Should you not be able to participate in person, feel free to join us by www.zoom.us/j/7190836440 or dial 719-083-6440, password Omshanti

Your participation in the stakeholder dialogue this Saturday is vital. We count on your insights and feedback to challenge our assumptions and to guide us in improving, refining and prioritizing the list more effectively.

Here is a summary of the "Roadmap to Harmony". For our upcoming discussion, kindly familiarize yourself with the vision and mission statements. A brief look at the table of contents will also provide a snapshot of the document.
Program

Brief introduction by Lakshmi about the creative process we adopted so far

• Each of us will share aspects of the proposed new orientation

• Anatole will moderate the discussion whereby we seek your insights and ideas

Light refreshments

May we all be inspired by timeless teachings, grow together as a center of Light, nurture Divine Love, and furthering the transition to the Kingdom of God on Earth.

First unedited draft For discussion and prioritization October 5, 2023

Roadmap to Harmony Rediscovering our Divine Nature and reimagining our path to serving our mission entrusted to us by Guruji Victor (Vyasa) Deva Landa 2023—2025

School of Life with Shanti Yoga Ashram

The Essene Church of Peace

Spiritual Foods for the New Millenium

Global Coalition for Peace

“We aim to provide an environment where people can work to obtain a true sense of peace…” Guruji

Preamble

We developed a vision and mission statement with input from everyone at the School of Life with the belief that these will serve as a jointly owned ideal to guide our path. The vision and mission are not intended to replace those of Guruji, summarized as follows: Preach by example. Worship through service.

Vision

Inspired by timeless teachings, we grow as a center of Light through selfless service, nurturing Divine Love and furthering the transition to the Kingdom of God on Earth.

Mission

Exemplifying the teachings and yoga of Victor Vyasa Landa and the Masters, we accelerate the journey to light, harmony, and global peace, through holistic practices that foster spiritual growth, balanced nourishment of body, heart, and mind, and healing of the individual and the community.

Table of Contents

Summary ...........................................................................................................................................3 Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................4

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................5

2. Mission, Vision, and Core Values ...................................................................................................6

3. The School of Life in a changing environment.................................................................................7

4. Overarching priorities ...................................................................................................................8

5. Criteria for prioritization of “pruning” and “planting”.....................................................................9

6. Main activities to implement the overarching priorities ...............................................................10

A. Strengthen our connection with the community and expand our outreach, enabling and welcoming more collaborative partnerships....................................................................................11

Activity 01: Form a Steering Committee for strategic guidance. ...................................................................11 Activity 02: Improve communication with the School of Life’s community...............................................11

Activity 03: Expand the practice of Collective Groupwork .............................................................................12 Activity 04: Create an additional communal shared space for enhanced creative connections. ..12

Activity 05: Continue the Dialogue with Friends of the School of Life. ......................................................12

Activity 06: Conduct a simple survey to better understand community interests & preferences 12 Activity 07: Restructure volunteer activities by having volunteer’s coordinate. .....................................13 Additional initiatives for possible future consideration...................................................................................13

B. Enhance our spiritual services, community programs, and events, fully rooted in the unique essence of our school, with a special emphasis on collaboration and engagement. ......................13

Activity 08: Bring more structure and routinize schedules of major programs. ....................................13

Activity 09: Improve the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. ....................................... 13

Activity 10: improve the Store program.........................................................................................................13 Activity 11: Improve the Mail Order program................................................................................................14 Activity 12: Consider discontinuing the dairy program. .................................................................................14 Activity 13: Explore ways in which to make the Homeless feeding program more impactful. ........14

Activity 14: Re-imagine from the ground up other activities and projects. ..............................................14

Activity 15: Initiate a working group to study re-structuring spiritual programs.....................................14

Additional initiatives for possible future consideration...................................................................................15 C. Improve our facilities to create a welcoming environment and serene ambiance that reflects community aspirations and our dedication to harmony……………………………………………………………….15

Activity 16: Select room-by-room and repair, declutter and beautify. .......................................................15

Activity 17: Stairway flow enhancement........................................................................................................16 Activity 18: Beautify select areas with inspiring murals.................................................................................16 Activity 19: Develop an inventory of required repairs, renovations and improvements....................16

Activity 20: Modernize and consolidate the libraries.....................................................................................16 Activity 21: Repair and renovate the outside of the Jerusalem building. .................................................16

Activity 22: Consider hiring a groundskeeper and/or office helper and/or CSA manager. ..............16

Activity 23: Curate a recurring chores agenda. ..............................................................................................16 Activity 24: Move Durga’s office upstairs to join Lakshmi..............................................................................17 Activity 25: Plan for renovation of Lakshmi/Durga/Jen’s office and Lakshmi’s bedroom...................17

Additional initiatives for possible future consideration...................................................................................17

2 D. Enhance our internal management and organization to foster a sustainable and peaceful environment that promotes spiritual growth, service, and the well-being of all members............18

Activity 26: Institute weekly social and spiritual activities for everyone at the School of Life..........18

Activity 27: Clarify decision-making processes...............................................................................................18 Activity 28: Adopt best practices for meetings. .............................................................................................18 Activity 29: Implement a computer backup system and shared drive......................................................18

Activity 30: Upgrade computers and software, by seeking donations of previously owned computers.......18

Activity 31: Set-up digital payment systems for all services and activities. .............................................19

Activity 32: Develop intentional descriptions of roles and responsibilities. ............................................19

Activity 33: Offer monthly 3-hour seminars for continuing education for everyone as a group. ....19

Activity 34: Initiate scheduled, regular dialogues with individuals and groups. ...................................19

Activity 35: Study the feasibility and cost/benefit of consolidating organizations. ............................20

Additional initiatives for possible future consideration...................................................................................20

7. Implementation: Budget, resources, timeline and ensuring we stay on the right path.................21

8. Conclusion and way forward .......................................................................................................22