Haris Wolfgang, Liza Ramey and I (Oswald Norton) were invited into the delegate session during the My Community Day to work with the delegates on the concept of helping their own local communities flourish. Here is a summary of what happened in the first session: “Subud is a like a tree. Its roots are our local Subud communities. Its roots need to be nurtured for the tree to be truly healthy.” ~ from our new WSA Chair Elias Dumit We went through a process of identifying and sharing our needs and hopes for our communities in a safe and inclusive space is a starting point for learning conflict resolution, creating consensus and intention toward building healthy, vibrant communities. What we learned from Friday’s experience: We shared a small piece of the beginning of the community building process. Even though very abbreviated, each sister and brother were able to share, listen and acknowledge their hopes for their community. We also learned that we share many of the same hopes. (see attached PowerPoint for a summary of themes) How can we see these hopes realized? Next steps:
- Using the common themes identified, we will go through a process of choosing one theme that resonates with the group through consensus building
- Groups will create a strategy to carry out that theme through activities and projects.
What we have witnessed with groups going through this process is that members become engaged working toward a shared vision they have had a part in creating. When we nourish the roots of the tree, we invite members that are empowered to create thriving communities making the tree grow and flourish.