At iACT, we are so grateful for our Board of Directors! In this Board Spotlight, Lynn Adams, iACT Board Member, tells us a little more about herself.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I spent my childhood in Shreveport, Louisiana but have lived in Austin longer than anywhere else!
How long have you been in Austin?
I have lived in Austin for over 20 years, this time around. I lived here before, in the 70’s when I attended UT as an undergraduate.
How long have you served on the iACT Board?
3 years
What made you want to serve as an iACT Board Member?
I first learned about iACT through my personal and professional interest in what’s called “large group facilitation.” I had extensive experience in using this type of facilitation working with corporations and nonprofits. When I found out that iACT was using a similar technique in the Red Bench program, I was thrilled to learn more about it and started attending as many Red Bench dialogues as I could over the years.
The Red Bench dialogues provided me with an opportunity to explore topics that had personal meaning for me, with people from different traditions (faith, wisdom, and “nones”) and cultural backgrounds. I have studied and taught courses on cultural differences and dialogue. However, my early experiences attending Red Bench was different. The discussion was civil, enlivening, inspiring, and provided a deeper connection with the other participants. The difference of outlooks, influences, perspectives shared from the heart was magical, and even though it’s difficult to describe the experience sufficiently, nevertheless, I was hooked from the first time! So, when I was offered the opportunity to lead the Red Bench for iACT, I was delighted.
I believe that civil dialogue is more important today than it has ever been in our lifetimes. There is a critical need, a hunger, for spaces where we can sit “face to face” with “the other” and see the humanity as well as the uniqueness we each bring to the world. iACT has provided this opportunity about twice a month and has been doing so for 9 years! The Red Bench is an amazing, powerful gift to our Central Texas community!
What do you enjoy the most about your role as a Board Member of iACT?
The Board members are unique, joyous, and committed people. We all have different backgrounds but share a common belief in the value of interfaith action and commitment to iACT. Additionally, the iACT staff folks and volunteers are a pleasure to work with, as well.
What’s the most challenging thing about working as a Board Member of iACT?
The needs and real-world challenges of the people who count on iACT are overwhelming at times and are growing at the same time that funding has become more challenging. Sometimes you know you can’t do enough, and that’s hard. So many of these massive systemic issues seem hard-wired and almost impossible to untangle.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a Board Member of iACT?
Getting to know so many people who share in the belief that we can “do good” when we all come together regardless of our personal background.
Why would you encourage others to support the work of iACT?
I believe we are all seeking community and connection; now than ever. iACT attracts people who seem to “get it.” You needn’t be deeply spiritual or religious to find people you have similar values with, people who care about what’s important and are committed to the greater good. Also knowing that whatever it is that you can contribute, prayers, well wishes, treasures or working as a volunteer, it will making a positive difference and having an impact!
