Every Lasallian ministry—whether a school, youth and family service, or special program—stands on the shoulders of those called to lead. But what does it truly mean to lead in the Lasallian tradition? That question is at the heart of the New Lasallian Leaders Workshop, a program designed to welcome and form new leaders across the District of Eastern North America (DENA).
Launched with fresh energy in August 2024, after a pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this two-day workshop is more than just orientation or professional development. It’s a gathering of mission, an opportunity for newly appointed Board Chairs, Presidents, Principals, and Executive Directors to step into their roles not only with clarity, but with conviction rooted in Lasallian spirituality.
The workshop recognizes that Lasallian leadership is unique. Unlike secular institutions where leadership may focus solely on operations or academics, Lasallian leaders are called to something deeper. They are entrusted with carrying forward the educational mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, one that blends faith, service, and community with a deep concern for the marginalized and underserved.
The program is designed to nurture that understanding. Through keynote addresses, group discussions, and peer mentoring, new leaders are introduced to the Lasallian charism, the District’s structure, and the lived realities of those who have walked the path before them. It’s also a time for connection—across schools, ministries, and regions—building a network of support that leaders can lean on as they grow into their responsibilities.
One of the central themes of the workshop is that Lasallian leaders are not just CEOs or school heads; they are apostolic leaders. They hold the mission in trust—not just to educate minds, but to form hearts, foster justice, and create inclusive communities where each individual is known, loved, and challenged to grow.
Led by seasoned Lasallian educators and Brothers, the program helps new leaders reflect on their vocation and the sacred responsibility they carry. Sessions explore topics like Lasallian pedagogy, the history of the Brothers, and contemporary challenges in Catholic education. But above all, they affirm a shared purpose: to continue “together and by association” the work begun more than 300 years ago.
The New Lasallian Leaders Workshop is not a finish line—it’s a beginning. It marks the start of each leader’s journey into a role that is as demanding as it is meaningful. And in coming together, these leaders don’t just learn—they inspire each other, commit to each other, and walk forward with a renewed sense of calling.
