MC-MH: Global Integration—9

Writing GI Statements

We are sharing some thoughts on future directions for integration. Integration is a field of study which brings together the disciplines of mental health and theology in order to better understand and help humans and thus glorify God. The ongoing/additional links between member care (MC) and mental health (MH) are highly relevant for the global development of integration—global integration (GI). And GI is potentially very relevant for the global development of mission/aid and human health.

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Where are you going in GI and where do you want to go? I think one of the best ways to clarify and envision your GI course is to write a short personal statement about how your work, life, values, and aspirations connect/contribute to the global world. GI statements can also be done by teams, departments, academic institutions, organizations, professional associations etc. GI involvement leads us into many different areas: nations, cultures, languages, organizations, sectors, disciplines, conferences, projects, research, issues, and above all relationships. The comments in this paragraph also apply to our work in member care (replace GI with MC). 

Here is a GI Statement that reflects my GI course.

I am still working on it!

I am a consulting psychologist trained in clinical-community psychology, working internationally for 25 years to help develop the global member care field in mission/aid. My work has emphasized:

·forming member care networks and practitioner affiliations;

·training, research, and writing in the member care field;

·consulting with mission/aid personnel and their sending groups to foster staff wellbeing, effectiveness, and comprehensive human resource management systems;

·and keeping current with the humanitarian psychology field in the efforts to support those affected by conflicts and calamities.

 

I have also prioritized working in these three areas:

·coordinating projects, consulting, and compiling materials in the global mental health field;

·collaborating with colleagues to prevent and confront corruption in the church-mission community;

·and providing resources for the diversity of graduate students and professionals in the health sciences as they connect and contribute with global human health opportunities and the challenges facing humanity.

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My work is strongly influenced by a commitment to crossing sectors, disciplines, and cultures for mutual learning as well as the Ignatian values of eruditio, probitas, and officium (learning, virtue, and duty). As a follower of Jesus Christ, my relationship with Him and the teaching of Scripture are foundational for my life and work.

Reflection and Discussion
**List three core parts of a GI Statement for yourself?

** How do learning, virtue, and duty (as mentioned above) relate to your work in member care and/or GI?