For many years, Jean Vanier has influenced my personal and professional journey. I have taught and written about inclusion, the dignity of the human person and peace leadership in reference to Vanier, the founder of L’Arche. Because of his great impact on my life, I am profoundly disturbed by the news that he was a..
Tag: Vanier
Jean Vanier died May 7, 2019. He is a hero to me since he modelled true inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. I hope we have another Jean Vanier, no, many more in our lifetime. Canadian philosopher and humanitarian Jean Vanier (1928-) was the founder of 149 L’Arche homes in 38 countries around the world…
An essential question for adult educators to reflect on is: What matters to me and how can my work advance this in some way? Discovering and acting upon a purpose beyond oneself brings meaning to work and can motivate learners to find meaning also. This leads to a deeper commitment and sense of fulfillment. Having..
By ‘spiritual’ I am referring to a belief in a reality beyond the senses – whether theistic or not – that provides a framework or horizon of significance giving direction to life. Canadian contemporary philosopher Charles Taylor’s views on the secular age and individualism help to contextualize why we need wise, spiritual leaders in a..
As founders of internationally recognized communities (L’Arche and The Catholic Worker), Vanier and Day teach leaders how to build community by valuing the human person no matter their background or beliefs, abilities or disabilities, wealth, prestige, poverty or insignificance. Both leaders see unity and the possibility of integration in a pluralistic world. We might readily..
Canadian philosopher and humanitarian Jean Vanier (1928-) is the founder of 149 L’Arche homes in 38 countries around the world.[i] In these homes people with intellectual disabilities (the residents) live and work side by side with the nondisabled (their assistants) as peers in “mutually transformative relationships.” Jean Vanier emphasizes the great discovery of his life,..