What is the difference between the Dominican Alliance
and the Federation of Dominican Sisters USA?

The Dominican Alliance was initiated in 1996 by Leadership of four congregations who were interested in further discussion about a Closer Union.  The purpose of the Alliance is to build relationships and collaborate for the sake of the mission.  The Alliance is led by the leadership of the eleven (11) participating congregations.  Members are invited to participate in the work of the committees and other activities sponsored by the Alliance.

The Federation of Dominican Sisters USA began in 1999 and it is leadership and membership initiated and led.  The focus of the Federation is to strengthen relationships among the congregations and to enable those congregations to speak with a common voice. Members participate in the Federation through voluntary participation in Federation Chapter Groups.

What are the benefits of belonging to the Alliance?

The benefits of belonging to the Alliance are diverse and varied.  Members who belong to the leadership group or to committees realize the most benefit of belonging to the Alliance. They have a support network; their vision of the Dominican family has been expanded; some live in intercongregational communities; some have participated in the ministry of other congregations by serving on boards; some have made retreats at Alliance motherhouses or ecology centers; some have vacationed at Alliance vacation sites.

Who/What is the Leadership of the Dominican Alliance?

The DA Leadership (Leadership Teams of Alliance Congregations) meets three times a year and elects an Executive Committee consisting of a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer who serve for a three year term.  The Policy Book of the Dominican Alliance outlines the responsibilities of the Executive Committee.  Decisions and activities of the committees are approved by the Alliance Leadership or the Executive Committee on behalf of the Alliance leadership. 

The Dominican Alliance employs a Justice Resource Person and an Executive Director.

How does the Alliance welcome new members?  How do new members get to know the others?

Welcoming new members is a challenge for the Dominican Alliance and one that is met in a variety of ways depending on the needs and desires of the congregation and the creativity of the Alliance Leadership.  The members of the Leadership Team are included in the regular Alliance Leadership Meetings.  New members are invited to participate in the Alliance Committees.

How is committee membership determined? 
Does every congregation have to participate in every Alliance committee?

Each congregation is invited to participate in every committee but this is not a requirement.

Some committee members are members because of their role (e.g. Vocation Directors or Ecology Center Directors, Justice Promoters and Preaching Promoters); others are invited by Leadership to serve on committees.

How is the Dominican Alliance financed?  What is the financial commitment of the member congregations?  What are the expenses of the Dominican Alliance?

The dues structure of the Dominican Alliance is approved by the Leadership and is determined by the size of the participating congregations.  The operating budget covers the stipends for the part-time Justice Resource Person and the part-time Executive Director; rent and office expenses; expenses for meetings and the yearly budget of the committees.  The committee budget covers postage, phone calls and meeting expenses.  Travel to committee meetings is paid by each congregation.  Facilitation of committee meetings is done on a pro-bono basis by Alliance members.

How do members of the Dominican Alliance collaborate for the sake of the mission?

Perhaps a good answer to this would be to look at the entire website or contact your Congregational leadership for more information. This link takes you back to the Shields Page of our member Congregations where you may link directly yo your leadership. Back to the Shields Page