Fellows in Columbia
HELM’s Leadership Development Program aims to develop leaders through an intentional focus on four major areas during an undergraduate’s years of study. In their first year, Fellows focus on the nature and purpose of Christian community, including what it means to build and sustain authentic community. During the second year of the program, they learn about social transformation and reflect on the way faith compels us to work for justice. The third-year focus is on global awareness and involves an international trip to visit Disciples’ partners who are working on grassroots issues related to justice, peace, equality, and human rights. Finally, Fellows in their fourth year learn about mentoring and the lifelong practices of spiritual and vocational discernment.
The year three focus on Global Awareness has allowed HELM to partner with Global Ministries, a common witness of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, in connecting with international partners. Thus far, different cohorts of Fellows have visited Disciples’ partner organizations in Cuba, Morocco, and Colombia. In 2020, plans were in place to visit partners in Cuba again; however, the global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic prevented this trip from taking place. Chris Dorsey, President of HELM, says that when the global awareness theme was added as part of the Leadership Development Program, “We did it as a way of ensuring that participants in the program would have a chance to connect with people and places around the world, and understand the principles of solidarity and accompaniment as a key approach to mission.”
Fellows in Morocco
The work of partnering together has been facilitated by Global Ministries’ People-to-People Program, which assists in planning and preparing those who are engaging in cross-cultural pilgrimages. Lorna Hernandez, the Director of the program, believes deeply in the importance of these encounters: “When people from different backgrounds and cultures seek to listen and learn from each other, it is a sacred space. Whether by sharing a meal, worshipping, or exploring challenging issues, listening to each other’s stories changes the hearts, minds, and attitudes of those willing to come out of themselves into the world.”
Reflecting on the connection between HELM and Global Ministries, Hernandez notes that “The ongoing collaboration has created intentional spaces of transformation for college students at a time of academic, leadership, and ministry development. The knowledge, experience, and connections shared with international partners will increase intercultural awareness in students, understanding of their own contexts through a global lens, and willingness to take action on social issues to promote peace with justice.” Dorsey echoed the importance of this connection, sharing that “We are grateful that the global awareness trips we take the students on each year give us a chance to work closely with Global Ministries to make it a successful part of the curriculum.”
Fellows in Cuba
While HELM anticipates providing international connections and experiences for Fellows in the future, the many travel restrictions currently in place make international travel difficult. As a result, this year’s trip involves connecting with Disciples serving in Alaska. During this experience, Fellows will learn about the legacy of colonialism, the struggle for indigenous rights, and the effects of climate change and ongoing conservation efforts, as well as meet Disciples who are on the front lines of addressing these challenges.
To learn more about the Leadership Fellows Program, visit helmdisciples.org/leadership-programs/leadership-fellows/.