draft guidelines for founding a l'arche community

GUIDE

FOR FOUNDING A L’ARCHE COMMUNITY

CONTENTS

Page I WHY FOUND ? 2 II WHO FOUNDS ? 2 III WHAT ARE THE FOUNDING CRITERIA? 3 A INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY 3 B LEADERSHIP 4 C INCULTURATION 5 D STRUCTURES 6 IV WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF A FOUNDATION? 7 8 V HOW TO PROCEED? 9 A PRELIMINARY CONTACT STAGE B PRE-FOUNDATION STAGES

9

1 «Reflection » stage 9 2 « Seed group » stage C FOUNDING STAGES

9

1 « Project » stage 9 2 « Probationary » stage 10 D CONFIRMATION STAGE 11 11 12 13 13 13 APPENDIXES I Glossary 14 II prayer sheets 15

DIR-1202-Wepion-GuideFondationCommunauteArche-PAF-TKY-FinalDraft-EN 2 / 29 PAF-TKY O.V. FR – Transl. JOH Febr 2012

I. WHY FOUND1 ?

“L’Arche communities are called into being by God…” (Introduction to the Charter of the communities of L’Arche)

Jean Vanier’s initiative to found l’Arche was based on a desire to devote himself to God and to respond to the distress of people with intellectual disabilities2. The gift of these people was subsequently and surprisingly revealed, together with the beneficial personal transformation that resulted from being in a relationship with them. However, Jean Vanier did not want l’Arche to become a “solution” to the sometimes dramatic situations these people experience, but to be first and foremost a “sign” of these gifts and of the much-needed contribution made by people with an intellectual disability to the humanization of the world. This is still the case today, the intention to found a community is based on l’Arche’s mission3 to be a “sign”, to announce the benefits of a relationship with those who are vulnerable or rejected. The decision to found will be taken in the light of this mission. Before founding we will make sure that a new community (or an extension of an existing community) will truly contribute to a more successful accomplishment of the mission, in that time and place. For l’Arche can develop in other ways, and better accomplish its mission otherwise than through increased numbers or an increased capacity to welcome new members. L’Arche can thus develop:

-Through perfecting the sign lived out by communities already founded within the country. -Through the diversification of the sign i.e.: the creation of other models adapted to the diversity of cultures.

In order to know if founding represents the best way to accomplish its mission, l’Arche is developing evaluation tools to assess its own means, together with other tools to update its knowledge of the primary needs of people with disabilities.

To summarize: founding a l’Arche community presupposes being attentive to the calls of God and seeking an enlightened humane response. This response presupposes a preliminary analysis of the two following priorities: developing the sign of l’Arche, and offering a response to the needs of people with disabilities. Answering the question: “Why found?” is equivalent to entering into a journey of faith, confronted with the task of Reason. This journey and this task are based on a method that this guide will attempt to present.

1 The question “Why found?” involves the same process as the question “Why extend?” for existing communities 2 We suggest translating the term “people with an intellectual disability”, used in this document, by the term best adapted to your given culture. 3 Cf “L’Arche Identity and Mission Statement” on www.larche.org


.

II.WHO FOUNDS?

The primary initiative to found can come from the International Federation, in keeping with calls from God, which it is attentive to, and its priorities for development. In this event, l’Arche can send one of its members on a long-term local mission to inform, pave the way, propose meetings … until a Local Group wishes to found. The first initiative can also come from the founding intuition of a Local Group. In which case, the International Foundation of l’Arche could decide to accompany this group, depending on the human and material means available and its priorities for development. If this is not possible, it will advise the group to continue alone for the time being or to link up with a sister organization. In any event, founding is a joint task for the International Federation of l’Arche and the Local Group wishing to found. The Local Group is responsible for implementing4 the founding process. The International Federation of l’Arche introduces, guides and supports this process then validates its progress5. Finally, in the specific case of new countries: if the International Federation of l’Arche decides to accompany a Local Group it will only consider the founding of l’Arche in this country as “confirmed” when three communities are in place. Experience shows that isolated communities in a country have great difficulty reaching full development. Three communities can develop integration, solidarity and social influence where one alone would struggle to do so. This is why a Local Group in a new country will be encouraged from the outset to enter into the logic of partnership open to a plurality of communities.

4 This guide has been drawn up to help groups seeking to found a l’Arche community in their country; for existing communities who would like to join l’Arche (taking into account certain specific criteria), or for l’Arche communities wishing to start a re-founding process. 5 The first visible sign of validation of the process is when permission is granted to use the name and logo of l’Arche at the “project” stage.


III.WHAT ARE THE FOUNDING CRITERIA ?

Four criteria compose the framework of the task of founding. These “criteria” can be used to assess the group’s progress. They are: The inclusion of people with a disability, inculturation, preparation for leadership and implementation of structures.

A.THE INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

L’Arche defines itself through the “mutual relationships” lived with people with an intellectual disability. Communities are not founded “for” these people, but “with them”. A l’Arche community is not founded in order to set up a “good” institution intended to respond to the immense needs and situations of distress in a country. A l’Arche community is a medium for revealing the gifts of people with disabilities so that the world may benefit from them. This is its primary mission. The first of these gifts is the personal transformation experienced by those who build up a friendship with people with a disability. This is the mission that Jean Vanier was called to and the mission which continues to call each member of l’Arche today. People with a disability are therefore not the “objects of the mission”, the beneficiaries, but rather essential partners in its accomplishment. For this reason, they must be involved in the task of founding from the very beginning, in accordance with their abilities.

Often contact with people with disabilities within the country has already been made when the desire to found emerges. Relationships have already begun through visits to hospitals, institutions, families, or through groups for people with disabilities and their families (Faith and Light etc …) or other diverse groups … These links must be pursued and, if possible, developed (Youth camps, Katimaviks, etc…)

One or two people with a disability will be asked to participate in the prayer and reflection process of the founding group. An attempt will be made to give them the most suitable role possible: the group will have to choose the types of meetings, the moments and ways which will enable people with a disability to give their best. We must avoid giving these people, or their families, the false impression that their participation implies an implicit commitment to welcoming them into the community at a later date.


B.LEADERSHIP

The Local Group, and indeed the future community, needs a leader who will ensure its unity, direct decision making and be an external representative.

The group will name its own leader6 whose role it is to ensure the continuity of the process in collaboration with the person representing the Federation. Once the conditions are met for entering into the founding process he/she will conduct the launch and direct the organization throughout the different stages set out in this guide. The leader will make sure that records are kept of the work accomplished.

The person acting as group leader during the preparation period will not necessarily be the future community leader7. Moreover, not all group members will feel called to be involved in the community. It is therefore preferable, during the preparatory years, to train as many members as possible and notably those endowed with the ability to lead, to ensure the durability of the foundation.

Experience has shown that communities founded under the leadership of one sole person, lacking other potential leaders in their midst, endured very difficult beginnings with long-lasting repercussions.

There are two kinds of Formation programmes for leadership:

1. WITHIN L’ARCHE

This form of apprenticeship is of the “come and see” kind, through being present8 in a l’Arche community, within a cultural environment as similar as possible to that of the host country.

Another type of apprenticeship consists in setting up “twinnings”9 with an experienced community. This allows for a multiplicity of exchanges and the possibility to develop friendships from an early stage which complement the structural support that l’Arche offers to groups during the founding period.

2. OUTSIDE OF L’ARCHE

Training within a l’Arche community supplements training which teaches the technical skills related to accompanying people with an intellectual disability, which is given within the country in question.

All the members of the group who plan to become involved in the daily accompaniment of people with a disability must make the greatest use of the founding years to acquire as many professional skills as possible.

If it gradually becomes evident that the project being elaborated resembles more and more an institution, then those group members able to take on responsibility should be trained as soon as possible in the technical skills required to run an “institution”, or a service within an institution. Specialized national training centres for social work should be made use of at the earliest possible stage.

6 The leaders of pre-foundation groups are generally named through co-optation 7 The founding leader will be named at the end of a process in use at l’Arche (cf doc “nominating process for community leaders” on the website www.larche.com) 8 It is recommended to extend this stay to at least one year 9 See the document “twinnings in l’Arche” on the website www.larche.org


C.INCULTURATION

Inculturation is both a state of mind and a method of collective decision-taking. It allows the group to found and be enlightened by the wealth and unique nature of its country’s culture10 . It protects and develops the charisma particular to the initial foundation, by avoiding the reproduction of models ill-adapted to the current era and culture. In the context of the founding process of a l’Arche community inculturation consists in provoking an interaction between two components: the “L’Arche culture” and the “culture of the country”. This work is done with the head, but even more so with the heart. It is a spiritual approach. Indeed, Faith is the third11 component of this interaction. It questions and challenges the first two.

This interaction includes an exchange on prescribed questions and collecting the answers that obtain general consensus. Precisions concerning methods of inculturation will be set out below at each different stage of the founding process.

Since it is a decision-making tool, inculturation enables the group to “innovate”, to choose its founding characteristics within the local religious and cultural context:

Throughout these stages, the inculturation process will enable the group to clarify its founding characteristics from within its own cultural and religious context. At the beginning the group will seek to clarify: Its identity i.e. what unites this emerging community; its mission in the country with regard to the values and realities already present within its culture. Indeed to answer the questions: “Who?” and “What?” -Then it’s model: the type of community life it wishes to lead: the question here is “How?”

The work on inculturation gives the group the freedom to belong to l’Arche or not. It will enable it to follow its own call, and not that of any one particular member who “wants l’Arche”. The work of inculturation will give the group the freedom to adopt its own model and not follow its members who would like to “do the same thing as I have seen in l’Arche”: there is not one unique model in l’Arche.

Many years later, after the community has been founded, continued work on inculturation will allow the community to take new fundamental directions to enhance growth, to challenge previous choices and to re-found the community, if need be.

10 See the definitions of this term in the glossary in Appendix N°1 11 In certain religious contexts, faith can prove to be inseparable from the “culture of the country”: its only means of expression.


D.STRUCTURES

The task of pre-foundation enables progressive emergence from the confusion which is proper to all beginnings. The project will take shape throughout this task and each person’s role in its accomplishment will be clarified in the process.

L’Arche’s reality is polymorphous, however three different ways of being involved in the project become apparent during the pre-foundation period:

“Community members” whose involvement in the project is a direct priority. “Friends” who offer solidarity and support without belonging to the project. “Local Committee members12”, of the legal structure13 who represent, support and safeguard the project.

Setting up this structure is often the group’s first “official” show of existence. This legal structure enables: the desire for l’Arche to be made known; the organization of public gatherings; fundraising14 for these initiatives and the financing of training for group members. The objectives described in the “statutes” of this structure will use the words from the identity and mission statements drawn up beforehand by the group itself. Its organization will be in keeping with that of l’Arche15.

The mission of the members committed to this legal support structure is to insure the coherence of processes in compliance with the statutes and laws of the Country; to guarantee its means of development and to enable the community’s inclusion in its social environment. 16. The members of this structure collaborate with the group to set up the community. They are not the instigators. This is what distinguishes a l’Arche community from an “organization” caring for people with intellectual disabilities. Community members have the initiative for, and contribute directly to, their community project’s future throughout the whole of its history, whereas employees from an “organization” apply the strategic directives drawn up by the members of the legal structure.

12 Sometimes called “Board of directors”, “Curatorial”, Non-profit making Governing Body …. 13 This legal structure can also be an “association”, a “Non-profit making enterprise” etc …. 14 It is not recommended, at this stage, to use this structure to acquire property for that would prematurely guide the task of elaborating the project. Moreover, the International Federation of l’Arche demands that the name and logo of l’Arche not be used in order to safeguard the mutual freedom of both parties until l’Arche officially recognizes the group as a “Project”. 15 In particular with the fundamental texts and texts from the Policies and Procedures of l’Arche International (cf www.larche.com) 16 Cf documents on Boards of Directors in l’Arche on www.larche.com


IV. WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF A FOUNDATION?

The Foundation, and subsequent growth of a community, are inspired by the permanent “alliance” between signs from God and signs from Humankind. This interaction determines the Founding Process.

The story of l’Arche, its success and ordeals, have enabled us to split up this process into five stages, five successive Discernments that are called:

Reflection17, Seed-group, Project, Probation, Confirmation.

The first stages correspond to the task of Pre-Foundation. They are preliminaries, intangible. The “Reflection” stage consists in discerning and then recording what the group says about its Identity and Mission. The question to be answered here is “Who?” and “What?” The “Seed-group” stage consists in discerning, then choosing, the Community Model best adapted to that specific time and place. The question to be answered here is “How?” These two stages are vital, despite the fact that their outcome is imperceptible. Experience has shown that communities which neglected this invisible “Pre-founding” stage did not survive, or still suffer from the consequences of this lack. These Pre-founding years are a time of “inspiration” for the future community. Their length can vary but the recommended time span is one to two years.

The two following stages concern the “Foundation” itself. The “Project” stage is a time for detailed organization, putting into words and figures what was devised during the pre-founding period. This presupposes the elaboration and implementation of specific objectives, involving identifying the people with a disability and assistants; engaging administrative and financial personnel; setting up a partnership with other social structures, and making contact with local religious leaders. The “Probation” stage is a time for the community to ensure its durability and development.

The community is founded when it reaches the “Confirmation” stage, it must ensure the vitality of the sign it represents; its solidarity links and its ability to be fruitful.

Stages

CONTACT

PRE-FOUNDATION FOUNDATION CONFIRMATION Reflection Seed-group Project Probation

What for ?

Meeting the

preliminary conditions

Choice of Identity and

Mission

Choice of Community

Model

Organization and

implementation

Structuration and

Development

Stability and Fecundity

By whom ?

INDIVIDUAL GROUP COMMUNITY

17 In some countries this group is called a « prayer group »


5. HOW TO PROCEED ??

A. The Preliminary Contact Stage

The very first contact is often made by just one person, or a spokesperson for a small group who has already been working on their desire to join l’Arche.

In a country already hosting a l’Arche community the preliminary contact will take place with the person representing l’Arche for this country or community (see list on www.larche.org) In a country where l’Arche has not yet been founded the initial contact will take place with the person designated by l’Arche International to apprise new requests ([email protected] ).

This preliminary stage is a time of approach, a time for l’Arche and the group to exchange information, (bibliography, documents, tools …) and the members of the group to exchange (stories, motivations).

This phase also enables the group to grow and to gradually meet the conditions required prior to launching the founding process:

•That there be a previous “acculturation”18 : Founders of a l’Arche community cannot be strangers to

the host country’s culture. It is recommended that the leader of the group be someone who was born and raised in the country.

•That at least one of the members of the group capable of exercising responsibility be open to living an experience 19 in a l’Arche community in a country whose culture is most similar to that of the group’s. If this is not possible in the immediate, then it should take place within the first years of the process.

•That several members of the group be open to visiting the nearest l’Arche communities as soon as the Contact phase is over.

•That there be a desire for any reflection process to be guided by faith, irrespective of religious denomination, and carried in prayer and then shared.

•That there be a willingness to lead this founding process, as set out in this document, without haste and to pursue it until completion.

•That there be a sense of freedom re: the outcome, which implies not holding onto a pre-defined project.

•That new countries be open to cooperating in the development of l’Arche beyond the scope of two communities.

•That at least one member of the group be introduced20 to the “Foundation” process. It is best to propose this formation once the preconditions for entering into the process have been met. Failing which, it will be proposed at the very beginning of the process.

•That there be a significant sized group, including people open to committing to life in community and to people with disabilities.

•That there be an informative or monitoring body (government or NGOs) knowledgeable of the needs of people with disabilities and the responses given to them.

•That there be knowledge of a mid/long term social welfare programme for people with disabilities set up by the country’s government or NGOs.

•That there be knowledge, even slight, of possible sustainable resources in order to achieve realistic progress.

After21 a mutual exchange of information, once the preconditions have been met, if the group wishes to journey towards l’Arche, and if the Federation decides to accompany it, the latter will be sent to the appropriate l’Arche representative. If the Federation of l’Arche decides not to pursue the accompaniment, or if it is unable to provide the appropriate support, the group will be directed toward a sister organization.

18 See the definition of this term in the glossary in Appendix N°1 19 This experience prior to the “project” stage should extend to at least one year in order to be considered sufficient. 20 In the form of “Preparation Sessions for Foundations”, lasting approximately 3 days, organized by Local l’Arche Representatives, to help groups to found within their culture. 21 This preliminary contact phase is brief. After a lapse of 6 months with no evolution, or response to exchanges, the contact will be classified.


V. Pre-foundation stages

The whole process is organized by the Group leader in collaboration with the l’Arche representative. The task of personal and group reflection will be guided and led by a “Facilitator22”, named by the group leader, with the approval of the l’Arche Representative. All three will work together during the preparation and conclusion of the different stages. The facilitator is a man or woman of wisdom, with knowledge of l’Arche, yet not a member. He/she is familiar with this particular exercise, believes in its purpose and will approach the method with flexibility and adaptability. His/her role will consist in proposing a balance between personal and group work; passing on the documents and presenting the task and ensuring the quality of sharing and discussion within the group. The Facilitator and Group leader will draw up the conclusions of this stage in the form of a group decision according to the given objective. A document keeping a record of these conclusions will be sent to the l’Arche Representative.

1. The “Reflection” stage

a AIM

Draw up and communicate an Identity and Mission statement

b PROCEDURE

• 1st Phase : Where we come from �Specific objective

Personal questioning: Where do I come from? What led me to this group? My encounter with people with disabilities, or those who are fragile? What is my desire today?

�The method � Personal prayer

Each group member receives a “prayer sheet 23” presented by the facilitator. Each member, guided by this, will prepare his/her contribution to the group work which will ensue. (Cf Appendix: Prayer Sheet N°1)

�Sharing A meeting, led by the Facilitator, enables the members of the group to share the fruit of their prayer. This procedure is known as the “Spiritual Conversation24”. The Facilitator will ensure: that the meeting runs smoothly; that each person has his/her say; the wording, drawing up and recording of the consensus.

• 2nd phase: Conference(s) on the culture of the country

�Specific objective To become aware of, or to deepen one’s knowledge of, values already at play in society and which characterize how weakness is approached in that culture. This will enable the founding procedure to be based on the positive forces present within the country and not to import would-be foreign values.

�The method One (or several) outside speakers25, with expert knowledge of that society and its culture, will present during one or more meetings, the country’s values in reference to vulnerability … based on history, current affairs, art, myths, litterature or religious traditions.

22 Cf « Facilitator’s guide » available on www.larche.org 23 Cf Appendix N°2 sheets adapted to each stage of the process. Each prayer sheet is based on a choice of texts. The l’Arche representative can offer a list of texts for the facilitator to choose from. 24 Cf “Spiritual Conversation in groups” on www.larche.org


This input will be followed by a debate so that the members and the group integrate these values, which are already present in their founding procedure.

• 3rd phase : Reflection/Prayer on the culture of the country

�Specific objective As for the 2nd phase. Here the focus is on the question: How am I moved? How can I identify with this?

�Method: As for the 1st phase �Personal prayer

Cf Appendix: Prayer sheet N°2 �Sharing

Spiritual conversation led by the facilitator.

• 4th phase: Conference(s) on the culture of l’Arch e �Specific objective

To receive, understand and integrate values at play in l’Arche, expressed through its experience and its anthropological view in relation to weakness.

�Method The speaker will be the l’Arche Representative, or a member of the group with l’Arche experience and competent to speak on the subject. He/she will base their talk on the history of l’Arche, its traditions, symbols, its current development, its diversification,with a view to highlighting its founding values and its anthropological view … The speaker can also be assisted by extracts from Jean Vanier’s books, texts from l’Arche, video documents… This input will be followed by a debate and questions to enable the group to become aware of, or to deepen their knowledge of, l’Arche values, its experience and view of the vulnerable person.

• 5th phase : Reflection/Prayer on the culture of l’Arche

�Specific objective As for the 4th phase. Here the focus is on the question: How am I moved ? How can I identify with this?

�Method : Same procedure as before �Personal prayer

Cf Appendix : Prayer sheet N°3 �Sharing

Spiritual Conversation led by a facilitator.

• 6th phase: Our group’s identity �Specific objective

Define our group’s identity: What brings us together, the fundamental elements of our identity. �Method : Same procedure as before

�Personal prayer Cf Appendix : Prayer Sheet N°4

�Sharing Spiritual Conversation led by a facilitator.

• 7th phase : The call for our group �Specific objective

25 It is recommended to call upon speakers from the country who are not from the group (historians, journalists, people with experience of welcoming people with disabilities or those on the fringe of society, religious leaders involved in the country’s social development …) in order to encourage a broader group reflection


Define our group’s mission: With freedom and realism we will define the most crucial calls for our group. Which cry can we identify with? What is the most important call from God ?

�Method : Same procedure as before �Personal prayer

Cf Appendix : Prayer Sheet N°5 �Sharing


a)EVALUATION AND PROCESS FOR PASSAGE TO THE NEXT ST AGE The dialogue with the l’Arche representative will focus on the convergence between the group’s I &M statement and that of l’Arche. The degree of convergence will enable us to envisage independence, partnership or potential l’Arche membership. In the last case, the group will enter into the “seed-group” stage

2. Seed-group stage

aAIM

To determine the “community model26” which represents the greatest “sign”, the one which is the best adapted to the time and place, and to the group. This could result in writing up a Charter of communal life.

bPROCEDURE

• 1st Phase: Conference on experiences already be ing lived out

in the country

�Specific objective To become aware of, or to deepen one’s knowledge of, the different care structure models for vulnerable people which already exist in the culture. This will be a source of inspiration to set up a community model proper to the future l’Arche community. This will also enable the preparation of future partnerships with existing local actors.

�Method One (or more) outside speakers, expert in the knowledge of existing care structures, will present one or more structures in the country that welcome vulnerable people (People with a disability, the elderly, drug addicts, the Homeless, AIDS sufferers …), different models (shelters,communities, hospitals, mutual aid network, follow-up care for families…). This could concern structures which previously existed, which exist now or which are projects … This input will be followed by a debate so that the members and the group can integrate these experiences which are already present in their founding experience.

• 2nd phase : Conference on the diversity of experiences in

l’Arche

�Specific objective Become aware of, or deepen one’s knowledge of, the different models of community life that exist or existed in l’Arche. This will be a source of inspiration to determine “how” to found, based on the different responses to the cry, and to create a community model which is the best adapted to the culture.

�Method

26 Community model means the type of community, its type in the largest sense of the term (Institution or not; within walls or part of a “network”; with or without employment or shared living; with salaried workers or volunteers, or just volunteers; an associative model or another model, with varying types of belonging/commitment; the place given to families of people with disabilities; the connection with society; etc …), this model can be expressed in a charter of communal life.


The speaker will present the different models of community life in l’Arche, in an open manner, tracing its history and its current development and diversification. Creating an “Institution- Community” proved to be a good model for announcing the gifts of people with a disability27 . It is the most widespread model in l’Arche but it is not universal.

• 3rd phase: How to respond to the cry? �Specific objective

List the realistic and concrete responses. �Method : Same procedure as before



• 4th phase : Which priority? �Specific objective

Update the type of community model which is proper to the group. �Method: Same procedure as before



• 5th phase : What consequences ?

�Specific objective Answer the question: Am I willing to “pay the price”?

�Method :Same procedure as before �Personal prayer

Cf Appendix : Prayer Sheet N°8 �Sharing


a) EVALUATION AND PROCESS OF PASSAGE TO FOLLOWING

STAGE

The dialogue with the DC will focus on the convergence between the model of community life chosen by the group (possibly its Life Charter), and the fundamental principles of community life in l’Arche. The degree of convergence will enable us to envisage independence, partnership or potential l’Arche membership. In the last case, the local group will have completed the work on Pre-foundation. It will be able to undertake the task required to become a “Project” (it is not yet a l’Arche Project).

27 Cf Enoncé d’Identité et Mission de l’Arche


A. Foundation Stages

3. “Project” stage

A) BECOMING A LARCHE PROJECT 1) GOAL OF THIS STAGE: to develop a strategic plan (short and long-term) for the project, based on the

conclusions of the discernment process for identity and mission, and the model of community (see Reflection and Seed stages of pre-foundation) 2)KEY STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN:

−Responding to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities:

the strategic plan should incorporate the results of a feasibility study based on evaluating the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in the area, and on identifying sufficient financial and human resources to make the foundation viable and sustainable This strategic plan can be written in one or a number of documents, depending on the compatibility of the demands and terminology of the Federation of L’Arche, of the government and of the relevant donor Foundations. The plan should take into account the following considerations: the overall vision for the community (its identity and mission, the model of community, the number of projects and services to be offered based on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in the local area); the location of the projects and services of the community (a very isolated place is not suitable, because it limits the independence of people with learning disabilities, does not easily offer professional support and does not permit the assistants to find the nourishment and support they need); funding plan and strategy; administrative supports and structures

−Mission and Outreach: What is the community called to do in order to fulfil its mission, over and above, answering the care needs of the core-members? What projects can core-members and assistants accomplish together as ‘partners-in-the-mission’? For example, Visit prisons/hospitals/elderly; Food bank; social or parish activities.

−Legal structure : put a legal structure in place, as appropriate(charity, limited company, social enterprise), write up statutes, nominate a committee

−Fund Raising and Financial strategy: network with appropriate local and/or national social/health services, and with potential donors and develop a robust funding and fund-raising strategy – the project needs to develop and to demonstrate its plans for financial feasibility and sustainability

−Continue to source and train potential assistants : this work will have already begun at the pre-foundation stage (see Leadership)

−Develop partnerships : with key social and health organisations and structures, as well as with other ‘sister’ organisations and groups that share the same vision as L’Arche

−Link with local churches : Depending on the denominational /religious identity of the project, network and establish relationships with different local church groups and leaders

−Link with Federation : All these steps to be taken in close communication and collaboration with the relevant L’Arche coordinator from the Federation, or with the person or team to whom this responsibility has been delegated. A written record should be kept of all key meetings and visits by both parties during the different stages of the Foundation period

−An already existing community: in the particular case of an already existing community requesting to become a member of the Federation of L’Arche (see annex -to be developed)


3) EVALUATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS TO BECOME A LARCHE PROJECT −In order to become a L’Arche project, an evaluation is carried out by the relevant L’Arche coordinator,

or those to whom the Coordinator delegates this task, based on the following elements: CRITERIA TO BECOME A LARCHE PROJECT •Identity, mission and model: have the seed group worked successfully through the Reflection

and Seeding stages of the Pre-foundation period, and come to a point of clarity concerning their identity and mission, as well as their model of community?

•Inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities: have the people with intellectual disabilities been included in their reflection and seeding work in a way which honours ‘mutual relationships’ and ‘working with’ rather than ‘for’?

•Leadership potential : are there a number of people in the seed group (or within the region/country/federation) with significant leadership potential for the development of the project, and eventually to take on leadership roles in the community itself? Have these people been receiving sufficient training within L’Arche, and outside of L’Arche, to develop their skills in community life, spirituality and professional competence?

•Inculturation and discernment: has a practice of inculturation and discernment (both individual and collective) been developed in the seed group that will continue, albeit in a different context, on becoming a project?

•Structures: Is there sufficient clarity and understanding with regard to the emerging roles and structures both within the group, and within the wider context of the federation of L’Arche? Is the role of the L’Arche board sufficiently clear, especially regarding its difference with the board of a charity or NGO for people with intellectual disabilities? Are there people in the seed group with the competence and organisational ability to form an effective board, and to assume the role of governance in the spirit of L’Arche?

•Feasability Study: Has a robust feasibility study taken place to evaluate the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in the area, and to identify sufficient financial and human resources to make the foundation viable and sustainable?

•Membership of the Federation: is the group clear about the rights and responsibilities which membership of the international family of L’Arche will entail, and which go with the name and logo of L’Arche? Do they want to be part of an international federation which means renouncing their full autonomy as a community and accepting a model of ‘shared authority’? Are they willing to be in solidarity with other L’Arche communities throughout the world, and enter into an official twinning relationship with one of them?

•Local L’Arche resources: are there sufficient L’Arche resources (potential assistants, leaders, mentors, community and spiritual accompaniers etc) in the local region or country to support the foundation?

•Awareness of Gift and Mission: Has the group an awareness and a belief in the gift that their foundation would bring to the local culture, to the country, and to the wider family of L’Arche arising from their identity and mission? What is that gift? Have they also an awareness of the gift they would receive from their local culture, their country and from the wider family of L’Arche?

-PROCESS TO BECOME A LARCHE PROJECT

•The seed group is evaluated by the relevant L’Arche coordinator, or by those to whom the coordinator has delegated this task, in relation to the above criteria

•If the evaluation is positive, then the seed group can apply for a change of status from seed group to project by writing a letter of request to become a project, and by sending it, along with their detailed strategic plan , to the relevant L’Arche Coordinator. If the evaluation is not


positive, the coordinator can decide (in liaison with relevant bodies) to grant more time for the seed group to develop or not.

•The Coordinator brings this request to the relevant decision-making body within the L’Arche structures (see annex )

•If validated, a ‘Project of L’Arche’ membership agreement is sign ed between the local group and the Federation of L’Arche through the appropriate structure (confirmed country, country or other). This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of membership of the L’Arche Federation as a project, including the right to use the name and logo of L’Arche.(see annex – membership agreement doc - to be finalised on basis of Philippe Deney template, Madrid Oct ’11)

•Once the Membership agreement is signed the seed group becomes a L’Arche project and begin the journey to become a probationary community(but are not yet a probationary community).

4. “Probationary” stage

1)GOAL OF THIS STAGE: to develop a sustainable and well founded L’Arche community through implementation of the strategic plan with regard to the identity, mission and model agreed by the project

2)KEY STEPS TO BE TAKEN:

•Nomination process for discernment of founding comm unity leader: this is a key step in the founding of the community and is led by the relevant L’Arche coordinator with a discernment team (see job-description and criteria for role of community leader, and document which describes the discernment of a community leader). The recommended term of the founding leader’s first mandate is 5 yrs in order to give continuity and stability. Transition begins from the leader of the founding seed group to the leader of the community. The transition process begins with the leader of the project handing over the responsibility to the leader of the community. Responding to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities: begin active implementation of the strategic plan and welcome of the first members with a disability to the service, or services that the community will provide(house, workshop, school, independent living, network of solidarity and support etc). This marks the opening of the community.

• Mission and Outreach: initiate first outreach projects(beyond the response to the needs of the core-members) in the local area, carried by both assistants and core-members ‘two by two’ working together as ‘partners-in-mission’.

• Legal structure : nomination process for the discernment of the chair of the committee led by the relevant L’Arche coordinator. The chair of the local committee or board of directors has a special role. He/she works closely in active partnership with the community leader (see job-description and criteria for role of board chair, and the document describing the discernment of a Committee Chair)

• Fund Raising and Financial strategy: implementation of a robust funding and fund-raising strategy to ensure the financial feasibility and sustainability of the emerging community, based on pro-active contact with appropriate local and/or national social/health services, and with potential donors. The name and logo of L’Arche may now be used for fund-raising and negotiation of grants with government.


•Making up the assistant’s team: potential assistants may be asked to spend time in other L’Arche communities. Ongoing attention to be give to ensure that the assistants are receiving sufficient training within L’Arche, and outside of L’Arche, in order to develop their skills in community life, spirituality and professional competence.

3)EVALUATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS TO BECOME A PROBATI ONARY COMMUNITY

In order to become a probationary community, an evaluation is carried out by the relevant L’Arche coordinator, or those to whom the coordinator has delegated this task, based on the following elements:

CRITERIA

• Nomination process for discernment of founding comm unity leader: has the founding leader been nominated appropriately according to L’Arche discernment procedure, and has he/she the leadership qualities and competence to lead the implementation of the community’s strategic plan and to develop a well-founded and sustainable community in the spirit of L’Arche?

•Responding to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities: have the first people with disabilities been welcomed?

•Mission and Outreach: have the first ‘outreach’ initiatives been taken(beyond a response to the needs of the core-members)in the locality which allow assistants and core-members to be ‘partners in the mission’?

•Governance and Legal structure : has the chair of the committee/board been nominated appropriately according to L’Arche discernment procedure, and is he/she working in active partnership with the community leader?

•Fund Raising and Financial strategy: has the project developed a robust fund-raising strategy, and received adequate financial support from government and/or donors in order to be financially viable and sustainable?

•Making up the assistant’s team: is there an adequate team of assistants in place sufficiently well trained, both within and outside L’Arche, in community life, spirituality and professional competence in order to found the community well?

•Developing partnerships: have some partnerships been developed with key social and health organisations (local and national) as well as with other ‘sister’ organisations and groups that share the same vision as L’Arche?

• Link with local churches : have some relationships and contacts been established with different local church groups and leaders?

• Link with Federation: has there been close collaboration and communication with the relevant L’Arche coordinator from the Federation, or with the person(s) or team to whom this responsibility has been delegated? Has a written record been kept of all key meetings and visits by both parties during the different stages of the Foundation period to date? Have the rights and responsibilities of the membership agreement that has been signed with the Federation been respected? Is there a sense of commitment and belonging to the wider federation of L’Arche and a sense of solidarity with other communities in the federation, including openness to an official twining relationship?

• Awareness of Gift and Mission: is there awareness and a belief in the gift that the emerging community is already bringing to the local culture, to the country, and to the wider family of L’Arche, and a desire to live out fully their identity and mission as a community?

•IN A NEW COUNTRY: in the case of a community in a new country, is there a willingness to espouse and support the foundation of a second and third community?


PROCESS TO BECOME A PROBATIONARY COMMUNITY •The project is evaluated by the relevant L’Arche coordinator(or the person/people to whom the

coordinator has delegated this task) in relation to the above criteria •If the evaluation is positive, then the project can apply for a change of status from project to

probationary community by writing a letter of request (signed by each of the members, see Annex) to become a probationary community, and by sending it to the relevant L’Arche Coordinator. If the evaluation is not positive, the coordinator can decide (in liaison with relevant bodies) to grant more time for the project to develop or not. If a project has not developed to the next stage after 5 years then it loses its status as a L’Arche project and cannot use anymore the name and the logo of l’Arche.

•The Coordinator brings this request to the relevant decision-making body within the L’Arche structures (see annex – Change of Membership Status doc) along with the evaluation report that he/she has written

•If validated, a ‘Probationary community’ membership agreement is signed between the project and the Federation of L’Arche through the appropriate structure (confirmed country, country or other). This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of membership of the L’Arche Federation as a probationary communi ty(see annex – Probationary Membership Agreement - to be finalised on basis of Philippe Deney template, Madrid October ’11)

•Once the Membership agreement is signed the project becomes a probationary community and begins the journey to becoming a confirmed community, (but is not yet a confirmed community).

5. 5.“Confirmed” stage

1.KEY STEPS TO BE TAKEN:

•EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP OF THE COMMUNITY: Ensure that the community leader is providing effective leadership of the community in the spirit of the identity and mission of L’Arche, and proper structures of supervision, appraisal and review are in place to ensure that he/she is being well supported and supervised in the role. To ensure that the leadership of the community is not dependent solely on the community leader and that a leadership ‘team’ has been developed and is working effectively.

•RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: Ensure that growth beyond the first ‘service’ or ‘project’ (house, workshop, outreach, school, respite etc) has taken place and that the second community ‘service’or ‘project’ is developing successfully.

•MISSION AND OUTREACH: Ensure that outreach projects, where assistants and core-members are ‘partners in the mission’, have become a regular feature of the life and mission of the community and are making visible the fruits of the community in its identity as a ‘sign’.

•GOVERNANCE AND LEGAL STRUCTURE: Ensure that the local committee/board is taking up its governance responsibilities in the spirit of L’Arche in a full and effective manner; that there are an adequate number of committee/board members (the recommended number is between 6 to 10) and that each one has been given a clear portfolio or role; that a good partnership practice has been developed between the chairperson and community leader, and between the committee/board and the community council; that all relevant legal


documents, including Memorandum and Articles, and Constitution are effective and up-to-date

•FUND-RAISING AND FINANCIAL STRATEGY: Ensure that a sufficient level of financial support has been achieved, based on an effective fund-raising strategy and ongoing government (or other) funding, in order to ensure the long-term financial sustainability and viability of the community.

•ASSISTANTS AND VOLUNTEERS: Ensure that good Human Resource practice has been embedded in the infrastructure of the community with best practice in training, supervision and appraisal at all levels, and that a sustainable quota of assistants and volunteers has been reached, including several committed long-term assistants.

•INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY: Ensure that the community is committed to international solidarity on both a human resources and financial level.

2.EVALUATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS FOR BECOMING A CO NFIRMED COMMUNITY

CRITERIA •Effective leadership: is the community leader providing leadership in the identity and mission

of L’Arche? Is there an effective leadership team in place?

•Responding to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities: has the community successfully developed a second service or project within the community?

•Mission and Outreach: Have outreach programmes, with core-members and assistants as partners in the mission, become a regular feature of the life and mission of the community? Are the fruits of the community in its identity as a ‘Sign’ being made visible and effectively communicated, externally?

•Legal Structure: Is the committee taking up its governance responsibilities effectively in the spirit of L’Arche? Are there enough members on the board, with each one having a clear portfolio (see key steps above)? Is there a good partnership practice between the community leader and committee chair(see PowerPoint, Leadership and Governance in L’Arche)

•Fund-raising and Financial strategy: has a sufficient level of financial viability been achieved, and planned for, to support and enable long-term financial sustainability?

•Assistants and Volunteers: has the community developed good human resource practice based on supervision, appraisal and evaluation in order to adequately support its assistants and volunteers? Are there enough assistants and volunteers, and network of friends, in order to support the community on a long-term basis, including several committed long-term assistants?

•Developing partnerships: have some significant partnerships with other ‘sister’ organisations that share the same vision as L’Arche been developed, and sustained, along with partnerships with key social and health organisations both locally, and nationally?

•Link with local churches: have fruitful contacts and relationships been established with local parishes, church groups and leaders?

•Link with Federation: has a close collaboration and communication continued between the community and the relevant L’Arche coordinator in the Federation, or the person(s) to whom this has been delegated? Have the rights and responsibilities of probationary membership, as set out in the membership agreement, been taken up and respected? Has the sense of commitment and belonging to the wider federation of L’Arche, and of solidarity with other


communities in terms of both financial and human resources, developed and grown during the probationary period?

•IN A NEW COUNTRY: in the case of a community in a new country, is the community taking active steps to espouse and to support the foundation of a second and third community?

PROCESS TO BECOME A CONFIRMED COMMUNITY

•During the probationary period, the community is accompanied, in so far as possible, by a team made up of the relevant L’Arche coordinator and another member of L’Arche named by the coordinator.

•The probationary community is evaluated by the above team or by the relevant L’Arche coordinator(or the person(s) to whom the coordinator has delegated this task) in relation to the above criteria

•If the evaluation is positive, then the probationary community can apply for a change of status from probationary to confirmed by writing a letter of request (signed by each of the members, see Annex)to become a confirmed community, and by sending it to the relevant L’Arche Coordinator. If the evaluation is not positive, the coordinator can request the probationary community to work on some specific strategic priorities as it develops towards confirmed status. If a probationary community has not developed to confirmed status after 5 years then its probationary membership agreement can be renewed with the support and validation of the L’Arche coordinator for another 5 years

•In the case of a positive evaluation, the Coordinator brings this request to the relevant decision-making body within the L’Arche structures (see annex - Change of Membership Status) along with the evaluation report that he/she has written

•If validated, a ‘Confirmed community’ membership agreement is sig ned between the community and the Federation of L’Arche through the appropriate structure (confirmed country, country or other). This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of membership of the L’Arche Federation as a confirmed community (see annex – Confirmed Membership Agreement - to be finalised on basis of Philippe Deney template, Madrid October ’11)

•Once the Membership agreement is signed, the community becomes a confirmed community and takes up its responsibilities and its rights as a confirmed member of the federation, and continues to develop its fruitfulness and vitality as a ‘Sign’


APPENDIX N° 1

GLOSSARY (Author : Brenda Herman)

1. Culture:

Culture represents what has meaning for a people, what gives people a sense of belonging, what enables it to understand (not only intellectually) the sense and the reason for what is happening, or its value. Culture makes us feel “at home” in a little corner of the universe. It is this “intimate impression of order” which we feel within, this deep common understanding of how we interact with one another, the manner and reason why we act as we do. Culture is the “why” of the “what”. It is not so much what we do, as why we do it, the reason behind what we do. Each culture is rich in symbols or objects that hold a specific meaning for those who are part of that given culture. It could be a dish, a flag, a person, a song, an image etc. These symbols are often related to a historical event or a myth which are part and parcel of the cultural identity. Each culture has rituals, gestures which last through time and the group knows and acknowledges the reason and meaning behind them. Culture is never static; it is permanently influenced by the world around it, by technology, new ideas … As a consequence, these rituals and symbols are constantly reshaped, as are the myths which link the different cultures together.

2. Acculturation: Acculturation is the process through which a person, entering into a foreign culture, will spend his/her whole life trying to understand the rituals, symbols and myths which make up that culture. Acculturation is a sociological term. It means taking on as if they were one’s own the culture; language; way of dress; way of eating; customs; social structure; questions of social justice, as well as the dreams and hopes of the people. Acculturation is not an intellectual process: We may have perfect knowledge of a country’s history, even its language, without ever really being part of that culture. It is essential to learn and speak the local language. Equally as important is interacting with people, understanding what is important for them, discovering the importance of the group, the family, the role of Faith in that society. Knowing the recognized values of a culture, how they are lived out, what they represent for people and why they are important. An important element in acculturation is the discovery of the reasons which underlie social questions and the way people understand them. It is only after the first generation of the foreigners who arrived in that culture that the process of acculturation can be considered as complete.


APPENDIX° 2

SAMPLES OF PRAYER SHEETS (Authors: George Durner and Stan Dubourg)

Prayer sheet N° 1

My story

Texts The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation: Look at my personal story, the events that prepared and led me to this project for people with disabilities.

Guidelines for reflection 1. I take time to review, revisit my story:

•Places I have lived, •People I have been close to or have been acquainted with •Jobs I have had

2. What have been the most significant events, moments of my story: those that moved me, which had a deep impact on my being? 3. How did I encounter people with disabilities? What have been my most powerful, significant experiences with them? 4. What are my current reasons, deepest motivations for staying in contact with people with disabilities? What made me want to be part of this group? How did I feel this call? 5. What does my story teach me about myself, my fundamental life-values?

Conclusion I write down the fruits of my reflection and prepar e what I would like to share in the group


Prayer Sheet N° 2

Our country’s culture

Texts

The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation: To better understand the values of our country’s culture in relation to vulnerability.

Guidelines for reflection 1. I call to mind what I have experienced during the journey travelled together until now. I try to name these fruits: moments of gratitude or questions. 2. Where, and in which circumstances, can I identify in my country’s society the responses, the values in relation to vulnerability? Which values do I support, and which ones do I question? 3. What sign does my country need today? The community dimension… sign of peace… living with (in community, as opposed to in religion, political life…)



Prayer Sheet N° 3

The culture of l’Arche

Texts The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation: Deepen the values of l’Arche, its anthropological stance and its view of the vulnerable person.

Guidelines for reflection 1. I call to mind what I have received on the journey travelled together until now. I re-read the

presentation on the values of l’Arche and its anthropological stance.

2.What values, particular to l’Arche, (and Faith and Light) touch me deeply? Why?

3.In what way could certain l’Arche values be out of step with those of society?

4.What could l’Arche contribute that would reinforce the values of my country’s culture?

5.In my opinion, what are the most important l’Arche values for our country today? I name them.

Conclusion I write down the fruits of my reflection and prepar e what I would like to share in the group.


Prayer Sheet N° 4

Our group’s identity

Texts The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation Name what brings us together and give thanks for the brotherly communion in our group.

Guidelines for reflection

1.I reflect upon our group’s story and the journey we have travelled together.

2.We have heard the questions, the ‘cries” that brought us together and enabled us to grow in brotherly communion. I name these cries that unify us.

3.What are the words, phrases, or symbols that speak of the communion that we are living ;

that speak of our desire to strive together?

4.What are the fundamental elements of the identity of our group; those which define us?

Conclusion I write down the fruits of my reflection and prepar e what I would like to share in the group. In the group :

1.Each person expresses and explains what, in their opinion, are the fundamental elements of the group’s identity (to be written up on a flip-chart).

2.Re-read the Identity statement of l’Arche and compare it to what the group has written.


Prayer Sheet N° 5

The call for our group

Texts The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation: Determine what our group is called to.

Guidelines for reflection 1.I call to mind the journey that our group has travelled together : the joys, moments of grace,

fruits already received. I try to describe them as well as I can.

2. I call to mind all that unifies us, that contributes to our fraternal communion, in particular the cries that touch and call us.

3. Based on all the above and adopting a free and realistic stance, I open myself up to potential

future avenues:

In my opinion, what are the calls for our group today? •From the perspective of our country’s needs? •From the perspective of our desire to set up a l’Arche community? •From the perspective of our strengths and limitations?

4.I write these calls down in a concrete, clear and concise manner:

“In my opinion, we are called to ………………….”

5. I clarify; expressing the reasons behind my thinking.

Conclusion I write down the fruits of my reflection and I prep are what I would like to share in the group. In the group :

1.Each person speaks of the calls they see and gives the reasons behind their thinking. Write up the calls on a flip-chart)

2.A time to pause when each person considers all the calls and the reasons given. 3.Determine and write down, by order of priority, the calls that appear to be the most crucial for

the group today.


Prayer Sheet N° 6

How to respond to the Calls?

Texts The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation: Name the necessary and possible means to be used to implement the crucial calls for our group Guidelines for reflection : 1. I look once more at the calls - from the previous exercise – that are recognized as being crucial for our group. 2. I adopt an attitude that is both open and realistic, I name the concrete decisions, actions and means (what, where, when, how, with whom ?) that:

•We must take to respond to these calls and be faithful to them. •I must take, personally, to respond and be faithful to these calls.

3. I write up a list of all the actions and means possible to respond in a concrete way to these calls. I try to prioritize them.

Conclusion I write down the fruits of my reflection and prepar e what I would like to share in the group In the group:

1. Listen to the means which correspond to the calls 2. A time to pause and consider and ponder on all that has been shared 3. Choose together (time of “consensus”) the means that appear to be the most adequate and

realistic.

CAREFUL : THE MEANS MUST BE VERY CONCRETE !


Prayer Sheet N° 7

What model for community life?

Texts The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation: Determine the model for « community life » which will be the best suited to our project.

Guidelines for reflection

1.I call to mind the calls that are crucial and a priority for our group in order to meet the needs

of the vulnerable people in our country.

2.I call to mind the means and actions that we have chosen to implement our project

3.What community model corresponds to our project and the calls for our group? Which community model will provide us with a dynamic community life and enable us to deepen mutual relationships? I explain the reasons for my choice.



Prayer sheet N° 8

Ready to live the consequences ?

Texts The facilitator proposes a maximum of 3 texts (a list of suggestions is available upon request). Purpose of the time of reflection and meditation:

Discover the personal decisions I must take to commit myself to collaborating, in joint responsibility, for implementing the calls retained.

Guidelines for prayer :

• I go back over the notes where the concrete calls and means we discerned together are written. I welcome the fruit of our work and I give thanks.

• What, in my opinion, will be the inevitable consequences of these decisions?

• In freedom, and with generosity and realism, I perceive what I am personally called to in order to be jointly responsible and faithful to our group’s project.

• I seek to foresee and measure the inevitable consequences of my choices. Am I ready and willing to assume them right to the end?


draft guidelines for founding a l'arche community

Documents