An organisation like A Rocha functions somewhat like a body, supported by a team of 16 employees spread across our two centres, Mas Mireille and Les Courmettes, as well as working remotely throughout France. We work together on various projects and are able to experience the great richness of the variety of gifts given to each part of the body.
To strengthen the cohesion of our dispersed team, a week-long work retreat is organised every year at Les Courmettes. This year, we got together during the last week of March, enjoying beautiful sunshine and a wonderful walk. This team time allowed us to work on our objectives and move forward with various in-person projects, such as filming videos and holding a brainstorming session to continue developing the Ambassador Network.
Being part of the Board of Directors (BoD) is a rather special form of volunteering. Collectively, the directors are responsible for ensuring the proper management of the organisation and must ensure that it remains faithful to its mission: ‘to preserve life and mobilise Christians’. To function effectively, a board of directors needs a diverse range of profiles: legal and financial expertise, strategic and management skills and, in the case of A Rocha, expertise in science and conservation or knowledge of biblical theology. Being a director is a spiritual commitment, to be carried out in prayer.
Most of our work is done via videoconference, but we try to meet in person two weekends a year. This allows us to see the work being done in the field, spend time with the staff at our two centres, better understand their challenges, and pray with them. From 28 to 30 April, the Board met at Les Courmettes to discuss current issues and to reflect on the organisational culture within A Rocha France and the values we want to place at the heart of our life together.
Life at A Rocha is full of challenges, but it is wonderful to be able to face them in unity as one body!