Spiritual leadership in The Salvation Army is based on a distinct world view: that God is the governor and preserver of this world, actively engaged in its transformation; that God’s work is highly intentional; and the role of Salvation Army leadership at all levels is to discern and follow God’s intentions and direction for the movement. One means of discernment is to carefully listen to the voice of stakeholders.
Stakeholders are those individuals, groups of individuals or organisations that affect and/or could be affected by The Salvation Army’s activities and mission. This will include leadership, management, employees, members, community beneficiaries, community leaders, government, the public, and donors. A key question to keep in front of us at all times is: have the relevant stakeholders that are affected by this particular decision or policy been actively engaged in the decision-making process? Stakeholder engagement is the key to effective mission mobilisation. How is this engagement achieved?
First of all by the establishment of relevant relationships which represent a diverse cross section of the communities we partner with and serve. This provides opportunities for conversation, dialogue, and individual interviews. Hearing directly from those involved.
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Spiritual leadership in The Salvation Army is based on a distinct world view: that God is the governor and preserver of this world, actively engaged in its transformation; that God’s work is highly intentional; and the role of Salvation Army leadership at all levels is to discern and follow God’s intentions and direction for the movement. One means of discernment is to carefully listen to the voice of stakeholders.
Stakeholders are those individuals, groups of individuals or organisations that affect and/or could be affected by The Salvation Army’s activities and mission. This will include leadership, management, employees, members, community beneficiaries, community leaders, government, the public, and donors. A key question to keep in front of us at all times is: have the relevant stakeholders that are affected by this particular decision or policy been actively engaged in the decision-making process? Stakeholder engagement is the key to effective mission mobilisation. How is this engagement achieved?
First of all by the establishment of relevant relationships which represent a diverse cross section of the communities we partner with and serve. This provides opportunities for conversation, dialogue, and individual interviews. Hearing directly from those involved.
Secondly, by providing a forum or platform for individuals and communities to respond to a particular issue or concern. They come to the table to present their desires, dreams, and hoped for outcomes.
Thirdly, large audiences can be addressed through a Town Hall Q&A or even a simple survey which asks carefully crafted questions to gather responses across a wide band of community.
This Quarterly Newsletter highlights two such activities conducted by ISJC.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a forum where many stakeholders are welcomed and given space to present their concerns, desires, and dreams. I encourage you to take time to read and explore the various presentations accessible from the ISJC webpage. . In particular, I would recommend to you the International Social Justice Girls group presentation and the panel presentation hosted by the ISJC. They are both enthusiastic and inspiring.
The ISJC Global Social Justice Survey summarises responses received from 1700 salvationists who identified issues of concern in their ministry context. Hearing their voices is critical to our understanding and greater appreciation of front line opportunities and challenges.
While we may not always agree with or even act on every opinion expressed it is important that all voices be heard; even those voices of dissension. Through this process of engagement we are constantly seeking the mind of Christ. For we are His co-workers, reconciling the world back to Him.
Ian and Wendy Swan
Colonels
Directors – International Social Justice Commission
ISJC and the United Nations
General Peddle’s Open Letter to the UN & The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The General of The Salvation Army has joined world leaders in signing an open letter expressing concern at the regression of rights for women in Afghanistan who have recently endured a ban on higher education, as of December 24th, 2022. In the aftermath of the regime change in August of 2021, rights for women have experienced significant backsliding in the country, beginning with the segregation of universities in September of that same year and escalating with the termination of schooling for teen girls in March 2022.
In May, a strict dress code for women was mandated by the government, later that year women were barred from multiple public spaces, such as parks and gyms, and these growing mandates culminated with the ban on women attending university in December of 2022. The International News Bulletin regarding this open letter can be found here.
The 67th session of the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women took place from the 6-17th of March. This year’s theme was “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”. Salvation Army representatives from around the world attended virtual and in-person meetings on social and moral issues relating to the central theme of women and technology, organised by international experts. 75 Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Personnel attended events and two parallel events were hosted by The International Social Justice Girls Group & ISJC Director Colonel Ian Swan: https://salvationarmy.org/isjc/csw67
The work of The Salvation Army International Schools was presented by the Director, Howard Dalziel, who outlined the mission, goals, and rationale for these schools which provide education to over half a million students each year. At the centre of this mission is the desire to bring holistic, skill-building education that is spiritually enriching in areas where others will not go and where The Salvation Army can add significant value. More information is available at: https://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc https://salvationarmy.org/isjc
Snapshots | ISJG Girl Advocates in New York!
The International Social Justice Girl Advocates met for the first time in person to attend the 67th Commission on the Status of Women in New York!
Featured Resource
Go and Do Something
Go and Do Something is a resource from the International Social Justice Commission based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is full of practical ideas for action, prayer points and facts, for people of all ages who want to go and do something & to make the world a better place today.
Download the resource here: https://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/go_and_do_something
