No More Molasses in January by Ruth Koch, M.A., NCC So. You were fairly bursting with good ideas and important insights as you sat through the hour and a half meeting. But you weren't absolutely certain that they were good ideas or important insights so you kept silent and let the "leaders" do their job. The meeting did not accomplish much-yet again-and you had that nagging feeling that the group's work was moving forward about like molasses in January. Sigh. If that describes a situation familiar to you, have I got exciting news for you! If you'd like to feel more confident about contributing and leading any group-at church, at work and in your important leadership role in your home-the Women's Leadership Institute (WLI) is on the way! Conceived and given birth in 2002 with monies from a generous donor, the Women's Leadership Institute is one of Concordia University Wisconsin's Servant Institutes. The Institute's reach is national, its goals focused and its heart open to both men and women. Promoting servant leadership and Christian character development among women in the home, church and community, the WLI provides opportunities for women to grow in leadership and character as servants of Christ in the Church and the world. The WLI seeks to raise up leaders who will use their God-given leadership gifts, consistent with Christian values and Biblical principles, in service to the local community and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and its congregations and auxiliaries. Director Dr. Mary Hilgendorf and the WLI Advisory Board are planning exciting and varied ways to train and raise up women leaders within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The Institute has four goals: Through a series of regional women's leadership retreats and national conferences for women of every age and stage of life, provide and promote a variety of opportunities for women to grow in leadership and character for service to Christ in the home, church, community and the world. Glorify Christ as WLI expands perspectives, encourages thoughtful discussion and explores the Biblical and historical record of the service of women. WLI enjoys a relationship with the Women's Studies Minor at Concordia University Wisconsin, and the Concordia Library houses a Women's Resource Library that contains a variety of media for the study of women's leadership. Foster trust and respect between women and men by emphasizing our shared relationship to our Savior Christ by means of Bible study, discussion and complementary service opportunities. Concordia University Wisconsin graciously hosts the Institute headquarters and also welcomes the Institute's interaction and service to young men and women on its campus. Each year the Donna J. Streufert Women's Leadership Award is given to a young woman who evidences growth in leadership and character as she serves Christ in the church and the world. Because women possess God-given leadership gifts for the good of all and the blessing of the world in which we live, every woman is a leader, whether or not she holds an elected or appointed office. The Women's Leadership Institute exists to help you develop and realize the fullness of your gifts. To learn more about the Women's Leadership Institute, go to www.cuw.edu and, under "Academics," click "Institutes." Visit often, offer your comments, and watch the Women's Leadership Institute develop and grow! To access a list of resources on women's leadership, go to www.concordiawli.org and click on "Resources." Ruth Koch is a mental health educator and the author of the LWML's video study series Prepare to Serve!