The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women is one of 12  churchwide agencies of The United Methodist Church, which is financed through the World Service Fund (apportioned giving from local congregations). It is one of two independent commissions (the other is the General Commission on Religion and Race) charged with advocating, monitoring and challenging the church to seek justice and inclusiveness. The Commission is accountable to the General Conference, and is a member of the Connectional Table, the denomination’s body for coordinating the program and administrative life of the churchwide agencies. The Commission is governed by a board of directors, representing annual conferences in the United States and beyond. Elected every four years, the board engages in a rigorous self-study to ensure that our members represent the diversity of The United Methodist Church, including laity and clergy, youth and young adults, older adults, racial/ethnic women and men, persons with disabilities and regional representation. Commission bylaws stipulate that the board president must be a woman, and members work to ensure that clergypersons and laypersons are equally represented as leaders in the agency. 2008-20012 Officers include: Bishop Mary Virginia "Dindy" Taylor as President, Chita Milan as Vice President, and Diane Kenaston as Secretary.