by Renata Reid, Subud California Chair
California had its regional congress over the Labor Day weekend. As it immediately followed the World Congress in Mexico, we anticipated low numbers. However, we were very pleasantly surprised by many last minute registrants and a fine turnout.
And it was HOT! Yes, we actually had a congress in the desert – in August – and everyone survived! It was made bearable by nicely air conditioned buildings and the very congenial van service provided by Paul Garth.
We had several international visitors who had also attended the World Congress coming from as far away as Europe, Australia and Indonesia, many of whom shared their diverse talents with us. Our National Chair, Daniel Stralberg joined us and gave a Subud USA report along with National Treasurer, Laksar Reese who gave a financial report. We had National helper support from Alexandra Boyer, Lianne Card and Kenneth Clark.
We enjoyed great entertainment by David Zasloff, Laksar Reese, Aswan Karapetian, the Iliana Rose Cuban Band and many others, plus a Subud film festival hosted by Pilar Walsh. There was a successful silent auction earning over $1,000, and a talent night with song, poetry and comedy, plus a children’s play, pool time and dancing!!
The Regional Council met on Thursday and Friday with the addition of two new regional councilors; Stephen Kelley, San Diego and Jeff Stone, Santa Cruz. We currently have several council seats vacant and an effort is in progress to fill these seats. Council discussions ranged from creating new revenue for some of our centers to our fall pledge drive with a goal of 100% participation. There was also much discussion about a possible new tenant for the Sonoma house which has already begun to revitalize the center and the membership there.
We have five new regional helpers; Bustami Pollard, Luke Jones, Meldan Heaslip, Elna Cooke, and Lucia Cargill, along with Maria Pope who has graciously stayed on for another term. Our new regional helpers got right to work with two latihans per day and many smaller sessions throughout the weekend.
Workshops, including some lively group discussions on the future of Subud and revitalizing our centers were well attended.
Since the Regional Congress, there have been further discussions with the national committee to coordinate our upcoming fall pledge drives. In keeping with the national trend to be “center focused”, the emphasis will be on the importance of stimulating greater member participation and giving at the center level, with a designated percentage going up to the region and then again to Subud USA.
Also on the horizon is our next regional council meeting hosted by the Sacramento group the weekend of Nov. 1-2. All California members are welcome to come as visitors.