Our work is carried out in three ways:
The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for oversight of the entire nonprofit organization and works in collaboration with other parts of the Loretto Community. We plan and structure our Annual Meeting, regional gatherings, and publish an e-newsletter once a month for members.
Special Projects
From time to time, Loretto Link takes part in special projects of particular interest to the entire Community. We have given money to organizations providing bail for detained migrants. We have participated in demonstrations and other actions around immigration reform, dismantling white supremacy, and addressing other oppressions. We have also had work parties at the Motherhouse. This work was suspended during the pandemic and we are waiting for the time when we can return to that.
Pictured: Loretto Link provided $15,000 to help Casa de Paz, a nonprofit in Denver, CO, in their mission to reunite families separated by immigrant detention. Our contribution helped Casa de Paz clients with bonding and post-detention immigration assistance by helping provide safe places to stay while awaiting hearings during COVID. Casa de Paz is the only organization in Colorado offering post-release support to released immigrants. Many Loretto Link members have volunteered at Casa de Paz over the past several years.
Working Groups
Our working groups are created by members and operate with a great deal of autonomy to carry out their work. The working groups are listed below.
Contemplation Working Group
The Spirituality/Contemplation group meets monthly to share reflections about our spiritual journeys and to support each other on our journeys. This year, a subgroup of our members organized the Loretto Link retreat that touched many hearts. If you'd like to join our group, email Vicki Schwartz. All are welcome!
Convener: Vicki Schwartz
Co-operative Economics Working Group
The Co-operative Economics Working Group rejects the system of profit over people that capitalizes on the labor of the poor and the gifts of Earth to enrich a few. We have been learning about “localization” as one alternative to our current economic practices. Together we can explore ways to make needed changes to our unhealthy global system through our individual, community, and national efforts.
Convener: Theresa Kubasek
Good Trouble Working Group
The Good Trouble Working Group (GTWG) was formed to educate ourselves and work for racial equality. We named ourselves in honor of civil rights icon John Lewis. Our mission is to act for social change through direct action and partnerships. We formed to remain vigilant against the rise in white supremacy in the U.S. and align ourselves with groups that promote racial justice, fight disinformation, and champion crucial voting and civil rights laws that allow all to participate in democracy. Part of our work is to remain aware of cultural biases within ourselves and our communities. The Good Trouble group is currently learning about reparations and has partnered with The Poor People’s Campaign.
Conveners: Carolyn Jaramillo, Maureen O’Connell, and Paulette Peterson
Membership Working Group
The Membership Working Group examines the issue of receiving new members who are not Loretto Community members. The working group designed a process for people to submit an Interest Form and then be mentored or immediately received if they had a solid history with the Loretto Community. The process was put before the membership and was then voted upon and approved by the membership. This working group receives interest forms from potential members and, mutually with the applying members, determines if some mentoring is needed before acceptance into full membership.
Convener: Pat Geier
Just Loans Working Group
The goal of the Just Loans Working Group is to help people get out of predatory debt. Small loans with high interest are made to people with little credit or other access to pay unusual and immediate expenses such as car repairs, electric or heating bills, necessary travel, and the like. Interest on these loans is usurious (35%-400%). When the loan is rolled over from one month to the next, the borrower soon owes far more than the original loan. This Working Group assists borrowers by paying off loans and working out a low or no interest payment schedule on a case-by-case basis. We also work to educate ourselves and others about predatory loans and how they can be regulated.
Convenor: Kim Klein
Political Concerns Working Group
Because there are significant political concerns in our society today, the Political Concerns Working Group discusses federal and state legislation that members of the group have worked on or have information about, including voting rights and voter suppression. Important related areas of migration, climate change, health care, racial justice, and housing are also part of discussions and information.
Convener: Mary Catherine Rabbitt
Structure and Process Working Group
The Structure and Process Working Group works in collaboration with the Board to pay attention to how Loretto Link develops as an organization, its organizational structure, how work is accomplished, and processes such as decision-making, communication, teamwork, and coordination and to provide suggestions about all of the above.
Convener: Jean East
The Wisdom Circle
Some members of Loretto Link do not have the time or energy to participate in a Working Group but do want to engage with Loretto Link. The Wisdom Circle exists to provide a means of essential participation for these members, and we turn to this group for help answering vital questions affecting the entire organization.
Although the Circle does not have regular meetings, other Loretto Link members and the Board of Directors call on this group from time to time. Wisdom Circle members always have a presence at the Annual Meeting.
We encourage all members who can’t participate in a Working Group to join the Wisdom Circle, as this group functions as a supportive community that serves to help Loretto Link stay faithful to our values and mission. The very existence of the Circle keeps us connected to our roots because members of the Wisdom Circle have vast experience living in Community, sharing resources, dealing with conflict, and so much more. Their collective experience and expertise are vital to Loretto Link.
Convener: Eileen Custy .
How are working groups formed?
There are two ways to form a working group:
Every year at the Annual Meeting, we announce a call for Working Groups. All present members can propose an idea for a Working Group or join an already-proposed group. Working Groups already in existence can invite new members to join. A Working Group is considered functional when it has three or more Loretto Link members.
If someone wants to form a Working Group, that person need not wait for the Annual Meeting: Find at least two other members who share your passion and then contact the Board of Directors with a brief description of what you want to do and who is in the Working Group. The Board ensures the work proposed is within the mission of Loretto Link. If yes, the Working Group receives the green light.
The Working Group is then announced in the Loretto Link e-newsletter, with a description of the proposed work and an invitation for members to join.