How VAF is Organized
Via Affirmativa is an Idea, a Movement. We do not intend to create a membership or draw people into an organization. Instead, we seek to be a catalyst for creative and redemptive living right where you are.
Networks of small groups and isolated individuals will be vitally important to the growth of the Idea. Regional and national gatherings will play a role as well, again, not with the intention of developing membership, but for the purpose of supporting the development of groups and networks that can regularly encourage one another towards love and good deeds.
That being said, we do have a director: Gary Bradley is an artist and pioneer who has served with the Navigators in many different capacities over the past 30 years. He is currently on the Navigators National Leadership Team as the leader of U.S. initiatives.
We also have a team of Associate Directors:
Chuck Blakeman is a composer, clarinetist and self employed businessman from Denver, Colorado. Chuck has a history of pioneering new initiatives in the marketplace.
Donald McGilchrist is a philosopher, theologian and writer. Donald has served for 40 plus years with The Navigators most recently as a member of the International Leadership Team. Donald is from Great Britain and brings a breadth of European insight to the team.
Jim Petersen is an artist, pioneering leader, writer, speaker and theologian with 40 plus years of experience. Jim lived in Brazil for 30 years and brings a Latin influence to our team. Jim has also served for many years as the director of the Navigators in South America and most recently as a member of the International Leadership team.
Eddie Broussard is a poet, writer, artist, theologian, and linguist. Eddie speaks five languages and is the U.S. Director of the Navigator’s United Ethnic missions. He is a highly sought after communicator and is passionate about the Beauty of God. Eddie brings a rich contribution as his own family includes Creole, African American and Caribbean heritage.
Amy Wevodau is a published poet and classroom teacher. Amy is in her early thirties and brings a youthful presences to our team.
Shannon Gayk is a graduate of Notre Dame with a PHD in English, now teaching at Indiana University as Professor of English. Shannon has an extensive background in the history of the church and the arts.
Rochelle De Sa is a film producer and mother. Rochelle grew up in Brazil and brings an international insight to our team. She is currently producing our first Via Affirmativa film on the work of Liviu Mocan.
John Ridgeway is a pioneering leader from Australia with a PhD in Science. John has lived in India, Malaysia, and Australia and now in Denver. John is a theologian and travels widely in Asia as a consultant to mission movements.
Pat Sween is a visual artist in Seattle, Wa. Pat is a nurse who helped develop the model for converting crisis pregnancy centers to medical clinics. She is a specialist in non profit development.
Darin and Shannon White have a small family in Lawrence, Kansas and are the founders of BALM, a local arts movement. They co-own DisplayDirect, a commercial contract company specializing in artistic environments. The Whites both received their BFAs in Fine Arts at KU and are sculptors and painters respectively. Darin can be found at http://www.darinwhite.com , and Shannon can be found at http://www.shannonwhite.com.
Cris Ramsdale is painter who lives in Seattle with her husband and their two small children. She has worked with the Navigators in various capacities since 1998 and is also currently pursing a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Mars Hill Graduate School.