C h u r c h - b a s e d O r g a n i z i n g
A guide for diocesan social action offices
Prepared by
THE ROUNDTABLE
National association of diocesan social action directors
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
and, if possible, join the process of internal organizing in one of the parishes. Explore with the organizer and consider attending one of their national training sessions. Determine the level of CHD funding coming from the diocese and talk to national CHD staff about the organization in your community. Quietly assess the relationship between the organizing efforts and the local diocese, bishop, and other agencies and offices.
The goal of all these "assessments" is to put you into a position where you can be helpful. If the organizing is good and the organization is strong, be supportive and helpful. Learn from it. Facilitate what you can within the diocese, with the Ordinary, with CHD, and with other offices and agencies. The church can and should learn a lot from these efforts. If, however, you conclude that the organization is not doing well, you may face a more difficult task. It is, of course, irresponsible to fund local efforts not producing the desired results, and usually, the Catholic Church--through CHD and local parish contributions--is a major funder. The national networks sign contracts with coalitions of local churches; those churches--not the diocese--must hold the national networks accountable. Sometimes a diocesan staff person can help parishes assess what is going on locally, which could lead to constructive discussions with national network staff. If the organization is not doing well, it is recommended that you talk with national CHD personnel or someone in the Roundtable before moving into a "confrontation" with the local organization. You do not want to be seen as opposing the efforts but as a person who very much wants their full potential to be realized. Such distinctions will become very fuzzy if not handled carefully. Learn to carry out other (diocesan) justice priorities in parishes involved in a church-based organization. In one community, for example, the bishop wanted a state-wide legislative network, but when it came time for the social action staff to organize it with the parishes involved in church-based organizing, the leaders said that they were too busy and chose not to be involved. Resolving such concerns may include taking the following steps: Build a strong relationship with the organizer so that he or she knows that you are basically supportive of the work of the organization. It will go a long way toward easing any tensions that might arise around your own agenda. Make it clear that you must attend to other interests of the church beyond what can and will be delivered by the organization. Find ways to deliver on diocesan priorities without damaging the organization's efforts. For example, the organizer may know of a parish leader who has served her term within the organization and needs another challenge. |
It may even be that a statewide network could help the organization on issues they want to confront on a larger basis. You should demonstrate your desire to work cooperatively by not scheduling major events at the same time the organization is holding a large meeting or campaign.
Obviously this scenario implies a measure of good will, open communication, and trusting relationships. Such is not always the case. If you find little openness to working together, discuss the situation with national CHD staff, other Roundtable members, or perhaps your own bishop to determine next steps. Remember that the local parish does not "belong" to the network. Nor does it "belong" to the social action office. It exists to serve a variety of needs and to carry out a variety of tasks. And as long as it is part of the Catholic Church, leaders will probably at least want to consider the priorities and goals of the ordinary and his staff persons. Acknowledge that the organizer may already have a good working relationship with the bishop and, in fact, they may be meeting a regular basis; if he or she is smart, regular meetings will be taking place. Our recommendation is that you ask the bishop to include you in the meetings. In Washington, the Archbishop meets on a regular basis with organizers and involved pastors. These meetings are organized by social action staff persons who are also present. If the bishop's relationship with the organizer is strong and precedes your own, however, the situation may be difficult to change. Make it clear to the bishop, both personally and in writing, that to do the job that he has hired you to do, you need to be in the loop concerning work of the local organizations and parishes. He will, it is hoped, respect you and the role he has given you enough to include you. If not, ask for advice and live with it. Frankly, if you are in a position to be helpful to your ordinary on issues related to the organizations, he will probably want you to be present. In summary, if a church-based organization precedes you, take time to assess the situation. Learn as much as you can, get to know the organizer, be supportive, go to training and attend local meetings and actions. Place yourself in a position where you can help both the organizing efforts and the diocese. Carefully negotiate with the organization and parish around diocesan priorities that may cross over their local efforts. Peaceful and effective coexistence is possible. 3. Role of the social action director in a diocese where there are "turf wars" between national networks.Unfortunately, there are a few cities or locales where there is more than one network vying for the right to organize the territory. Such "turf wars" can become very stressful for bishops, |
|
|
|
||
The ROUNDTABLE
18 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212.431.7825
Fax: 212.274.9786
roundtable@nplc.org
- The Roundtable - Publications - Center Services -
2001-2007 © Copyright SoSol Consulting Privacy Policy