Connectedness

By Deani Van Pelt  |  September 2nd

As we recently organized ourselves for our latest quarterly Edvance board meeting, we did a round up of all the external organizations with whom we have cultivated ongoing formal or informal relationships. We listed over 40 valued organizations that help us live more fully into our purpose and identity! Some are local. Some provincial. Others have a national reach or are internationally situated. Some operate out of a distinctly Christian perspective, others hold a different orienting position. Each brings something to who Edvance is and what we can offer.

It reminds me of our Called. Connected. Committed. framework that we recently had the joy of preparing collaboratively within the Christian Schools Canada network.

It opens with stating: “Christian schools operate under the authority of a local governing board of directors. Yet they do not operate autonomously or in isolation because of this structure. Rather, they collaborate within provincial associations of Chris­tian schools. This enhances professionalism, expertise, support, and deepens Christian commitment. National collaboration of the provincial Christian school associations leads to further enhancements and international dialogue” (page 2).

The framework makes the bold claim that effective leaders in Christian schools are connected. “Leaders who are connected operate deliberately within communities of practice, positioning themselves within positive relationships that sustain and encourage all parties. They embrace interdependence, demonstrate compassion, and embody humble service to others. They create a shared identity within their teams and draw colleagues around for a common purpose” (page 4).

As I reviewed the dozens of external organizations with whom we at Edvance collaborate, I found myself giving thanks for each of their leaders—gifted leaders of foundations, think tanks, independent school associations, denominational leaders, employee federations, benefit and pension providers, universities, activists, and thought leaders, to name a few. At Edvance, as we cultivate relationships and interdependence across organizations, we are especially grateful when we see the resonance in the increased flourishing of individual Christian schools.

Called. Connected. Committed. reminds us that “leaders who foster positive school cultures are relational and community orient­ed. Their work engages the community and intentionally fosters strong relation­ships across their constituents that are modelled on the love of Christ. They recognize the brokenness within themselves and within their communities. In that context, they seek to build personal and corporate resilience and cultivate a deep sense of belonging” (page 5).

We embrace interdependence. And related practices that I find myself nurturing include being involved in professional support networks and professional learning communities. And questions I am asking myself for our organization (from page 24 of Called. Connected. Committed.) include: what relationships with which organizations make Edvance and our team stronger? Without whom would Edvance be weaker? How might we collaborate more with other organizations? And who are we serving—which organizations and people are we impacting—who have limited ability to provide us with reciprocal benefits?

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, let’s remind ourselves that one of our deepest strengths is that we are connected. I pray you will find joy, peace, and encouragement as you build relationships and cultivate connections this year.

Dr. Deani Van Pelt is the President of Edvance.