Franciscan Action Network (FAN)

The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform United States public policy related to peace making, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. FAN is a grassroots organization amplifying the justice efforts of Franciscans and Franciscan-hearted people around the country based on the life and teaching of the medieval Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi and their calls for compassion for the poor and for creation.

I was fortunate to be part of the inaugural staff for this ministry which is based in Washington, D.C. I served as FAN’s Digital Communications and Outreach Coordinator. During this formative period for the organization, I pioneered the development of a vision and implementation of the initial website and online presence for the organization along with the inauguration of a related database, online communication and social networking efforts. Drawing upon my background in Franciscan spirituality, theology and ministry I established programmatic content for organization and for the new website. Here is a sample. I also wrote this peer-reviewed article (2008) on how Franciscanism and the ecumenical movement together are able to drive action on care for creation and common response to global climate change. Many of the insights anticipated those expressed seven years later by Pope Francis in his encyclical letter Laudato Si’, also based strongly on the life and spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

Additionally, I strategized and implemented FAN’s technological needs, providing expertise and collaborating with vendors and related relationships.

For more information on the organization, visit their website.

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