Established in 2015, the International Council for Association and the Lasallian Educational Mission or CIAMEL, represents the worldwide Institute and is tasked with animating and directing existing and future educational programs that embody and advance the Lasallian Mission. In 2023, Brother Armin Luistro, FSC, Superior General, announced a renewed CIAMEL as part of the new Institute leadership and governance structure. CIAMEL, along with the General Council and the International Economic Council, serve as the policy-making bodies for the Lasallian Family and advise the Superior General.

The CIAMEL Councillors are appointed by the Superior General to a three-year term, which is renewable once.

As “delegates from” and not “representatives of” their respective Regions, CIAMEL members are challenged to continually cultivate their skills and abilities as “Institute thinkers” to achieve the bold vision set forth for CIAMEL as part of the new Institute governance structure. CIAMEL’s key areas of influence within this structure are: (1) strategic direction and visioning for mission; (2) expert consultation and advice; (3) policy development and guidelines for mission; (4) networking and collaboration; and (5) advocacy and awareness.  Members of CIAMEL stay informed and fully engaged in the ways that the Lasallian Mission is being lived out in their respective Regions. This engagement in their home Districts and ministries allows them to fully participate in global conversations concerning the ways that the Lasallian Mission is being advanced on an international level.

Members of CIAMEL meet monthly via Zoom and in person two times a year at the Generalate in Rome, Italy or in another Region, so as to better understand the realities of how the Lasallian Mission is lived out in different parts of the Institute. CIAMEL also meets once a year with the other two Councils of the Institute in a synodal and collaborative manner. 

The priorities of CIAMEL are driven, in part, by proposals resulting from the Third International Assembly of the Lasallian Educational Mission (AIMEL) in 2022 as well as the lines of action commitments emanating from the 46th General Chapter (2022). CIAMEL’s goals and priorities include:

• Collaboration with the seven Institute Commissions 
• Encouraging the development and ongoing support of Mission Councils/MEL Councils
• Promoting the development and use of a directory of Mission Council/MEL Council chairs and encourage communication and sharing of best practices 
• Promoting appreciation for and understanding of The Leavening Movement
• Developing an online, virtual platform for Lasallians around the globe to connect, engage, and share resources and best practices
• Studying governance and financial models around the Institute
• Strengthening our Lasallian identity and promoting the use of Institute documents

For additional information about CIAMEL and its work, please contact Brother David Garcia, FSC, Executive Secretary