During
the weekend of May 5th – 6th, reflection gatherings were held in the Northern,
Central and Southern areas of the Cluster. This experiment was inspired by the 29 Dec., 2015 message of the
Universal House of Justice: "The
cluster-wide reflection meeting ... is often complemented by meetings for
smaller areas, which generate a stronger feeling of responsibility among those
attending. This sense of collective ownership becomes more apparent from cycle
to cycle..."
While
each of the reflection spaces was unique, they were successful beyond
expectation. The consultations were
wide-ranging and a number of adjustments were identified which will surely help
us build momentum in the Five Year Plan. Here are some of the highlights from this dynamic weekend:
- 56 individuals attended including 49 adults, 2 youth and 5 children.
- For the third Cycle in a row, the focus for the Expansion phase is home visits. Instead of the ATC proposing a numerical goal, each gathering was asked to set its own goal. The results were outstanding: 31 people offered to arise and do 43 home visits!
- The House of Justice wants us to keep track of our progress, so the friends were asked to send a quick email to the ATC (pinellasatc@gmail.com )indicating the number of home visits completed during the Expansion phase (Sat. May 12 – Sun. May 27).
- Tony Ballard and the children provided some much needed singing in the middle
of the Central gathering, which was held at the Norozzy home.
- At two gatherings, there was consultation about the need to visit the friends who are in nursing homes, hospitals, the elderly, etc. At the Northern gathering, held at the Gheysari home, the friends decided to have a meeting and consult on ways to systematize this endeavor.
- Also at two of the gatherings, the idea of how to creatively use the two Baha’i centers was discussed. Ideas included having a farmers market in the parking lot and holding meetings with like-minded organizations for the purpose of exploring subjects on a deep level.
- At the gathering in the South, held at the St. Petersburg center, the meeting
was facilitated by three friends who are not on the ATC. This was very
successful and will continue to develop.
More preparation will be provided to facilitators for future reflection
spaces.
- Because
the dynamics at each gathering were unique, the experiences of individuals were
naturally diverse. At one gathering a friend said there was not enough time for
substantial consultation. At another, a friend said that there was more
consultation than she had experienced at any other reflection gathering.
- While friends had their hands raised to volunteer for doing home visits, a number of teams were formed spontaneously as people shared who they intended to visit.
- Socializing lasted for well over an hour at all events. During this time, ATC
members had the opportunity to reflect with participants on the meetings just
held. Additionally, a conference call was held during which the ATC and the
Regional Development Facilitator, Sheri Dressler, reflected at length on the
entire experience.
- A number of adjustments were identified, including: maintaining focus while reflecting on the
previous cycle; the need for consultation to focus on building capacity and
teaching; keeping the agenda flexible to accommodate variables such as flow of
consultation, start time, etc.; better use of the
www.pinellasatcresources.blogspot.com website; involving more of the friends in
the planning phase (the last two weeks of each cycle); how to increase
participation from the youth and others who do not typically attend; better
organization of teaching activities; and using text messages for easier
communication.
- The purpose of collecting and discussing statistics was also addressed. To better understand this topic and what actually constitutes a “home visit”, a variety of opportunities will be created, including smaller spaces for reflection and studying the guidance, as well as compilations on the website.
