[Oe List ...] Transition Announcement

[Ellie Stock via OE]

Terry,
 
The ICA has been extremely fortunate to have your leadership these last seven years--so much accomplished, plus a whole new spirit.  Thank you for taking the reins and daring to put into action the dreams and objectives you had--on behalf of the world, the Chicago community, GreenRise and all of us connected with the ICA/EI/OE.  We are truly grateful for yours and Pam's commitment, passion, vision, and incredibly excellent work that has positioned the ICA for its next era of adventure.
 
Carleton and Ellie Stock
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Terry Bergdall via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
To: Order Ecumenical Community <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Cc: Colleague Dialogue <dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net>
Sent: Tue, Aug 5, 2014 12:33 am
Subject: [Oe List ...] Transition Announcement



At my initiativelast May, I informed the ICA-USA Board of Directors that I thought it was timefor them to begin the process of identifying my replacement as ICA’s executiveofficer. Since this listserv represents the community to which I feelaccountable, it is appropriate that I share with you my thoughts about thisdecision. It also is my effort to answer questions that I suspect many peoplewill have when they hear the news.
 
It was in early January2007 when I was first presented with the idea of becoming Executive Director ofICA-USA. My initial response was strongly negative. I was enjoying the fruitsof nearly 20 years, following the disbanding of the Order, as a successfulindependent consultant. I considered myself to be an eager and active player inexpanding the reach and impact of the OE community, the “flowering of the Order”as some have called it, through a wide array of creative activities that weregenerally beyond its grasp when it was more tightly bound. Why give that up towrestle with the problems, and potential drudgery, of institutional life? 
 
Despite my initial“no,” a seed was planted and ideas about ICA’s future continued to grow withinmy imagination. The reason for embracing institutional challenges is becausethey have a way of outlasting us all. I wanted to ensure that the principles,perspectives, values, and wisdom that have motivated people during the past 50years would continue to have a living home. This is manifest in new programsthat give practical form to truths like: (1) everyone has gifts, assets, andcapacities; (2) the external situation is never the problem; (2) people liveout of images and when images change, behavior changes; (4) an emphasis oncultural dimensions of the social process is the key to addressing economic andpolitical contradictions. My passion was, and is, to ensure these points, andothers like them, are embedded in the institutional fabric of an organizationthat will continue beyond my lifetime. The vision, therefore, is ICA as a brandedvessel for profound insights that inspire people to action.
 
My commitment whenI took this job involved three objectives:  create innovative new programs built upon the legacy ofICA’s past while addressing new realities, obtain economic stability, and to passon the organization to new leadership looking toward the next 50 years. I feelvery good these days about the dynamic programs for which ICA-USA enjoys agrowing high-profile reputation -- the neighborhood work with “Accelerate 77,”the emergence of the “GreenRise Learning Laboratory” at 4750, leadershipdevelopment of university students through contextual education and civicengagement, and the spreading of ToP facilitation methods throughout thecountry. ICA’s international connectedness is a powerful feature of its work. Economicstability remains an elusive objective requiring constant diligence but isnever reason for inaction. Based on all of the above, I believe now is theright time to enable a successful transition to new leadership from among thosewho are attracted to ICA’s underlying purpose and in-depth programs.
 
To that end, I willpost information very soon from the ICA-USA Board of Directors about thesuccession process to appoint a new CEO.


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