Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center
Strategic Plan 2021–2026 Building Community, Creating Change
Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center
The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center engaged in an eight-month discernment process to consider IPJC’s next five years. A passionate, insightful, and diverse group of people from throughout the IPJC community
Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center
and key community partners said yes to being on a “Futuring Team.” We conducted listening sessions with the
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021
community through a series of focus groups and a survey.
Maureen Augusciak, Vice Chair
Generously, people from all parts of the community
Charlotte Davenport, CSJP*
shared their experiences and hopes for the future. Out of
Betty Devereaux, A-OP
this process was born the plan outlined below. We believe
Brenda Fincher
this framework will serve as a strong and clear guide for
Annie Fox*
the next five years. This process would not have been
Margarita Hernandez, SP*
possible without the input, care and passion of the entire
John Hickman, Chair
community as well as the time, energy, and wisdom of
Pat Millen, OSF,* Secretary Treasurer
the Futuring Team. This plan was unanimously approved
Mary Pat Murphy, OP*
by our Board of Directors and Board of Members on
Kathy Nolan, OP*
September 20, 2021.
Mary Rita Rohde, SNJM* * Also on the Board of Members
Special thanks to John Reid and The Reid Group for facilitating the strategic planning process.
MEMBERS OF THE FUTURING TEAM Maureen Augusciak, Board of Directors Derrick Belgarde, Director of Chief Seattle Club Judy Byron, OP, Director of NWCRI Sharon Callahan, Professor Emerita, Seattle University Deacon Joseph Connor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Seattle Pat Davis, PBVM, Sisters of the Presentation, San Francisco Betty Devereux, Board of Directors, Associate of Tacoma Dominicans John Hickman, Chair of the Board of Directors Kelly Hickman, Catholic Climate Covenant, St. Vincent de Paul Jesus Huerta, Catholic Relief Services Erin McGuire, Catholic Community Services Pat Millen, OSF, Chair of Board of Members, Board of Directors Natch Ohno, SJ, Former member Board of Directors Mary Rita Rohde, SNJM, Board of Directors Will Rutt, Executive Director
Strategic Plan 2021–2026 1. MISSION STATEMENT The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center, grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, builds community to act for systemic change in our church and world.
2. VALUE STATEMENTS
Spirituality
Community
We embrace the sacred in all of creation, relying on the Spirit through deep listening to every voice.
We work in solidarity with diverse groups and individuals.
Values Equity
Collaboration
We promote the dignity of all persons and work to transform unjust systems in the church and society.
We partner to claim our collective power for the common good.
3. VISION STATEMENT The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center, informed by the charisms of our sponsoring communities, envisions an equitable world of love, justice and mercy. We are part of an intergenerational web of faith-based communities and other organizations acting to center the voices of those directly impacted by injustice. We build a culture of encounter and inclusion by sharing our resources to uphold the dignity and care of all creation.
4. INTERRELATED GOALS
STEWARD OUR HUMAN AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO BE SUSTAINABLE
REMAIN GROUNDED IN THE CHARISMS AND VISION OF OUR SPONSORING AND AFFILIATE COMMUNITIES
STRENGTHEN EXISTING AND ESTABLISH NEW PARTNERSHIPS
WORK TO BE IN COMMON WITH ALL OF CREATION
We Will USE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE FOR THE CRITICAL PEACE & JUSTICE ISSUES OF OUR DAY
WORK IN COLLABORATION WITH DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE IN BUILDING COMMUNITY AND ACTING FOR JUSTICE
STRIVE TO BE ANTI-RACIST IN ALL WE DO
GOAL I. WE WILL EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE FOR THE CRITICAL PEACE & JUSTICE ISSUES OF OUR DAY Yahweh has told you what is good; only this, to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) A. Evaluate the effectiveness of IPJC resources for social change. B. Provide training to faith leaders in community organizing. C. Create workshops on the critical issues of our day, e.g., climate, racism, civic engagement, immigration, human trafficking. D. Redevelop programs in order to build capacity and skills for doing the work of social justice. E. Explore the feasibility of hosting Convocations/large gatherings.
GOAL II. WE WILL WORK TO BE IN COMMON WITH ALL OF CREATION How varied are your works, [God]! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. (Psalm 104:24) A. Establish an environmental and sustainability action plan to become carbon neutral by 2026 and work towards becoming carbon negative. B. Collaborate with organizations focused on integral ecology. C. Work with and learn from organizations led by indigenous communities and those most impacted by environmental degradation, climate change, and pollution to create educational and advocacy resources. D. Participate in and support the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. E. Advocate for policies and programs at the state, regional, and national levels that address the climate crisis and mitigate the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities.
GOAL III. WE WILL STRIVE TO BE ANTI-RACIST IN ALL WE DO There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) A. Clearly define what anti-racism means for IPJC both by definition and in practice. B. Identify, name, and deconstruct characteristics of systemic white privilege present in IPJC’s programming, culture and policies. C. Engage staff and board members in formation to be more culturally responsive and anti-racist. D. Create tools and work closely with faith communities and other organizations of people of good will to address institutional racism. E. Create and increase capacity for multi-lingual programming and resources. F. Hire and support Black, Indigenous, Latinx and Asian American-Pacific Islander and other underrepresented people and increase their presence on the Board. G. Develop clear, public, easily accessible statements and actions on anti-racism.
GOAL IV. WE WILL REMAIN GROUNDED IN THE CHARISMS AND VISION OF OUR SPONSORING AND AFFILIATE COMMUNITIES The women hurried away from the tomb half overjoyed, half fearful, and ran to carry the good news to the disciples. Suddenly, without warning, Jesus stood before them and said, “Peace!” The women came up and embraced his feet and did him homage. At this Jesus said to them: Do not be afraid!” Go and carry the news to my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, where they will see me.” (Matthew 28:8-10) A. Reaffirm and support the role of the Sponsoring and Affiliate communities in IPJC through dialogue with each congregation. B. Foster inter-congregational collaboration opportunities and facilitate connections between congregations and laity. C. Celebrate the stories and legacy of the Sponsoring and Affiliate communities. D. Promote the leadership of women in church and society.
GOAL V. WE WILL STRENGTHEN EXISTING AND ESTABLISH NEW PARTNERSHIPS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY, AND INTERNATIONALLY There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12: 12) A. Identify current and potential partners at local, regional, national, and international levels. B. Strengthen connections with Catholic organizations. C. Establish mutually beneficial partnerships with ecumenical, interfaith, and other organizations of people of good will.
GOAL VI. WE WILL WORK IN COLLABORATION WITH DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10) A. Work directly with impacted communities on all justice issues. B. Co-sponsor events with Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American-Pacific Islander led groups. C. Prioritize partnerships with Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American-Pacific Islander owned businesses for sub contracted work and projects.
GOAL VII. WE WILL ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE IN BUILDING COMMUNITY AND ACTING FOR JUSTICE For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) A. Establish a consistent, robust, and dynamic presence on social media. B. Collaborate with youth and young adult leaders and organizations to support and broaden the impact of their efforts. C. Provide community organizing training and education to youth and young adults. D. Explore possibilities of partnering with organizations that engage youth and young adults. E. Identify the specific group of young people that IPJC intends to work with and conduct a listening campaign to understand how IPJC can support and gather youth.
GOAL VIII. WE WILL USE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. They set it on a stand where it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before all so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your gracious God. (Matthew 5:14-16) A. Investigate tech platforms that will support, streamline, and accomplish IPJC’s goals. B. Develop an effective and engaging social media presence. C. Update existing IT support plan/hardware and software requirements. D. Invest in donor management/email marketing software. E. Ensure the technology employed is user friendly and effective for our constituents.
GOAL IX. WE WILL STEWARD OUR HUMAN AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO BE SUSTAINABLE Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10) A. Evaluate current human and financial resources and implement changes as needed. B. Continue to hire, support, and retain an effective staff with fair and equitable compensation. C. Develop sound practices to be able to recruit and train volunteers to expand our capacity. D. Evaluate and improve facility and asset utilization. E. Develop a concrete funding plan which will provide for a sustainable future, and offers opportunity to grow ongoing funding support for IPJC. F. Grow revenue sources to increase compensation for programs and publications.
Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center
SPONSORING COMMUNITIES Adrian Dominican Sisters Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Jesuits West Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, US-Ontario Province Sisters of Providence, Mother Joseph Province Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia Tacoma Dominicans
AFFILIATE COMMUNITIES Benedictine Sisters of Cottonwood, Idaho Benedictine Sisters of Lacey Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose Dominican Sisters of Racine Dominican Sisters of San Rafael Sinsinawa Dominicans Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sisters of St. Francis of Redwood City Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Society of the Holy Child Jesus Sisters of the Holy Family Sisters of the Presentation, San Francisco Society of Helpers Society of the Sacred Heart Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union
© Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center, February 2022 Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization 1216 NE 65th St, Seattle, WA 98115-6724 • ipjc@ipjc.org • ipjc.org