The recent work of the 13th District Chapter – held in October and December 2010--received official approval last week from Superior General Brother Álvaro Rodriguez Echeverria and Brother Robert Schieler, General Councilor for the US-Toronto Region.

At this Chapter, the Brothers refined and approved four propositions and seven lines of action. A proposition is a legislative decision that, once approved by the Superior General and General Council, becomes an established decision for future implementation. A line of action sets a specific direction for future leadership, without necessarily providing specific details as to its implementation. The approved propositions and lines of action are summarized below.

PROPOSITIONS

ACT 208: Revision of the selection process for Visitor candidates, with the inclusion of a consultation with Partners.

ACT 209: Ratification of the lines of action received from the 2010 Assembly on Mission. These include:

• Development of partnerships for finding new funding sources
• Collection of data identifying factors leading to success in Lasallian programs
• Preparation for changing demographics and local cultural formation
• Ongoing assessment for accessibility, removal of cultural barriers, and the development of cultural competencies
• Sharing curriculum design for 21st century learners
• Improvement of communication regarding admissions to meet accessibility needs of the middle class and poor
• Articulation of quality, Catholic education

ACT 210: A committee will be appointed to study the work of the LEO Center, its services to students and indirect social service to adult immigrants, and the opportunities for direct service to the poor that it affords to Brothers and Lasallian Volunteers. The study is to include the financial costs, funding, and recommendations for future viability.

ACT 211: District Chapter Act 174 of 1995 was brought up to date according to the present practices and scope of the Vocation/Initial Formation Committee and the Ongoing Formation Committee. Included is at least one joint meeting annually to review recommendations for proposed changes in District policy regarding vocation and formation.

LINES OF ACTION

Ministry to Holy Family Community: In support of the quality of future care of aged and infirm Brothers, District Leadership should develop Brother leaders for this ministry, providing for their education and training.

Formation of Brother Leaders: Brothers understand their influence as Lasallian leaders in the educational mission, but they need to prepare for future leadership positions. The District Leadership is asked to evaluate and develop potential Brother leaders as part of formation and training.

Evaluation of Policies Structures and Procedures Related to Partners in Shared Mission: The Visitor will implement an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the Mission Council and Mission Assembly, both of which are vehicles for shared mission. This evaluation will facilitate the appropriate inter-dependence of these bodies vis-à-vis other similar representative governance bodies (e.g., District Council and District Chapter).

Changing Present Structures: In anticipation of expected changes in the District over the next four years, the Visitor will collect information from the Brothers to facilitate adaptations of the election process to ensure adequate representation on the District Council and at the District Chapter.

New Orleans-Santa Fe and San Francisco Districts: In response to current and emerging issues, the San Francisco District Leadership, in cooperation with New Orleans-Santa Fe Leadership, will provide opportunities for Brothers in both Districts to get to know one another better, enabling them to work together effectively to strengthen the Lasallian educational mission in the South and West of the U.S.

Community Reflection Program: The District Leadership will initiate an ongoing Brother formation program based on the Meditations for the Time of Retreat to enhance the Brothers’ experience of association, vocation ministry, and spiritual growth. By 2012, a committee will be in place to develop and oversee such a program.

Vibrant Communities for the Mission: The Visitor will identify key apostolates where active Brothers’ communities are most needed to serve the poor and/or to promote vocations. These communities will be supported financially. Current educational ministries will seek new ways to serve the poor directly.