Alison Lindsay Cross, Chair of the International Stewardship Board
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Alison is Irish and lives in Dublin, Ireland. She is married to Kevin and has three sons and one daughter. She is a graduate of University College Dublin where she obtained a degree in History and Politics and a graduate of Kings Inns where she obtained the degree of Barrister–at–law. She is a lawyer by profession, specialising in Civil Law, in particular family and property law. She practised for nearly ten years in the west of Ireland and then moved to Cork where she continued to practise at the Bar and began to serve on Tribunals such as the Employment Appeals Tribunal and the Compensation Tribunal for those suffering from Hepatitis C as a result of the negligence of the State. In 1996 she was appointed a judge of the Circuit Court in Dublin. She continues to hold that position.
After that appointment Alison, Kevin and all the family relocated to Dublin.
Alison first became involved with L’Arche over 25 years ago in Cork. She was invited to join the fundraising committee by Tim Kearney. She became chair of the fundraising committee and then later chair of the local committee. She continued to work closely with Tim while he was community leader and Regional Coordinator.
Alison feels that the bonds of friendship formed with Tim echo the deep and meaningful ones formed and nurtured in L’Arche communities world wide. Alison has always had a special place for the welfare of long term assistants and has put a lot of energy over the years to ensure that they are encouraged to stay on and that they are nourished both mentally and financially.
For Alison, a L’Arche Community is a beacon of hope in this troubled world, where those with and without intellectual disability live together in a meaningful and dynamic way, where relationships are formed and lives are transformed.
From the mid-nineties Alison chaired the Central Committee, and then moved on to Chair the North European Zone Board. This post brought with it a new dimension to Alison’s L’Arche experience. She attended International Board meetings and Federation Assemblies.
When the new structures replaced the Zones, Alison became involved in the Dublin Community, joined the local board and is currently chair. At the same time Alison was asked to join the Structures Committee of L’Arche International to review the current structures and propose new ones. This work has been intense and rewarding.
L’Arche has had a powerful and fulfilling impact on Alison’s life and it continues to be central to her.