Monthly Archives: August 2021

Imagine a future where members are willing to take on new roles

From Oswald,

At last Saturday’s dewan meeting, one of the helpers attending commented that they thought that we were doing such a great job that they couldn’t imagine anyone else doing the job as well as we did. And, they were afraid of what would happen if we didn’t continue as the committee.

That started me thinking – “Hey Wait A Darn Gone Minute. If you can only imagine a future where those who have done it before are the only ones that can continue to do the work, then you’re setting the committee up for burnout. And, you’re saying that if one, or all, of the committee members were to leave suddenly, there would be no other option than to stop having the work of the committee done by members.  What then? Would we just pack up and shut the place down?” Maybe.

I would like to challenge each of you: Don’t allow yourselves to think we committee members are the only ones capable of doing the committee work.  Imagine a future where you, along with others, willingly start doing these jobs. And as a result of this willingness, our group has more and more members capable of keeping our center running and growing.

How did we learn to work together?

The way that we “learned” to work together was by working together.  In the beginning we brought many different skills to the work of the committee. However, we hadn’t worked together as a team before then. We needed time to find the right way of listening, collaborating and supporting each other in our individual roles.

As we did, the work became easier. And we also began to understand, through this mutual respect and work, that the work of the committee was too complex and needed to be simplified. This we have done.

How would you learn the roles?

Each of us has committed to assisting the new members of the committee through training, documentation and mentoring – when asked. You won’t be left without an understanding of where we are in the work. You will be left to figure out how to move forward as your new committee grows in experience and confidence.

We will also stand in support of you as you begin to carry out the work. We will continue, as active members of the group, to help in the work of the group. Some of us as helpers. Some of us through our hands and talents.

The Challenge

Begin now to consider a future in which you are a part of the new committee of our group, a committee that is supported by the past committee, and, supported by the members.

SGS Treasurer Summary Report – August 26, 2021

If You Haven’t Donated, Now Is The Time

Your committee believes that all members should help contribute to the upkeep of our center, even if they are able to only make a small contribution. Even though our Spring Street Center enterprise is able to provide some of our income needs. It is not able to cover all costs. Your donations, on average, cover only 51% of our costs.

Our goal for 2021 is to have everyone contribute something toward the upkeep of our center.  By giving a little each month, you become a part of  a membership dedicated to preserving our building for future Subud members. If you have not yet donated this year, please do so! If you need a reason to donate, please read the rest of this report. Thank you!

Future Expenses

We need to repairing the siding on the South side of our building within the next 18 months.

Through a combination of $2,628 received from members and $3000 of the income received from our iTrips rentals we now have $5628 saved for that project.  We now need to raise an additional $16,372 before the project can begin.

Building Repairs Fund

We are grateful for members who would have contributed –  over and above their regular contributions – to this fund. 

iTrip bookings for the remainder of the year will be able to cover some of our costs, but we anticipate that we will need additional contributions from the members. Earmark these donations for the building fund.

Building Rentals

We had 8 rentals in August bringing in rental income of approximately $4,722. This will be deposited in September after the income statement is finalized. From the income received, we will retire $4,000 of our debt to Subud PNW, leaving us with $1000 of that loan to repay.

We have not yet begun Hall Rentals.

Donations

Donations in August were lower than average monthly donations.  If you missed sending in your contribution in August, please consider increasing your donation in September. 

Your committee wishes to thank all members who contribute, no matter the size of your donation.

New to Subud? How to contribute

If you are new to our group and looking for a way to contribute, here’s how:

Monthly contribution from bank

  1. Setup a recurring payment to “Subud PNW – Seattle Center” 
  2. Have the payment sent to:

Subud PNW – Seattle Center

1101 15th Ave

Seattle, WA 98122-4523

Single contribution either from bank, or by mail:

  1. Setup a payment to, or make your check out to “Subud PNW – Seattle Center” 
  2. Send to:

Subud PNW – Seattle Center

1101 15th Ave

Seattle, WA 98122-4523

Where Have Disrespectful Partiers Led?

Last month we experienced an unfortunate incident where someone rented the house and used it for a party, resulting in a major mess and angry neighbors. Karen Hunt of iTrip Seattle reported to the Dewan on Saturday on steps that she has taken to make sure such a situation does not arise again. Here are the steps she has taken:

1. She has installed another camera, which will record people entering through the garage.

2. She is installing a device which will monitor how many wifi or bluetooth devices are in the house, as well as heat sensors to detect how many people are there.

3. She has talked to the neighbors who were affected by the noise, given them her number, and let them know that she will personally respond to complaints.

4. She is looking for a security company that would handle and eviction, if that were to be necessary.

5. She has written a negative review of the person responsible for the party, and is seeking $2,000 in damage reimbursement.

A cleansing Latihan has been scheduled for the house Tuesday September 7th after the regular men’s Latihan that day. Men attending Latihan that day are welcome to join the cleansing Latihan. 

World Subud Association – Annual Report

Dear All,

Last year, as I was writing the annual message, the pandemic was already in full swing, affecting our lives in general, and our Subud lives in particular.
Alas, things have improved only marginally, and parts of the world are now suffering the worst of it. We continue to be tested in ways that were unimaginable only 18 months ago.
Latihans in many countries are limited, with members having to do their latihan at home on their own.
The International Helpers have not been able to travel, of course, and that limited the ability of the WSA to serve you as we would like. International gatherings planned for 2020 had to be canceled, and all essential meetings migrated online – not just meetings of the international bodies, but also many national congresses.
The international congress had to be postponed and is now scheduled for early January 2024.
If there was a silver lining, it was the increased attendance at these online / Zoom meetings by members who otherwise wouldn’t normally attend. Working online allowed the organizational side to continue, and a lot of useful work has been done.
In the likely scenario where our ability to travel remains curtailed for a while yet, I would like to encourage everyone to join us as observers – at least at the quarterly World Subud Council meetings. We welcome your interest in the work of the Council, and it has never been as easy to observe our work.
We are encouraged by our ability to keep in touch and support each other during this dark, long winter, finding that our organization is resilient and capable of handling the crisis.
Please stay safe and healthy, take good care of each other, and hopefully we shall all meet in person soon.
Nahum Harlap
WSA Chair

Women’s Tuesday Latihan

There are three Tuesdays when Spring Street Center was already rented before women’s Latihans returned. Those three dates are next Tuesday, August 17, August 31, and October 5. What does this mean? The upstairs restroom will not be available those days. Women may use the restroom downstairs, off the men’s hall,  before or after Latihan.