Maybe it is partially true that we are in the midst of a hype about networking, that many times we are just labeling as networks structures that are far from displaying actual network dynamics. But it is also true that networks are key to understanding today’s institutional collaboration trends and therefore essential to think about when considerng the horizons of our apostolic organizational developments.
And I am going to go further. After many years working at the international level, I’m convinced that the future of the Jesuit apostolic landscape is not in the creation of new institutions, but on the creative combination of the current ones. That’s why it is important to recognize that networks are not just operational structures, or technical solutions… but opportunities to channel a new culture of collaboration and collective action that, if driven by the mission, allows new Jesuit apostolic answers. This is how the organizational question, the structures, becomes key for the discernment of the mission (And many people still wonder why GC36 link Discernment, collaboration and networking).
Given our global potential, what does the “most universal good” mean or what are the needs that we can answer that are not being met by others? We can’t face these questions without the consideration of the structures. If the Universal Apostolic Preferences are the answer to the question: what is that we should do together? The discernment, collaboration and networks are the answer to: How are we gonna do it?
At the mission and inspirational level we are universal in nature. Our DNA drive us to the global. But in the practical level and the apostolic reality, we have to be honest, we are experts in inculturation, local adaptation, rootedness… and we are just learning to operate at the supra-provincial level.
I don’t think I’m overstating if i say that we are wiring the apostolic body as we speak, and depending on those wires, relationships, institutional partnerships and joint ventures… we are opening in different ways the apostolic future of the Society of Jesus.
Next time you hear about apostolic networks, think twice before dismissing it as a hype, and consider seriously what apostolic horizon could be opening up for the Society if these connections really become new opportunities for our continuous re-creation by the Spirit.
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2 Comments
Dani,
Not sure if you remember me from the WUJA Congress in Cleveland. Just wanted to update you on what’s been happening since then here in the States. And I think it fits with what you wrote above. We have transitioned the Congress governing body (that planned the Congress) into a new board of directors that now governs an organization we call Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network. (JFAN). Essentially it is the U.S. version of WUJA elsewhere in the world. JFAN is comprised of various clubs, mostly around the mid-west, that typcially sponsor luncheons three or four times a year in their respective metropolitan areas. Invitees include alumni of ANY Jesuit school and other “friends” such as parishoners, retreatants, parents of students, etc. who live in that respective geographical area. Speakers will typically speak on various Jesuit topics. Clubs are non-fund raising. And it is music to the ears of our Jesuit friends that the clubs are all lay run. Our intent, in part, is to reinforce loyalty to the various Jesuit institutions to which the attendees are connected. We have clubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Traverse City, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and more on the way. The chair of our board is Jeff Paravano. Our web site is under some changes, but I’m showing below the web site for our next luncheon in the fall. Hope all is well. Frank
Thanks Frank, very interesting comment on the development of the JFAN network at the USA scope. I think you are really right, this this type of increasing grassroot connectivity opens up many new possibilities for the Jesuit mission. The key is to make the network strong within and open with the other players outside… how is JFAN networking with other players of the jesuit mission so you can be platform for them and them could be mission opportunities for you? Why don’t you write a post about it and we promote it on the jesuit.network website. You already have the network listed (https://jesuit.network/network/jesuit-friends-alumni-network-jfan/) so you can start posting stories and opportunities for collaboration with other networks on this ecosystem. Let’s keep up the conversation!