Subud USA

A Rich Subud USA 2023 Congress Experience

By Lianne Card

Our National Congress felt like a family reunion where about 200 people gathered in person for the first time since the pandemic. Held in Washington, DC from September 7th thru 11th, it was also a business congress where new officers were elected by delegates from across the country. Finally, we had a chance to tour the Subud WSA archives housed in the Amani Center and experience the new combined campus of the Amani Center and new Twin Oaks property.

The setting for the congress was the Crowne Plaza Hotel, a former Marriott hotel. The property is located in College Park, not far from the University of Maryland campus and 3 ½ miles from the Amani Center. The Crowne Plaza provided all the spaces we needed—grand ballrooms for the three latihans a day, break out rooms for testing, and a dining room that served great food. You could see clusters of Subud members in every corner of the hotel, deep in conversation. Looking down from our rooms, we could notice the first trees in the park-like setting begin to show their famous East Coast colors. The changing season also provided a sampler of weather with high 90’s heat at the beginning, two nights of thunder and lightning, then actual rain on Saturday when we were bused to and from the Amani Center events.

Some members from the MidWest and even farther regions combined a “great American road trip” with traveling to D.C. Some enjoyed tourist time in the Capital and quaint towns Not since the 2014 Sofitel Congress in Redwood City were so many members in the mood to attend a national gathering.

We hosted international visitors. These included Suyano Sumohadiwidjojo, WSA Executive and Nahum Harlap, the WSA Chair, plus Hannah de Roo, Zone Representative from Zone 3. Mathew Moir of the WSA Archives came to confer with the Subud USA Archive team. Rashidah Pope from Canberra, Australia attended so she could use our Archives to complete writing Volume 3 of The History of Subud. She is finishing Harlinah Longcroft’s lifetime project after Harlinah’s passing.

Suyono expressed confidence that the Kalimantan Congress date is firm: July 18-28, 2024. Permissions have been obtained from the Indonesian authorities to proceed with our international gathering during a year of Indonesian elections.

With meticulous attention to detail by the Congress team (especially Philip Lindstrom and Alexandra ter Horst, our Operations Manager), everything that needed to happen unfolded seemingly effortlessly. The National Helpers supported the entire event with marathon testing for officers and many roles as well as offering personal testing. During the opening ceremony, the National Helpers and Committee greeted members with a rendition of “Here Comes the Sun.” to signal that our “long cold lonely winter” was over!

A new National Committee was selected by testing and voting. Philip Lindstrom continues as chair for a new two-year term. (He previously completed Lucas Boladian’s term when Lucas moved on to the Amani Center project.) His new Vice-Chair is Simon Curran of the Midwest region. John Tjia of New York takes over as treasurer from Rafiq Dosani who heroically steered us through the past eight complex years. The new national secretary is Rifka Several. Alexandra Boyer will continue in the Committee Councilor position until the next World Congress. During this interim period, Sonia Shooshan will “shadow” Alejandra’s activity as “Committee Councilor in Waiting” and begin her full term in 2024 after Kalimantan.

For the first time in five years, we finally have Subud Youth Association (SYA) Chairs: Grace Zieman and Valentia Pollard. Rosetta Narvaez will serve as SES Chair. Fauziah Ishak will continue as Chair of Susila Dharma for another three-year term.  Rosanna Schutte continues as SICA Chair. In summary, for the first time in many years we have a full slate of officers! And all our Wings have leadership!

Rosetta Narvaez and Lucian Parshall served as Business Congress Chairs. They led the deliberations and discussion with 47 delegates representing all regions of Subud USA. (The number of delegates is established by the annual census.) This year, we even exceeded the number of delegates required for a quorum. The delegates were diligent, focused and serious making decisions about all resolutions from previous congresses and current recommendations.

Several longer-term efforts were launched. Rosetta Narvaez will be the point person for a reconsideration of our Governance documents including Bylaws, the Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM) and training materials for incoming committee members. Rosetta Narvaez will lead a standing Ad Hoc committee to revise these documents over the next two years. Lucian Parshall will be the point person for a team of financial experts who will revise our current policy for the Subud USA Endowment.

In other presentations of note, Rifka Several presented the proposal by Subud Canada and Subud USA for hosting the 2028 Congress. Two sites being considered are Calgary and Montreal. Elaina Dodson provided an update on MSM and Susila Dharma held a well-attended annual meeting with a video presentation about the projects being supported this year. Michael Barber as Vice-Chair led the meeting because SD Chair Fauziah Ishak could not attend. Another highlight of the Congress was the In Memoriam slide show that honored so many of our brothers and sisters who passed in the last three years. The show elicited grief and tears but also sweet memories.

At Sunday night’s “Entertainment & Beyond”, we celebrated with Halimah Collingwood as impresario and MC. Highlights included a participatory opening number by a Sundanese Angklung group who use traditional wood instruments from West Java. Four out of nine Subud members from the Washington area are members of this ensemble. They use hand-held bamboo instruments that are each tuned to one note on the scale. When members of the ensemble distributed instruments to everyone  we became an instant orchestra. The director Ari taught us to respond to her hand signals as we played  first “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star“ and then miraculously, Elvis Presley’s hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The exercise was an ice breaker that made us feel united and thrilled to be together. Angklung orchestras are still a vital and fascinating part of Indonesian culture.

Multiple Subud members performed original and remembered music, and poetry. Maia Chisholm on the harp accompanied Halimah Polk reciting a poem. New and veteran performers reminded us how the latihan can bring out our unique talents if we have the courage to share them. The evening was anchored by seasoned musicians Eli Dokson and Halimah Collingwood, and concluded with another participatory exercise, a “goodbye dance” led by Kristiana Kalab.

We are still processing our rich experience together.

The next National Congress will be a “kejiwaan” congress, likely to be held on the West Coast in 2024. Stay tuned !

Latihan Options

There continue to be many opportunities to join simultaneous latihan with Subud members in California, the U.S., and around the world. 

A change has been announced for the latihan offered by the Subud California Region. Starting in May 2022, the Subud California women helpers will not offer call-in latihan on the first Saturday of the month. Women may wish to join the national helpers call-in latihan at 1:00 pm PT on the first Saturday of each month.

The Subud California women helpers will continue to offer call-in latihan at 10:30 am PT on the other Saturdays. The Subud California men helpers continue to offer call-in latihan on all Saturdays.

Here is a summary of some of the simultaneous latihan options:

— SUBUD CALIFORNIA REGIONAL LATIHAN  Women’s call-in latihan skips first Saturday of month. On other Saturdays:

  •      10:30 am quiet; 10:45 am begin
  •       605-313-4415 / Code 529243#

Men’s call in latihan is offered each Saturday:

  •      10:30 am quiet; 10:45 am begin
  •      425 436-6308 / Code: 423735# 

— NATIONAL LATIHAN 

  •     First Saturday of each month
  •     1:00 pm quiet; 1:15 pm begin  
  •     Call in 602-580-9862 /  Code 4278555#  (for women)   

— WORLD LATIHAN  
 
Simultaneous latihan is currently offered for both women and men on two times each weekend, with no call-in number: 

  •     Every Saturday, 10 pm PT begin
  •     Every Sunday, 10 am  PT begin

Care Support for Subud Members

To Our Dear Sisters & Brothers,

During these difficult times, we are sending you our love and prayers to Stay Healthy and Strong! We are all members of our community; let’s care and look out for one another.

In the last few months, the Subud CA Council had begun planning to establish a regional Care Support Fund to provide financial assistance to any member in need, working with the Subud LA Center to develop guidelines. However, what has now evolved is something grander.

The National Committee has a fully-functioning Care Support Fund already in place. Late last week, in a call with the National, California and LA Center committees, it became clear to all of us that Subud USA has all the necessary pieces for a smooth and well-run program, and that we can be most effective by combining our resources and efforts.

Therefore, we agreed that our regional care support will be placed under the umbrella of SUSA. Further, the Subud LA Center and Subud CA are introducing a combined matching grant of $3500 to benefit the SUSA program. Many CA individual members have already contributed and now we hope that more of us will make a donation, especially with this incentive to double each contribution. To make your donation now, go HERE.

We are all truly excited by this concept of joint participation, allowing us to reach the larger Subud Community. Learn more about the USA Care Support guidelines and about how to apply for support HERE.

Our National Committee has paved the way for all of us, whether we want to help others or need a little help ourselves. Please don’t hesitate to apply if needed, or contribute to the fund if you can.

God Bless you all and please stay well. 

Your Committee,
Raphaela, Jane, Hasan, and Luqman 

Message from the Chair: “Life has become quite different”

To Our Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Life has become quite different for all of us (an understatement). We now have zoom calls galore, phone latihans or in-place latihans, and only virtual hugs.

Everything has slowed down for us, except on the near-empty roads where fewer cars zoom around faster than ever. It’s our time to dig deep, reflect, and then let go. Thank God for the Latihan.

You have not been forgotten; rather, we feel you more deeply. Reports from your councilors tell us that group latihans continue, and contact with each other continues. Let’s all reach out to each other, and check on each other, we are the community of Subud!

As you know, Subud CA has combined our Care Support Fund with that of Subud USA. Amd partnering with Subud LA, the California Region has offered a matching fund to benefit the SUSA fund. The goal is to encourage donations and reach more members with a larger, combined fund.

I am very pleased to let you know that this matching fund is up to $4103! It is the time to care for each other, especially those hardest hit by this pandemic. If you are so moved, please donate to the Subud USA Care Fund – your donation will be doubled!

You may donate online HERE. Or, if you prefer to donate by check, Alexandra terHorst at Subud USA provides the following guidance: “As the national office is not fully operational due to COVID, members can send checks to my home address for immediate deposit. Make checks payable to Subud USA, with memo “Care fund” and mail to: Subud USA, 707 Princeton St., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

And, we stress to all members in California, don’t hesitate to apply for funds, if needed. Details on applying are available HERE.

The CA region remains strong and united with each of you.

Stay Well, Stay Healthy and soon, God willing, we will all be together again.

Your Committee, Raphaela, Jane, Hasan, & Luqman

Care Support for Subud Members

To Our Dear Sisters & Brothers,

In the last few months, the Subud CA Council had begun planning to establish a regional Care Support Fund to provide financial assistance to any member in need, working with the Subud LA Center to develop guidelines. However, what has now evolved is something grander.

Late last week, in a call with the National, California and LA Center committees, it became clear to all of us that Subud USA has all the necessary pieces for a smooth and well-run program, and that we can be most effective by combining our resources and efforts.

Therefore, we agreed that our regional care support will be placed under the umbrella of SUSA. Further, the Subud LA Center and Subud CA are introducing a combined matching grant of $3500 to benefit the SUSA program. Many CA individual members have already contributed and now we hope that more of us will make a donation, especially with this incentive to double each contribution. To make your donation now, go HERE.

NOTE: To donate by check, Care Support Fund checks should be made payable to “Subud USA” with a memo notation of “Care Support Fund”. Because of the Coronavirus, the national office is not fully functional and checks should be mailed to Subud USA, 707 Princeton St. Ann Arbor, MI 48103

We are all truly excited by this concept of joint participation, allowing us to reach the larger Subud Community. Learn more about the USA Care Support guidelines and about how to apply for support HERE.

Our National Committee has paved the way for all of us, whether we want to help others or need a little help ourselves. Please don’t hesitate to apply if needed, or contribute to the fund if you can.

Also, don’t forget to join the California Regional Helpers every Saturday at 10:30 am for quiet and 10:45 am to begin the latihan. Find the details HERE.

God Bless you all and please stay well. 

Your Committee,
Raphaela, Jane, Hasan, and Luqman

Connect with Subud USA

Get Subud USA News

Are you receiving the news updates sent by Subud USA, with the latest on activities by the Subud wings and the National Congress? If not, contact Alexandra terHorst at info@subudusa.org to be added to the mail list.

Represent our Region at the National Congress

The deadline for delegate names for the 2020 National Congress is March 15, 2020.  These delegates attend to the plenary sessions, working parties, and proposals that enable Subud USA to better support members across the country. Interested in becoming a delegate? Click here for full details.

Update from the Subud USA National Committee

A MESSAGE FROM LUCAS BOLADIAN, CHAIRPERSON

Excerpt from the Subud USA Newsletter sent November 20th, 2018
I would like to bring some personnel changes to your attention:

  •  Due to time commitments, Julia Hurd will step out of her role as Vice Chair and into that of a special advisor to the Committee, where she will support our team, as she can, on the newsletter and special projects.  Philip Lindstrom, Subud USA Secretary, was tested positively by the National Helpers present at the Menucha Gathering. As required by our Bylaws, the Board of Directors had to vote to accept the results of the National Helper testing. I am pleased to report that their vote was unanimously favorable and Philip Lindstrom is now officially the Subud USA Vice Chair.
  • Michael Shaver will manage our National Office located at Beltsville, MD, replacing Bill Rodgers who performed this role for some 5 years and recently resigned from that position. We thank Bill for his steady and noteworthy service.
  • Another recent addition to our team is Lydia Farrand, Subud USA Communications Manager. Please contact her at lfarrand@subudusa.org for items that should be included in our newsletter or otherwise publicized to our members.

I also want to tell you about some of the projects that your National Committee is coordinating:

  • As you are probably aware, Subud USA is sponsoring a federal credit union for the benefit of our members. We expect this credit union to offer higher interest rates on deposits and lower rates on credit cards and loans to individuals and small enterprises. There are still multiple steps required before we could expect this proposed credit union to be operational, possibly taking up to a year.
  • Plans are underway to hold the 2019 National Gathering in Albuquerque, NM during the July 4th weekend. We hope to finalize the plans and be able to announce the details in the coming weeks.
  • The annual census is underway. Besides updating our files with the latest address changes, helpers are able to connect with members that are not able to come to group latihans. Please note that a new directory will be available when the census is completed, very early next year.
  • A new project, just getting started, is the much-needed update of our website. We hope to create a website that is easier to navigate and locate needed information. 

Please feel free to contact me at boladie@aol.com with any questions or issues you might have.

Best wishes,

Lucas Boladian

Chair, Subud USA

2014 Nat’l Congress Proposals – Summary and California member comments

COMMENT LISTS LAST UPDATED: MAY 20, 2014, 11am

Dear sisters and brothers of Subud California,

As you know, the Subud USA national congress will take place May 20 to 26, 2014 near Pittsburg. At the national congress, delegates from all regions will come together to discuss and vote on different issues, including adoption of bylaw changes and other proposals. Delegates from California will be representing you at the congress to vote on these proposals.*

This post (1) provides some summary information on the proposals for vote at the national congress, and (2) invites your comments, so that your delegates can better represent you.

The information below is based on the delegate packet that has been provided by Subud USA, and comments that the California regional committee has received so far.

Please send us your comments by Saturday May 17, 2014 , to: communications.subudca@gmail.com

Summaries of comments received will be uploaded to this web page (anonymously)
https://subudcalifornia.org/2014-natl-congress-calmember-comments/

* See the bottom of this email for the names of the current delegates, and information on the delegate system. Please let us know right away if you want to serve as a delegate, and/or if your center wants to choose one or designate a proxy.)

Best wishes,
Renata Reid, Chair, Subud California
renata.calchair [at] gmail.com

—-

SUBUD CALIFORNIA

SUMMARY AND COMMENTS ON PROPOSALS FOR 2014 NATIONAL CONGRESS DELEGATES MEETING
as of May 20, 2014 11am

LIST OF PROPOSALS TO BE DISCUSSED / VOTED ON:
1. Proposal to combine Million Dollar Plus Fund into the Subud USA Endowment Fund
2. Proposal to create a Subud USA Custodial Housing Fund
3. Ratification of 2012 Bylaws
4(a). Proposal to add preamble to 2012 Bylaws
4(b). Proposal to remove proxy vote limit from bylaws, to allow the national board to set it
4(c). Proposal to add national helpers as non-voting members of SUSA board
4(d). Proposal to add the past chair of SUSA as a voting member of the current SUSA board
5. Proposal to redefine membership (to raise required frequency of latihan attendance to be considered a member)
6. Proposal for Subud USA to prioritize enterprise projects, and choose a national enterprise project by 2015 national gathering
7. World Congress Resolutions (WSA Membership discussion; Decision making in Subud; Ratification of WSA Mission Statement; WSA Archives proposal)

1. PROPOSAL TO COMBINE MILLION DOLLAR PLUS FUND INTO SUBUD USA ENDOWMENT FUND
Summary of Proposal. To rescind the Million Dollar Plus fund and collapse the permanently restricted funds from it into the Subud USA Endowment Fund. (About $12,000). The rest of the money raised under Million Dollar Plus Fund earmarked for housing would continue to be used for making housing loans.
Submitted by: Morris McClellan, Subud USA Treasurer
Comments in favor: Currently there are 2 separate endowment funds: the Subud USA Trust Fund (aka Million Dollar Plus fund) and an endowment fund policy for a new family of Subud USA endowment funds established around 2008. The aims expressed by both of these endowment fund policies are the same (to sustain the growth and development of Subud USA and to support its projects and activities etc). The Million Dollar Trust fund has not had any new trustees appointed in the last 30 years and the original trustees have not met during this period.
Comments against: None received so far.
More information from Subud USA:
· Endowment Fund letter
· Endowment Fund Policy
· Endowment resolution
· Million Dollar Trust Document

2. PROPOSAL TO CREATE SUBUD USA CUSTODIAL HOUSING FUND
Summary of proposal: To create “Custodial Account/s” within Vanguard to hold money for centers or regions who are now holding it for buying houses, but don’t have enough to accomplish that. E.g. Austin, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Denver and Philadelphia.
Submitted by: Moris McClellan, Subud USA Treasurer
Comments in favor:
– Currently, there are some centers and regions who have money for a housing fund, but are having trouble managing and/or accessing the money (ex. in one instance the signatory on the account has died.) Participation in the new custodial account would be voluntary and money would continue to be owned by the center/region.
– Seems like a good proposal since little cost involved and it appears to make purchasing houses easier.
Comments against:
– Placing housing fund under National management risks taking a step closer toward nationalization of all subud properties, and could be another step away from local autonomy and self-regulation. Makes no mention on how interest would be allocated for individual funds held in custody. Could become an accounting burden.
More information from Subud USA:
· Custodial Fund discussion letter 
· Custodial Fund proposal

3. RATIFICATION OF 2012 BYLAWS
Summary of proposed action: Broad revisions to the bylaws were negotiated in 2012. These changes need to be ratified by delegates at the 2014 congress. Download the text of the 2012 Revised Bylaws to approve
Submitted by: Text issued from 2012 national congress delegates meeting
Comments in favor:
– a reluctant yea to this amendment BUT it would be nice to have someone summarize what is being changed in the bylaws.
Comments against:
– Oppose the provisions that allowed voting, delegate apportionment and proxy issues to be determined in the Policy and Procedures Manual (it should stay within the bylaws, so properly noticed and voted by the membership/delegates). Can that be changed in the 2012 bylaws? If not, propose amendment for next congress. (see more on this issue in the comments on Proposal 4(b) on proxy voting)

4. FOUR (4) PROPOSALS TO CHANGE THE 2012 BYLAWS

For all 4 proposals below, see the exact text and more information received from Subud USA here:
· Resolution to amend 2012 Bylaws
· Proposed amendments to the 2012 Bylaws

General comment received on text:
– Change sentence (which appears under the logo) that seems to suggest that SUSA is “organized under the laws of the State of Colorado AND AS A FOREIGN CORPORATION IN OTHER STATES”. Better to say SUSA is “organized under the laws of the State of Colorado as Subud United States of America, and IS a foreign corporation in other states.” Because doubt that it is actually registered as a foreign corporation in many, if any, other states. Also, omit the redundant “SUBUD UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INC.” in the second sentence.) Download suggested edits as PDF

4(a). To add a preamble to the 2012 bylaws.
Summary of proposal: To add the text of a preamble to the 2012 bylaws. The text is in the file linked above (“Proposed amendments to the 2012 Bylaws”)
Comments in favor:
– Bapak recommended incorporating a preamble in his words into our statutes.
– Seems like a good idea – I would vote to approve
Comments against: None received so far.

4(b). Remove proxy vote limit from bylaws, to allow the national board to set it
Summary of proposal : To change the 2012 bylaws to strike the phrase that sets the maximum proxy votes that a delegate can carry to 3 (maximum total 4 votes — the delegate’s own vote plus 3 proxies). This would allow the national board to set the limits on proxy votes, by resolution at its regular meetings. [In October 2013, the national board decided that if this bylaw change is adopted, it would set the proxy limit to 1 proxy per delegate.]
Submitted by: Lucian Parshall
Comments in favor:
– Would give the national board the flexibility to set proxy limits, in order to encourage the most participation. If too many proxy votes are allowed per delegate, it can lead to just a few people acting on behalf of a region.
– Seems like a good idea – I would vote to approve
Comments against: 
– Regions often do not have the money to send many delegates. Limiting proxy votes too much may lead to less participation and representation. It would lead to more disenfranchisement
– Voting issues should be established in the bylaws and changed at delegate meetings with proper notice, not by the national board at any of its meetings.
– Removing proxy limits from bylaws and putting it in the Policy and Procedures Manual will “hide” the decision and leave it to whim of any current board. Takes Subud USA one more step away from democratic process by members, and closer to the “corporate board model” of decisions made “on behalf” of an uninformed or apathetic membership by those in office. Agree that there should be ceiling on proxy, but it should be more than 1 vote. 4 votes is ok.
– Proxy vote numbers should not be determined by the board. I like the current 4 votes/proxies per delegate. This seems fair.
– It may violate Colorado nonprofit law for voting issues (including delegate apportionment and proxy voting rules) to be taken out of the bylaws and determined in the Policy and Procedures Manual
– Strongly against

4(c) Add national helpers as non-voting members of SUSA board
Summary of proposal: To change the bylaws to add national helpers as non-voting members of the SUSA board
Comments in favor:
– This is required for national helpers to be covered under the SUSA insurance.
– Seems like a good idea – I would vote to approve
– National helpers need insurance.
Comments against:
– Oppose. It is not necessary for national helpers to be on the board in order to provide them with insurance.
– National helpers don’t need to be insured.

4(d) To add the past chair of SUSA as a voting member of the current SUSA board
Summary of proposal: To change the bylaws to add the past chair of SUSA as a voting member of the SUSA board in office.
Comments in favor:
– Would give much needed continuity.
– Seems like a good idea – I would vote to approve
Comments against:
– The term for the chair would be too long (2 years + 2 years), and would be harder to get people to commit. Past chairs have always voluntarily provided continuity – this resolution is not necessary.
– 60 days is sufficient for continuity.
– Disagree with proposal – While putting past chair on the board is standard practice in corporate America, people serving in Subud offices can experience profound purification, so can be incapacitated after several years. If the person is not burnt out, it would be natural for them to help train new committee. The “juice” one receives to perform organizational job in Subud usually lasts 3 months after new officers are chosen to allow for transitional training. No discussion on how the increased travel and lodging expenses of to the Natl Board Mtgs would be met.
– Agree that continuity is needed, but this is not the way to do it. Explore other ways. Committees? Advisory council? Advisors?
Comments mixed pro/con:
– Providing past chairs with a vote in the board may create more incentive for them to participate. Not alot of incentive to pay for own travel expenses to go to meetings, if can’t even vote. [But really, if past chair is going to be part of the board, SUSA should pay the expenses] But 2 years probably not necessary.

5. PROPOSAL TO REDEFINE MEMBERSHIP (TO INCREASE FREQUENCY OF LATIHAN ATTENDANCE)
Summary of proposal: To redefine the current categories of membership, so that it increases the number of times a person has to come to latihan in order to be considered an active, semi-active member, etc. (Ex. active member – increase from once a month to once per week; semi-active member – increase from once every six months, to once a quarter etc.) This is not a proposal for delegates, it is a change proposed for the Board to adopt into the Policy and Procedures Manual.
Submitted by: Hanafi Fraval
Comments in favor: This is more consistent with what Bapak had recommended on membership.
Comments against:
– Would exclude people. Would reduce the number of delegates California has at national congress meetings, because determined based on size of membership.
– A person should not have to come once a week to be considered an active member. Some people live far away and can’t get to house/venue more than 1x a month. Each center knows its own membership and it’s up to them to know who is active (though I know it’s harder for bigger groups)
– Strongly oppose. Classifying people attending latihan say 3 times a month in more than one location to be classified with those attending once a quarter does not make sense. Some people seem to want to trim down member rolls and mailing list as much as possible – this is short sighted.
– Some members just can’t come more than say twice a month because they live far away, or they are caring for ill family members, or are dealing with something else.
– This is restrictive. We want to be inclusive not exclusive.
– Centers should determine who the members are
– Some members have tested and received that should come less frequently (someone in my group tested that should come not more than once every 2 months)
– Some members attend latihan regularly in more than one location, so hard to count how many times they are attending.
Comments mixed pro/con:
– Agree that definitions need to be tighter and need more accountability. Carrying phantom members on our list is dishonest and out of integrity. Doesn’t matter if lower membership numbers reduce our delegate count. Honest accounting of numbers may show lack of necessity for a top heavy organizational structure. Members who dont want to practice latihan but want to remain on the mailing list should pay for that service. But how to account for members who regularly practice “away from the group”? We might consider the system in Germany, where anyone can be opened but membership is an intentional choice that carries responsibility for financial support. Not everyone wants to be automatic local, regional, national and international members, as happens in California. But dont know how to balance the need for financial support for helper work. Want to see some testing on this, plus talk to other countries where there is intentional membership process.
More information from Subud USA:
Membership classification policy discussion

6. PROPOSAL TO PRIORITIZE SETTING UP A NATIONAL ENTERPRISE PROJECTS, AND CHOOSE A NATIONAL ENTERPRISE PROJECT BY 2015 NATIONAL GATHERING
Summary of proposal: That priority be given by Subud USA national Committee to setting up/promoting a national enterprise project. The Subud USA committee, an enterprise subcommittee, and SES personnel to evaluate and choose a single large enterprise somewhere in the world to support and fund before the 2015 U.S.A. gathering.
Submitted by: David McCormack, Midwest Region
Comments in favor: To fulfill Ibu Rahayu and Bapak’s advice for us to work on developing enterprises. Possibility of raising money for Subud and its projects. Opportunity for Subud USA and SES to interact, and for learning.
– Excited by proposal – could revitalize Subud. Bring people together to work for something.
Comments against:
– Cost of travel and legal expenses.
– As a nonprofit volunteer organization, Subud USA does not have the expertise or experience investing in, running or overseeing a business enterprise.
– Does not seem realistic.
– Strongly oppose. 1) There has been no SES in the U.S. for years. Dont think SES will participate in such a project. 2) Questionable if Subud USA has capacity to form any subcommittees; 3) we are having difficulty raising enough operating funds, not sure if we can raise money to invest in an enterprise.
– Based on liquidity of the organization, better to start with a small project (not a “large project”). Also may be better to diversify rather than choose “one large project”. If put all eggs in one basket, may blow up
– Sounds grandiose
– This puts cart before the horse. Need research and specifics on a business proposal, before asking for support.
– Not against the idea itself, but oppose how it is written. Too vague.
Mixed pro/con comments:
– Support the idea of enterprise, but need more information and discussion.
– Excited by the idea of an enterprise, but also remember the experience of past failed enterprises. But we can’t let that stop us. Willing to learn more and discuss the proposal.
– If a (small) enterprise that is replicable is selected, it could be good
More information from Subud USA:
Subud Enterprise proposal

7. WORLD CONGRESS RESOLUTIONS
Delegates will also be asked to discuss the resolutions that are being proposed for the delegate assembly at the 2014 World Congress in Puebla, MX. There are proposals on: WSA Membership discussion; Decision making in Subud; Ratification of WSA Mission Statement; WSA Archives proposal.
See the most current resolutions on the WSA website at the bottom of the page.

———————————————————

REFERENCE INFORMATION

How voting will work at the national congress
Voting at the national congress works through a delegate system, in which each region sends delegates who are selected to represent the membership. The number of delegates are determined by the number of members in the region; California has 16 delegates, who have traditionally been elected by each center and group choosing a delegate (or a proxy),** plus the Regional Chair of California who represents the Subud California board (total 17 delegates).

Your California delegates
So far, the following people have stepped forward to serve as delegates:
Fatijah Clark – Palo Alto;
Rasjidah Franklin – Berkeley; will also carry proxy vote for Walnut Creek, rasjidahfranklin [at] yahoo.com
Benedict Herrman – Sacramento , benedict.h [at] me.com
Michael Menduno [Treasurer, Subud California], in representation of “regional members” (members in California who are not affiliated with a center or group), michael [at] menduno.com
Renata Reid, Chair, Subud California, in representation of Subud California council; will also carry proxy vote for Los Angeles and for San Francisco; renata.calchair [at] gmail.com
Rifka Several, San Joaquin Valley (also SUSA Congress Chair), rifkaseveral [at] gmail.com

Does your center have a delegate or someone to carry its proxy?
If you feel to serve as a delegate, and/or your center wants to choose a delegate, or designate someone else to carry its proxy vote, please contact Renata Reid, Chair of Subud California, at renata.calchair [at] gmail.com.

** How delegates are selected
Note that the 2012 SUSA bylaw changes, combined with resolutions adopted by the SUSA national board, eliminates the system in which each center / group has the formal right to appoint a delegate or proxy. Instead, the delegate apportionment is based solely on population within the region, to be selected at the discretion of the region (in the case of California, this is presumably done by the regional council.) The California Regional Council decided to continue the traditional system of asking each center / group to choose a delegate, or to designate a proxy.

For more information contact:
Renata Reid, Chair of Subud California, renata.calchair [at] gmail.com
Rifka Several, 2014 SUSA Congress Chair, rifkaseveral [at] gmail.com

 

2014 Subud USA National Congress

The 2014 Subud USA National Congress will be held May 22-26, 2014 at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh,  PA.

See overview of programs and other info on the Subud USA website

 

How to register

Registration for this event is being handled via a new registration system, so you will need to create an account in order to register for congress.  For details, please click here

This link will take you to the registration page:  https://subudus.z2systems.com/login.jsp . Scroll down the screen to the “create an account button“. Click on it to create your login and password, and then fill out the rest of the basic account  information as prompted.

Once you have set up your account you can register for the National Congress by clicking “Submit” or by going to “2014 Subud USA National Congress” on the drop down menu at the top right of the welcome page. If you have any difficulty registering online, you can either email Sebastian Tedrow at executivedirector@subudusa.org   or call him at (206) 367-0121. 


The national team has attempted to keep the cost low to allow as many to attend as possible. Donations for an assistance fund are being collected, to help defray the cost of registration for those who need it, especially delegates.