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Beth Blissman CoL

Beth, a Loretto Co-member, is the Community’s UN NGO representative.

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Reflections at the start of CSW68

By Beth Blissman CoL / April 1, 2024 /

Nine women smiling together for a group selfie indoors at a social event.

At the end of last week we observed International Women’s Day, which got me to wondering. What might it feel like if every day was International Women’s Day? What if…

Loretto/BVM at the UN Supports the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

By Beth Blissman CoL / November 15, 2023 /

Two women smiling in front of a banner with the world on it that says "End the Era of Coal, Oil and Gas. Fast. Fair. Forever."

The Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation treaty (FFNPT) is a proposal for a new international mechanism to complement the Paris Climate Agreement and address the root cause of the climate crisis: fossil fuels. This…

From Loretto at the UN: Resources for information and reflection regarding the violence in Israel and Palestine

By Beth Blissman CoL / November 1, 2023 /

General Situational Update Statement from the Bureau of the Committee of Religious NGOs (CRNGO) We remind our members, partners, and supporters worldwide that violence is not inevitable. It is a choice.…

Committed to interfaith work

By Beth Blissman CoL / September 1, 2023 /

A woman with short grey hair and glasses, wearing a blue blouse, a white unbuttoned collared button up shirt, and a colorful lanyard smiling brightly with her eyes closed, holding a bowl, in an event space with chairs and blue curtains indoors.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my nearly seven years serving as Loretto’s United Nations representative, it’s that no one gets anything done by themselves. We collaborate on programs…

Loretto at the UN takes part in Water Rituals at 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions

By Beth Blissman CoL / August 30, 2023 /

There were so many fabulous aspects of the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions (#2023PoWR), in which Loretto at the UN took part. To share one highlight, below is a brief…

What to do about global plastic pollution?

By Beth Blissman CoL / July 1, 2023 /

A family of 6 work together to clean up plastic waste off a beach.

I’m not sure about you, but when I grew up in the 1960s there were not many single-use plastics in our everyday lives. To me it makes no sense whatsoever…

Strong youth participation at the 67th U.N. Commission on the Status of Women

By Beth Blissman CoL / May 1, 2023 /

After three years of online events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was pure joy to welcome 16 students from Loretto schools in Denver and El Paso to the 67th…

Youth Eagerly Return to New York for the 67th U.N. Commission on the Status of Women

By Beth Blissman CoL / April 26, 2023 /

Several students sit around a small conference table to give a presentation at the United Nations.

After three years of online events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was pure joy to welcome 16 students from Loretto schools in Denver and El Paso to the 67th…

Loretto and BVM at the United Nations: The Midwest Tour 2022

By Beth Blissman CoL / December 1, 2022 /

Even though much of the action related to the United Nations occurs at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, Beth Blissman, Loretto’s United Nations Representative, appreciated the opportunity for a speaking…

Loretto at the UN celebrates the 10th annual celebration of the International Day of the Girl

By Beth Blissman CoL / October 12, 2022 /

Loretto at the UN co-sponsored the Girls SpeakOut event held at the U.N. yesterday, and it was truly inspirational. This year, in recognition of the existing and growing gaps in…

Youth Participation at the 66th U.N. Commission on the Status of Women

By Beth Blissman CoL / June 1, 2022 /

young girl smiles big and poses in front of a city background and pink blossom tree.

Even though most of the events during the 66th U.N. Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) were virtual due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we enjoyed strong youth participation.…

Loretto at the UN celebrates International Women’s Day 2022

By Beth Blissman CoL / April 1, 2022 /

This year the theme of the United Nations’ observance of International Women’s Day (#IWD2022) was “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” Our Loretto at the UN office celebrated with…

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The Loretto Community consists of the congregation of the Sisters of Loretto and Loretto Co-members. The congregation of the Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross was founded in rural Kentucky in 1812. Today, our Sisters and Co-members continue to live out the Loretto Community’s mission to “work for justice and act for peace because the Gospel urges us.” In the United States and throughout the world, Loretto Community members serve in many fields, including education, healthcare, elder care, environmental stewardship and advocacy.