CDI Report by Shyamasundari dasi
On Sunday, December 3, 2017, I attended the Community Development Initiative (CDI) conference. It was the culmination of a year’s work by the CDI team, and this first of three conferences was focused on the data recently collected in a survey filled out by over 500 community members here in New Raman Reti. About 200 devotees attended this well thought out and executed event presented and facilitated by both 1st and 2nd generation devotees.
While listening to the history presentation of NRR, from it’s very beginning to the present, we were able to see how this community has always worked together towards creating a better future. We were inspired by stories of the pioneers who founded NRR, as well as examples of our community coming together for a common cause, such as the schools and current temple structure. There were two ice breaker activities to bring those of us together who may have never met until now. I personally met two new devotees whom I had never spoken to before. It was heart warming to hear everyone’s background and what their hopes were for this conference. The survey results (www.NRRCommunity.com) were very interesting as they created awareness about the needs, interests and concerns of our congregation, as well as the demographics of our diverse community. I felt proud to be part of such a varied group of individuals who are striving to better themselves and continue to serve Krishna through serving one another.
Later, another attendee told me his realization from this meeting was that we are happier in service to our fellow devotees. That is key. I think that sums up community development to its core. Along with all this info was plenty of humor, both from our various presenters and from our break out group names, Turnip, salt, cucumber, tumeric etc. It was beautiful to hear the laughter rumble through the room as we all shared our hearts and appreciated one another. These groups were made up of randomly selected devotees, and I was able to connect with people I might not otherwise. I listened as my fellow group members spoke about their experiences with devotee relationships here in NRR. We explored both the struggles and rewards within those relationships. Each group contributed thoughts and ideas on community development and the top focus areas were tallied and presented as the foundation for the upcoming conferences. Then in true devotee style, sumptuous prasad was shared by all.