D081 HB Committee #17 Report #17

House of Bishops Committee 17 - Accessibility & Inclusion presents its Report #17 on Resolution D081 (Childcare at General Convention) and moves:

Concur

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring,

That a Church interested in attracting younger members into church governance and leadership needs to make accommodations for those who have families children; And be it further

Resolved, That the cost to provide high quality formative children’s programing and child care, which for 2024 was approximately $90,000 for 45 children, should be borne by General Convention so that those who are already volunteering their time and talents in the service of the church, who also have young children to care for should not also be expected to bear this extra cost; And be it further

Resolved, That childcare will be provided during all events of the General Convention, including those events held at night, and those held in the days immediately preceding or following General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention will provide children’s programing and child care for all Deputies, Alternate Deputies, Bishops, Volunteers and Staff at no cost to the guardians/parents those raising children. A nominal fee, per child, per day or week may be requested for children of exhibitors and visitors; And be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention request the Executive Council Finance Committee allocate a budget of at least $110,000 for the creation and implementation of The Children’s Program at each  the next General Convention, beginning with the 82nd General Convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention encourage dioceses to assist with costs associated with bringing children to General Convention, including but not limited to  airfare or other transportation, per diem, and lodging costs as a way to support, and encourage families with children to participate and to thank families them for participating; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention form a scholarship to assist parents with the costs of traveling to General Convention, including but not limited to airfare or other transportation, per diem, and lodging costs; And be it further

Resolved, As the nature of a large body meeting may include last minute illness, travel changes, and childcare changes, and as the General Convention has provisions in the rules of order for said changes, parents/guardians those with children who are Deputies, Alternate Deputies, Bishops, Volunteers or Staff shall not be required to register more than 24 hours in advance to be assured care and shall not be penalized if their need changes within 24 hours.