culled from a variety of media out-lets and notified members about events across thecountry. The Green Leaves newsletter remained avital source of information about issues of interest, RNprograms, and member projects. Our annual Mem-bership Directory compiled members’ affiliations andinterests to facilitate networking year-round.

We were pleased to add several exciting new initia-tives to our roster of publications. Our monthly GreenLeaves e-newsletter debuted in September, givingmembers the most up-to-date information on RN pro-grams and members’ activities. Our first stand-aloneAnnual Report was introduced in the spring. Mostnotably, our new-and-improved website launched inJuly, debuting a fresh look alongside new, user-friendly features, such as a searchable on-line direc-tory and audio recordings of all teleconference calls.

The RN book project, which celebrates the impact ofwomen in philanthropy, entered an intensive researchphase. Seven members formed a committee to guidethe book’s production. Consultant Aric Caplan of Ca-plan Communications generously provided advicethroughout the year. By the year’s end, a total of 24members had been interviewed, drawn from 11states and representing an age span of 53 years.

RN by the Numbers: leadership development

6 members placed on boards

14 nonprofits requested placement

4 Speakers’ Bureau participants

LEFT, CAROLINE GABEL, WINSOME McINTOSH & SUSAN FULTON REPRESENT THE SPEAKERS’ BUREAU. RIGHT, BARBARA GILMORE SHARES NEWS ABOUT

A PROJECT. ABOVE RIGHT, JANE BASS & HELENE ROSS MAKE INTRODUCTIONS.

TELECONFERENCE CALLS

As in previous years, RN secured a roster of promi-nent leaders in philanthropy, research, academia,and advocacy to further educate members about cur-rent issues.

In 2008, we held four teleconferences on a broadspectrum of topics. In February, a team from theUnited Nations Development Programme addressedthe effects of climate change on developing nations.In April, Rev. Jennifer Butler, director of Faith in PublicLife, shared her perspective on progressive religiousgroups and environmental advocacy. In July, prior tothe Beijing Olympics, Dr. Jennifer Turner, director ofthe China Environment Forum at the Woodrow Wil-son International Center for Scholars, engaged mem-bers in a conversation about China’s environmentalfuture. Following the November elections, RN andRAN co-hosted a teleconference about the politicaloutlook for women and conservation with DebbieWalsh of the Center for American Women and Politicsat Rutgers University and Karen Wayland of the Nat-ural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Because members are often too busy to attend tele-conferences in real time, RN also added recordingsof all calls to our website and began to plan monthlyteleconferences in 2009 to make participation con-venient for everyone.

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RN by the Numbers: expert speakers

4 interactive teleconference calls

55 members participated

5 Speaker Series gatherings

59 members participated

SPEAKER SERIES EVENTS

To provide members with opportunities to interact witheminent leaders in person, we hosted Speaker Seriesevents in hub cities throughout the year. In May, mem-bers in Southern California enjoyed a luncheon withRichard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, whodescribed the impact of “nature deficit disorder” onchildren. The same month also found members in theWashington, D.C. area at an intimate meeting withSylvia Earle, undersea explorer, scientific pioneer,and RN Advisor. In September, as the election cyclegathered momentum, New York members came to-gether for dinner with RN Liaison Frances Beinecke,

TOP LEFT: MARTHA DAVIS, RICHARD LOUV & RENÉE INGOLD IN CALIFORNIA. TOP RIGHT: MARY TYLER JOHNSON, FRANCES BEINECKE & WINSOME McIN-TOSH IN NEW YORK. BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: JESSICA WELBORN, GUEST, ANN BOREN, GUEST, BARBARA GILMORE, TRIP VAN NOPPEN, CAROLYN WEIN-BERGER, ALICE LIDDELL, LIZ SUTHERLAND RINEY, JESSICA FULLMER & JULIET LAMONT IN SAN FRANCISCO

NRDC president. In October, Bay Area memberswere updated on environmental law by Trip Van Nop-pen, president of Earthjustice. A year of dynamicspeakers concluded in Washington, D.C. in Decem-ber, as Kathy Bushkin Calvin, executive vice presidentof the United Nations Foundation, shared her work inphilanthropy on a global level.

PHOTO: JODY SPRAKERPHOTO: WINSOME McINTOSH

PHOTO: CAROLYN WEINBERGER

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2008 Annual Report

ANNUAL MEETING: WASHINGTON, D.C.

In March, 41 RN members convened in Washington,D.C. for our Annual Meeting, which focused on Mediaand the Environment. The meeting opened with formerUnder Secretary of State for Global Affairs Frank Loy,who shared an international perspective on environ-mental challenges. Phil Clapp, deputy managing di-rector of the Pew Environment Group, who sadlypassed away in 2008, divulged ways the environmen-tal movement can harness the media to influence thepublic. A panel of media trailblazers -- Grist.org CEOChip Giller, National Journal reporter Margie Kriz,and Island Press Co-Founder and President ChuckSavitt -- shared insights into their work. Claire Alexan-der, vice president of Discovery’s Planet Green, spokeabout the entertainment industry’s green consciousness.

The program then turned to the theme of women’s em-powerment, including a morning with RN’s Environ-mental Leadership Liaisons, female chief executives ofprominent environmental and public interest organiza-

tions. With an election on the horizon, RN AdvisorDebbie Walsh, director of the Center for AmericanWomen and Politics at Rutgers University, updated uson the progress of women candidates. After a sneakpreview of the then-unopened Newseum, Newsweek’sEleanor Clift joined members for an insightful conver-sation about women’s leadership in the media. Mem-bers also shared their work during Member Dialogueand benefited from a custom-designed public speakingworkshop led by consultant Melissa Lewis.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: LINDA CAMPBELL INTRODUCES HERSELF TO CHIP GILLER OF GRIST.ORG. MEDIA VETERANS HEIDI KUHN & HELENE ROSS CONNECT WITH PLANET GREEN’S CLAIRE ALEXANDER. MARTY TALBOT & ANN BOREN LEARN

ABOUT ISLAND PRESS FROM CHUCK SAVITT. RN MEMBERS TAKE IN THE VIEW ON THE ROOFTOP TERRACE OF THE NEWSEUM. RN ADVISOR DEBBIE WALSH URGES MEMBERS TO CONSIDER RUNNING FOR OFFICE. SUSAN BURGAMY &SUSAN FULTON DISCUSS THE RN LIAISONS’ PANEL.

FALL RETREAT: CHICAGO

In October, 26 members gatheredin Chicago for our Fall Retreat,where we explored the theme ofGreening the Urban Environment.The meeting opened with a dinnerfeaturing the dynamic Sadhu John-ston, chief environment officer forthe City of Chicago. After a livelyMember Dialogue, Midwest NRDCDirector Henry Henderson provided an overview ofthe region’s pervasive challenges. Gerald Adelmannof Openlands joined us to discuss the role of publiclands in enhancing urban quality of life. Debra Shore,commissioner of Chicago’s Metropolitan Water Recla-mation District, detailedthe city’s efforts to con-serve water.

This meeting also featuredseveral instructive expedi-tions to sites of innovationin the area. A tour of theCenter for Green Technol-

ogy, Chicago’s “premier greenbuilding,” concluded with apanel on sustainable urban com-munities with Scott Bernstein ofthe Center for NeighborhoodTechnology, Terra Brockman ofThe Land Connection, andCameron Davis of the Alliancefor the Great Lakes. After an

early morning jaunt to the celebrated Green City Mar-ket, members traveled to the Lake Calumet region, ahistorically polluted industrial wasteland undergoingintensive restoration experts, accompanied by geog-rapher Mark Bouman and a team from the renowned

Field Museum, including Urban Conser-vation Director Laurel Ross, herpetolo-gist Alan Resetar, and ornithologistDoug Stotz. Optional networking activ-ities included a Chicago River cruise,Field Museum visit, or walking tour ofthe city’s architecture. Having wit-nessed this exciting beacon of change,members returned to their respective en-vironments, ready to extend their influ-ence in their home communties.

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Thanks!RN is grateful to the following speakers for sharing their expertise with us in 2008.

Gerald Adelmann, Openlands s Claire Alexan-

der, Planet Green TV s Frances Beinecke, NRDC

Scott Bernstein, Center for Neighborhood

Technology s Dr. Mark Bouman, The Field Mu-

seum s Terra Brockman, The Land Connection

Rev. Jennifer Butler, Faith in Public Life

Kathy Bushkin Calvin, U.N. Foundation

the late Phil Clapp, Pew Environment Group

Eleanor Clift, Newsweek s Cameron Davis,

Alliance for the Great Lakes s Sylvia Earle,

Undersea Explorer s Chip Giller, Grist.org

Henry Henderson, NRDC, Midwest

Sadhu Johnston, City of Chicago

Margie Kriz, National Journal sMelissa Lewis,

Upside-Down Speaking s Richard Louv, Author

Frank Loy, Former Under Secretary of State

Dr. Alan Resetar, The Field Museum

Laurel Ross, The Field Museum s Charles Savitt,

Island Press s Debra Shore, Metropolitan Water

Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Dr. Doug Stotz, The Field Museum

Dr. Jennifer Turner, China

Environment Forum s United Nations Develop-

ment Programme s Trip Van Noppen, Earthjustice

Debbie Walsh, Center for American Women in

Politics s Karen Wayland, NRDCCLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ALICE LIDDELL EXCHANGES BUSINESS CARDS WITH CHICAGO’S CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER SADHU JOHNSTON. MEMBERSTAKE IN CHICAGO’S BUILT ENVIRONMENT ON A RIVER CRUISE. JESSICA WELBORN & ANN HUNTER-WELBORN OBSERVE WILDLIFE WITH ALAN RESETAR.

RN by the Numbers: annual gatherings

67 total members attended

8 guests, 3 of whom joined

26 speakers

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MEASURING POLLUTION IN PEOPLE

For the past three years, RNhas collaborated with theEnvironmental WorkingGroup (EWG) on its BodyBurden project, whichbuilds an evidentiary recordof the human health conse-quences of exposure to in-dustrial chemicals. Byconducting biomonitoringtests to measure “the pollu-tion in people,” EWG‘s pro-gram raises awareness ofthe dangers of envi-ronmental toxinsand works to advo-cate for better chem-ical regulation.

In 2005, RN andEWG conductedtests on 18 RNmembers and theirrelatives and wereappalled to learnthe extent to whichchemical contami-nation had perme-ated their tissues.

These sobering results goaded RNto further action, with a focus onbroadening testing beyond the ini-tial pool of funders, who were al-ready invested in environmentalhealth issues and could afford topay for testing.

In 2007, RN introduced a newprong of this program to advanceour mission of elevating women asagents of change. With the help ofRN grantors, we raised funds toconduct testing on five women lead-ers and ten samples of umbilicalcord blood, all drawn from minoritycommunities across the country.Most of 2007 was spent recruitingthese leaders and indentifying pos-sible sources of cord blood, as wellas securing approval for these testsfrom an Institutional Review Board.

RN by the Numbers: body burden collaboration

5 women leaders tested

10 samples of umbilical cord blood tested

18 RN members and relatives tested

ENLISTING NEW WOMEN LEADERS

In 2008, samples were successfully collected from allfive women leaders, each of whom has the personaloutreach to draw attention to the prevalence of unreg-ulated toxics and their disproportionate impact on so-cioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Theseadvocates are Suzie Canales of Corpus Christi,Texas, executive director of Citizens for EnvironmentalJustice; Vivian Chang of Oakland, California, formerdirector of Asian Pacific Environmental Network; Jen-nifer Hill-Kelley, environmental quality director of theOneida Nation in Wisconsin; Jean Salone of CorpusChristi, environmental justice advocate in the African-American community; and Dr. Beverly Wright of NewOrleans, sociologist and founding director of theDeep South Center for Environmental Justice.

EWG began to analyze the test results at the end of2008. In 2009, they plan to partner with the womenleaders to help them act as spokespeople for im-proved regulation of toxics and collaborate with RNon a public relations campaign to underscore the dan-gers of chemical contamination. By strategicallybroadening the range of people tested, RN is helpingEWG attract a broader base of support for their cam-paign to regulate environmental pollutants, while ad-vancing our mission of empowering women leadersas agents of change.

SUZIE CANALES VIVIAN CHANG JENNIFER HILL-KELLEY DR. BEVERLY WRIGHTJEAN SALONE

Women Leaders Tested

TOP, MEMBER ANNETTE GELLERT (LEFT) & DAUGH-TER HEATHER, AND BOTTOM, MEMBER ADELAIDEPARK GOMER (RIGHT) & DAUGHTER ALICIA WIT-TINK VOLUNTEERED FOR THE 2005 ROUND OF

INTERGENERATIONAL BODY BURDEN TESTING. PHOTO: EWG

PHOTO: EWG

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF WOMEN COMMUNITY LEADERS

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CONVENING WOMEN ON CAPITOL HILL

Modeled after RN’s success, the CongressionalWomen’s Networking Initiative (CWNI) provides op-portunities for the women in Congress to exchangeideas and advance shared goals. In 2008, the pro-gram built momentum, beginning with January’s Con-gressional Women’s Roundtable, co-hosted withHarvard University’s Institute of Politics at the John F.Kennedy School of Government, represented by for-mer Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD), former chair of theCongressional Caucus on Women’s Issues.

This event drew speakers from academia, clinical re-search, and the military to educate women Membersof Congress on mental health issues among womenin prison and the armed forces. To guide the pro-gram, we assembled a bipartisan Steering Committeeof 14 Congresswomen, ranging from the most seniorwoman in the House to several newly elected. Theselegislators chose to narrow the day’s focus to mentalillness and resilience among women reintegrating intosociety following combat or incarceration.

Moderated by Julie Wilson, director of the WienerCenter for Social Policy at Harvard’s John F. KennedySchool of Government, the event included four speak-ers, each preeminent in her field. They included Dr.

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Throughout the year,RN organized meetingsfor Congressional staffas well as Members-only events to cultivateparticipation in the2009 Roundtable. Dur-ing a busy election sea-son, RN was proud to

have visited over half ofthe offices helmed by Congresswomen. With arecord number of women winning office in Novem-ber, we also attended Harvard’s Program for NewlyElected Members of Congress, where we shared RN’swork on Capitol Hill, introduced RN to new Represen-tatives, and built support for a 2009 reception wel-coming newcomers to the 111th Congress.

RN was pleased to welcome Kate Drummond to ourstaff in September, introducing her at the height of theelection cycle to manage this growing program.CWNI has raised the profile of RN on Capitol Hilland enhanced our reputation as a “grass-tops” con-nector in important centers of power.

Carolyn Mazure, professorof psychiatry and psychol-ogy, associate dean for fac-ulty affairs, and foundingdirector of women’s healthresearch at Yale University;Dr. Jeanne Miranda, assis-tant director of the depart-ment of psychiatry andbiobehavioral sciences at theUniversity of California, Berkeley; Kathryn Power, di-rector of the Center for Mental Health Services at theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin-istration; and Major General Gale S. Pollock, deputysurgeon general for force management and chief ofthe U.S. Army Nurse Corps, who quipped that shewas pleasantly disoriented to find herself surroundedby women leaders.

A total of 37 participants, including 10 Members ofCongress and nine Congressional staffers, joined inlively question-and-answer periods, with Congress-women agreeing that RN had successfully broughtwomen Members together to transcend partisan inter-ests and address issues important to women.

LEFT, FORMER REP. CONNIE MORELLA (R-MD) CATCHES UP WITH REPS. KATHY CASTOR (D-FL) & SUE MYRICK (R-NC). CENTER, REP. CAROL SHEA-PORTER (D-NH) ASKS MAJOR GENERAL GALE POLLOCK ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

OF WOMEN VETERANS. RIGHT, SPEAKERS KATHRYN POWER, DR. JEANNE MIRANDA & DR. CAROLYN MAZURE SHARE THEIR WORK ON WOMEN’S MENTAL RESILIENCE.

RN by the Numbers: cwni

14 women on bipartisan Steering Committee

47 meetings in Congressional offices

1 new staff member

37 Roundtable participants

2008 Annual Report

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Conservation

BROKERING STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

Since 2005, RN has forged new paths with ourStrategic Connectors program, which supports theNational Association of Evangelicals’ (NAE) CreationCare Initiative, recognizing the untapped potential ofthis vocal constituency to promote conservation. In2008, RN continued to work closely with then-NAEVice President of Governmental Affairs Rev. RichardCizik, connecting him with secular leaders and keystrategists in the environmental mainstream.

In May, Rev. Cizik and Dr. Eric Chivian, director ofHarvard Medical School’s Center for Health and theGlobal Environment earned a berth on TIME maga-zine’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in theWorld.” These leaders’ enduring partnership was ini-tiated by RN to bridge thegulf between science andfaith communities, and it wasour effort that enabled themto co-lead an expedition toAlaska in 2007, documentedby a PBS film crew, to witnessthe area’s environmentaldegradation. Their collabo-

RN by the Numbers: strategic connectors

20,000,000 TIME readers learned about Rev. Cizik’s work in May

10,000 RN-funded DVDs on creation care distributed to date

20 top leaders gathered at the Pastors’ Creation Care Covenant meeting

grew increasingly sought-after as a valued commen-tator in a wide range of media outlets.

AN EVOLVING PARTNERSHIP

In December, Rev. Cizik resigned from NAE to pursuenew opportunities as a consultant, author, and advo-cate, but RN remains a supporter of NAE programsand Rev. Cizik’s work. As his trailblazing efforts con-tinue to welcome evangelical voices to the conversa-tion on protecting the planet, RN will continue tostrengthen Rev. Cizik’s position as a leader on cre-ation care.

ration, which has extended to joint lectures and publicappearances, is a signature outcome of our effort tobroker unconventional alliances for the environment.

In June, NAE and the Moroccan Embassy to the U.S.co-hosted a landmark Christian-Muslim Dialogue onCreation Care at the World Bank. In attendancewere the Moroccan Ambassador, distinguished scien-tists, and noted environmental, political, and religiousleaders. This international outreach followed Rev.Cizik’s 2007 Global Leaders Forum, a symposium ofover 300 theologians and scholars in Washington,D.C., at which U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moondelivered the opening address.

In August, NAE co-spon-sored the Pastor’s CreationCare Covenant with the AuSable Institute for Environ-mental Studies. At thisevent, NAE-affiliated pas-tors pledged to becomeenvironmental stewards intheir churches and homes,generating a list of “actionsteps” to achieve theirgoals and realizing our vi-

sion of a “grass-tops” strategy of outreachto new environmental leaders.

Throughout the year, Rev. Cizik held meet-ings with influential leaders on Capitol Hillto underscore the emerging importance ofcreation care issues to evangelical Ameri-cans. He also continued to lecture widelyin evangelical mega-church communities aswell as on university campuses, and he

LEFT, EVANGELICAL LEADERS GATHER AT THE PASTOR’S CREATION CARE COVENANT IN VIRGINIA (REV. CIZIK, SECOND FROM LEFT). LEFT ABOVE, REV. CIZIK & MOROCCAN CABINET OFFICIAL DR. DRISS ALAOUI M’DAGHRI AT THE CHRIS-TIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE ON CREATION CARE. RIGHT, DR. ERIC CHIVIAN & REV. CIZIK IN THEIR TIME MAGAZINE PROFILE AS TWO OF THE “100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.”

PHOTO: TIMEPHOTO: NAE

PHOTO: NAE

Rachel’s Network

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

RN entered 2008 with a firmfinancial foundation built overeight years of conservativespending, cautious investment,and tireless pursuit of newfunding. As in years past, ourmembers rallied to support2008 programs as well asgeneral operations. Smallerrevenue streams, includingmeeting fees and investmentincome, supplemented majorgifts and membership dues,which remained the bedrockof our security, even as philanthropic resourcesthroughout the country diminished as the economyslowed. With revenues of $757,925 and expendituresof $776,944, RN exercisedprudent fiscal discipline, en-abling the organization to begin 2009 in sound fiscalhealth.

CARSON COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

In 2008, RN successfully recruited 12 new members,representing $60,000 in dues. A committed core ofrenewing members yielded an additional $270,305.

Altogether, CarsonCouncil membershipmade up the largestrevenue stream at 43percent of the budget.As we approachedthe threshhold of 100members, we contin-ued to look toward afuture in which mem-bership alone cansustain our generaloperations.

12

Sust

aini

ngou

rSu

ccss

s PROGRAM SUPPORT

We were pleased to have received eight 2008program support grants, with an average sizeof $17,750. Grants to the Strategic Connectorsprogram, totaling $81,000, were provided byfour members and one external foundation. An-other three members gave a total of $61,000 tothe Congressional Women’s Networking Initia-tive. Program support represented 16 percentof our annual revenue.

GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT

In 2008, 18 percent of the membership con-tributed a total of $206,705 in unrestricted gen-

eral support, with gifts ranging from $100 to$50,000. With an average contribution of $12,159,member general support comprised 28 percent of an-nual revenues.

Within this total, $187,632 was provided by RN’sboard of directors. As the board assumed a more ac-tive role in institutional advancement, directors pledgedto fund RN as a top priority. They fulfilled this promisewith a board campaign yielding 100 percent partici-pation and surpassing the total amount requested.

DRAWING UPON OUR STRATEGIC RESERVE

RN has always managed our finances with an eye to-ward maintaining stability in an unstable economy.As such, surplus revenue was channeled into a strate-gic reserve intended to supplement funding duringlean times. With low-risk investments and measuredspending over our first eight years, RN accumulatedfunds to support a year of operations. As the econ-

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JANMONTGOMERY LEARNS ABOUT

CAROL BIRD RAVENAL’S WORK ON

HISTORIC PRESERVATION. CONNIEGRAY & SARAH duPONT CON-NECT AT A SPEAKER SERIES DIN-NER. MARIANNE GABEL ASKS

ABOUT MEDIA STRATEGIES. ELAINEMUSSELMAN & NEVA McILVAINEENJOY A NEW YORK GATHERING.

This report reflects grants to RN from January 1 to De-cember 31, 2008. Every effort has been made to en-sure accuracy; should an error have occurred, pleasecontact Miriam Feffer with any corrections.

omy contracted, we drew minimally upon these assetsto offset anticipated grant reductions and ensure thatour members continued to benefit from the personal-ized outreach that distinguishes our Network. We ex-pect to continue to avail ourselves of these funds asneeded and replenish them at our first opportunity.

FACING 2009 WITH CONFIDENCE

In 2008, RN tenaciously pursued program fundingand sought general operating support from within ourmembership. In each arena of activity, we saw in-creased member participation in sustaining our excel-lence, and we thank these stakeholders for theircontinued investment in our success. As a network offunders, it is a sure sign of our maturity that membersand friends now include us in their annual grantmak-ing. This steadfast support has equipped us to ap-proach 2009 withevery expectationthat RN will con-tinue to flourish inthe next year andbeyond.

2008 Annual Report

13

SustainingO

urSuccess

EXPENDITURESLEADERSHIP $ 25,580.49WEBSITE/LISTSERV $ 9,966.24DIRECTORY $ 19,035.87NEWSLETTER $ 7,640.14LEADERSHIP EVENTS $ 22,660.92TELECONFERENCE CALLS $ 13,642.90ANNUAL MEETING $ 69,570.97FALL RETREAT $ 60,245.96EDUCATION $ 991.73MEMBER PROGRAMS SUBTOTAL $ 229,335.22GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS $ 5,783.22CWNI $ 90,810.96FISCAL SPONSORSHIP FUNDS $ 30,005.20

EWG BODY BURDEN $ 10,122.49CHINA/U.S. PROJECT $ —

MEDIA RELATIONS $ 44,382.54STRATEGIC CONNECTORS $ 167,972.22RAN EXPENSES $ 15,485.89OUTREACH PROGRAM SUBTOTAL $ 364,562.52

TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES $ 593,897.74MANAGEMENT $ 71,676.92FUNDRAISING $ 111,369.14

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 776,943.80

REVENUESFOUNDATIONS $ 25,000.00GENERAL SUPPORT $ 206,705.30RENEWALS $ 270,305.11NEW MEMBERS $ 55,303.00PROGRAM SUPPORT $ 117,000.00RAN REIMBURSEMENT $ 6,851.31RAN REVENUE* $ 14,975.28FISCAL SPONSORSHIP $ —MEETING FEES $ 35,950.00INVESTMENT INCOME $ 25,540.96REALIZED GAINS & LOSSES $ (438.89)UNREALIZED GAINS & LOSSES $ (1,767.56)MISCELLANEOUS $ 2,500.00

TOTAL REVENUES $ 757,924.51

ASSETSCHANGE IN NET ASSETS $ (18,508.68)NET ASSETS FROM 2007 $ 776,259.87

2008 NET ASSETS $ 757,751.19

2008FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2008 EXPENDITURES

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ASSETS

2008 REVENUES

Member Programs

2004 20082005 20072006

30 %Fundraising

Management

Outreach Programs& General

15%

9%46 %

Foundations

General Support

Program Support

Membership Meeting Fees

RAN*

Investments

Misc.

3%

28 %3%

1%

43% 5%

1%

16%Member

$400,000

$600,000

$200,000

$800,000

$0

$757,751$776,260

$332,674

$436,405

$719,440

2008 Major DonorsRN appreciates the generosity of these

supporters, who contributed grants of at least$5,000 outside membership dues.

Belvue Fund of the Tides Foundation

Kathy Borgen & Brooke Borgen,Borgen Family Foundation

Irene Crowe,Pettus-Crowe Foundation

Caroline Gabel,The Shared Earth Foundation

Marianne Gabel

Annette Gellert, The Fred Gellert Family Foundation

Ann Hunter-Welborn

Renée Ingold

Fa Liddell

Winsome McIntosh, The McIntosh Foundation

Adelaide Park Gomer, Park Foundation, Inc.

Ann R. Roberts

Molly Ross

Jocelyn Sladen,Marjorie Sale Arundel Fund for the Earth

Barbra Streisand, The Streisand Foundation

Lynde Uihlein, The Brico Fund, LLC

Carolyn Weinberger

*RN AND RAN HAVE SEVERAL OVERLAPPING BOARD MEMBERS BUT

MAINTAIN SEPARATE MEMBERSHIPS. RN DOES NOT EXERCISE CON-TROL OVER RAN’S PROGRAMS OR ASSSETS.

Rachel’s Network1200 18th Street NW, Suite 801

Washington, DC 20036

tel. 202.659.0846

fax 202.659.1333

www.RachelsNetwork.org

FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE

Sally Brown s Harriet Bullitt s Gladys Cofrin s Caroline Gabel s Annette Gellert s Renée Ingold s Sidne J. LongAlysia May s Winsome McIntosh s Dane Nichols s Christine Russell s Jocelyn Sladen s Victoria Stack

Barbra Streisand s Margery Tabankin s Leslie Turner s Lynde B. Uihlein s Carolyn Weinberger