PEP Argument Briefing Paper
Background Volunteers have played a major role in setting up an office for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh and carrying out the work of that office following the convention of October 4, 2008. This resolution acknowledges those volunteers. Argument It is difficult to fault the sentiment expressed in this resolution. Volunteers were invaluable in setting up a replacement diocesan office and have done much of the day-to-day work of that office. It is perfectly appropriate that these volunteers be acknowledged. The resolution could have been shortened and better edited, but it is not worth quibbling over. Supporting Information Resolution (from Preconvention Journal 2009, pages C-1–C-2, http://www.episcopalpgh.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Documents/2009%20DioConv/2009DioConventionPacketV3.pdf):
2. Title: Resolution In Recognition of Volunteers
Whereas this diocese found itself without paid staff following the 2008 annual convention, and whereas the diocese had immediate and long term needs for willing hands to do the on-going work of this diocese; and
Whereas people stepped forward immediately to offer professional expertise without requesting remuneration to provide creative, faithful, and humane leadership that allowed the diocese to function and move forward immediately; and
Whereas numerous people gave freely of their time to perform the tasks necessary to create an working infrastructure for the diocese including such challenges as organizing Preconvention Journal 2009 C-2 Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh and staffing a special convention; setting up a functioning office space by cleaning, shopping, donating, moving and assembling furniture and installing computers and telephones; and
Whereas the office has benefitted from the willingness of volunteers to file; collate, stamp, and stuff mailings; compile data; draft letters; answer phones and make calls, and do other office tasks as requested; and
Whereas this annual convention has depended on volunteers to feed, entertain, register, guide visitors, count ballots, and lead our worship; be it therefore
Resolved that the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh gratefully acknowledges the thousands of hours of unpaid service offered so willingly and with good spirit and hereby requests that all those here present who have provided volunteer service for the diocese since October 4, 2008 stand and receive the thanks of the convention.
Sponsors: Dr. Joan R. Gundersen, Church of the Redeemer, Squirrel Hill The Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert, Rector, Church of the Redeemer, Squirrel Hill The Rev. Dr. James Simons, Rector, St. Michael’s of the Valley, Ligonier |