Associates Council Envisions "Edgewalking"

"Organizations are communities of people, and the culture and the effectiveness of the organization is based on the shared values and collective consciousness of the members of the organization. An Edgewalker culture is one that values innovation, creativity, risk taking, the unleashing of the human spirit, and living in alignment with values of sustainability, justice, compassion and joy."
Source: Judi Neal in Edgewalkers-People and Organizations That Take Risks, Build Bridges and Break New Ground (p.129)

The "Edgewalkers" theme of author Judi Neal was the theme of the August meeting of the Associates Council (Associates Mary Beth Irvine, Mary Klinge, Paul Layshock, Patricia Lyons, Jan Wilson, and Conni Dubick, and Sisters Jolene Geier, Amy McFrederick, and Dot Trosclair). Combining the beauty of the Oxford Motherhouse and grounds, the warm welcome of the Sisters, and the "statuesque hungry cranes," both work and laughter prevailed throughout the weekend.

The Associates Council prayed and sang "Moving on the Edge," a hymn composed by Sr. Amy McFrederick, OP, and it fit the agenda perfectly! The initial Council discussions focused on updates of Associates activities, committee leadership, feedback, and recommendations. The consensus was that many forms of the ministry and presence of Dominicans of Peace are evident across the country.

The Council moved conversations to "edgewalking" and "growing the edge" of Associates life. The strategic planning process which began with the Strategic Planning Survey (emailed or mailed to all Associates in July) is providing input and feedback for this continuing planning process.

After touring the Oxford founded ministries of Vivian's Via Rosa Retreat House, the Lourdes Senior Community Campus, and the St. Mary's Retreat House, Michigan area Associates Barb Johnson, Milly Sundell, Carol Vachon, Angie Sanchez, and Carole Ann Moore, and Candidate Pat Kamego joined the Council and Sisters for an ice cream social to conclude the day. And the cranes quietly rested during the night before approaching the patio outside the Sisters’ dining room for their morning meal!