Focus in Spokane
November 29, 2005
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Everyone
at the Radha Yoga Center has been busy this fall putting
into action what came from the AGM at the Ashram in August.
Last Thursday we had a Focus Group meeting which was
facilitated by Joe Albert from Gonzaga's organizational
leadership program (one of our students). A diverse group
of 24 people came together for this meeting at the Museum
nearby the Radha House - who donated the
use of a conference room.
A lot of work was done to prepare for the meeting. We invited
people who are involved in the community - most of them
have a connection with Radha Center. Joe recommended having
this kind of meeting as a way to get input about what's
happening in the city and to find out how Radha Yoga Center
can tap into resources that are available. This all happened
in a one and a half hour meeting!
Swami Radhakrishnananda welcomed everyone and then led
us in the Divine Light Invocation. This set the tone for
the whole meeting. The RYC group's role was very specific
- to listen to what was being said and to record what we
heard! We were kept busy the whole time. Background information
and specific questions that we wanted to focus on had been
sent to the group before the meeting, so everyone came
prepared and had lots of ideas and practical suggestions.
It was a lively and inspiring session. Everyone there expressed
what the Radha Yoga Center meant to them.
There was input on current trends and language that would
help us communicate what we have to offer in different
venues. There were many contacts given for partnerships
and networking throughout the city. A lot of the people
used the word "we" when they spoke about the
Center - and they explored how they could take responsibility
and contribute to continuing Swami Radha's work in Spokane.
A professional fundraiser was part of the group and she
had some very interesting statistics and recommendations
- for ex. that the best source of donations are the people
who are served by the center. She said that 85% of donations
come from people involved in the organization or cause.
Our group is now sifting through all the input and prioritizing
what we can realistically do. This whole process has been
a valuable learning for everyone. Joe continues to work
with us and has recommended having another follow up meeting
in January. We will keep you updated on what's happening
and how it all unfolds.
Namaste,
From Radha Yoga Center in Spokane |
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