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History

Early in 1991 a group of Sinsinawa Dominicans began a discussion about the new creative and entrepreneurial ministries of many sisters. The discussion was so energizing that a meeting was planned for the fall to discuss entrepreneurship. The sisters invited others to join them and out of this early collaborative effort grew the New Ventures Network.

The entrepreneurial spirit is not new for women religious. They founded most of the Catholic schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the United States. Sisters have always responded to the human and spiritual needs of the times, and they have done so very successfully. Now a new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging. They are creating new organizations/ministries to meet today’s needs. Their passion for ministry, or “fire in the belly,” is inspiring new venturers who are community organizers, creators of cooperatives, providers of social services, shelter and housing, consultants and facilitators, job and career counselors, HIV/AIDS ministers, spiritual directors, holistic healers, artists, musicians, photographers, writers, network builders and much, much more.

Foundations funded the Network’s initial efforts, providing opportunities for a core group of women to meet several times around the country to learn from and support one another. These experiences gave birth to the New Ventures Network. This grass root, self-help movement began to gather momentum. An initial gathering took place in Chicago in 1991 with 20 enthusiastic participants who shared the same vision.

The energy generated by this early effort so encouraged core group members that they created a Directory of New Venturers and International Conference. This conference took place in Chicago in 1994 when 170 women from the U. S. and Canada braved a foot of snow to assemble, to learn and to share. This Conference provided additional revenues for planning and future gatherings.

After this Conference, the core group expanded its membership and planned a second Conference for 1996 in San Diego. A second Directory was also published. The San Diego Conference brought together women from all parts of our country, and many who minister beyond our southern and our northern borders. The movement was indeed growing! Conference conveners and participants represented different religious communities from many parts of the country.

Following the San Diego Conference, New Ventures Network was incorporated, bylaws adopted, officers elected, and most importantly, a mission statement was developed. Subsequent conferences brought forth new ideas and new beginnings.

In May 1999, the third Conference was held at Neumann College in collaboration with the Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia. Local partnerships generated interest and increased attendance, particularly among women of faith in entrepreneurial ministries.

Regional meetings helped further the Network’s growth and provided opportunities for connection and dialog among venturers in local areas. Regional gathering were held in El Paso, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Syracuse, New York; and Cleveland, Ohio.

Shortly after September 11, 2001, the fourth national Conference was held in northern Kentucky. Due to the recent national tragedy the atmosphere was very different from previous conferences; participants were enthusiastic and left energized. After this conference new officers were elected. The New Ventures Network expressed gratitude to the founders for their vision and commitment to the Network’s growth.

Conferences served attendees well during the Network’s first 10 years. Technological advances now provided opportunities to explore new directions for strengthening the Network. Board members dedicated themselves to develop a mechanism for greater outreach, more meaningful relationships among venturers and those unable to attend conferences.

In 2003 the concept of an e-magazine began to emerge. A new funding source expressed interest in supporting the Network’s collaborative approach to ministry. In late 2003, the Network received a planning grant to expand board membership and to advance the Network’s mission through an evolving and interactive Website.

New Ventures Network Timeline:

1991	Pilot conference in Chicago
1993	First Directory of New Venturers
1994	170 women meet at first international gathering in Chicago
1995	Regional gatherings
1996	International gathering in San Diego
1998	Third edition of the Directory
1999	International gathering near Philadelphia
1999	Regional gatherings in: El Paso, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Syracuse, New York
2000	Launched New Ventures website
2001	International gathering in Northern Kentucky
2004	Redesigned and updated website