For months, Anders, a core member, has been anxiously anticipating his trip to Portland, OR, as part of L’Arche USA’s Inclusive Leadership Group (ILG). Over the past two years, he and Cassie, the House Manager, have been participating in the ILG to reflect with other L’Arche USA communities on ways we can incorporate more inclusive practices into our processes here in L’Arche Chicago. In Portland, the ILG came together to present to Executive Directors/Community Leaders from across the country at their Extended Leadership Meeting (ELM).
At the meeting, Anders, Cassie, and the rest of the ILG presented tips and tricks they had for including core members in the interview processes for hiring new Assistants.
Mic, L’Arche Chicago’s Executive Director and Community Leader, joined the trip. He shared, “they presented lots of great work, sparked conversation, and inspired positive change. But best of all, it meant that I got to tag along with a few members of our community, exploring Portland’s beautiful natural landscape, visiting old L’Arche friends, and checking out L’Arche Portland’s homes. We had a terrific time learning together, but also celebrating the gift of relationship (my favorite part of L’Arche!).”
The trip was not all business, though. Anders, Cassie, and Mic had an opportunity to explore the region’s natural life including Multnomah Falls, visit Powell’s bookstore, and tour L’Arche Portland’s homes and even their chicken coop.
These gatherings are so important because they provide space to connect with our sister L’Arche communities across the country. Anders was thrilled to meet new community members from L’Arche Portland, L’Arche Tacoma, and L’Arche Seattle. We have a feeling he’s already planning his next trip.
