a presentation to seekers - 3. goals and plans

a presentation to seekers... We offer here a private "1 - 2 - 3" presentation to those who have expressed interest in a gathering of seekers. We lay out 1) the problem, 2) the (this) solution, and 3) some details about and goals of a seeker community
1. The problem
2. The solution (this solution):
3. Some details, some goals and some plans: Knowing the problem and the solution now, what are the specifics of a plan to implement this solution? - this is what we propose:	notes from meeting discussions
Organization and structure Though it is the goal to be as democratic as is practicable, we have established a governing council who will make the decisions about further structure. It is suggested that we have some, but minimal heirarchy, such as:	establish clarity regarding "public" versus "private" natures of organization. One concern is a mechanism for settlement of disputes internally. legal consultation necessary for final structure
Suggested membership structure public - reader of website, ad in the paper, brochure, etc. who learns of us. guest/attender - someone who comes to meeting, but hasn't "joined" member - someone who has received and accepted an invitation to join after a series of membership development sessions. fellow/elder - a committed/senior member - does work in support of our community, like a deacon? Must be at this senior level (of understanding and maturity) to do committee work and member development sessions. councillor - a quasi-governing committee (our council) guide - seeker qualified to guide others in their path (similar to mentor, leader, guru, etc.) [This is starting to look like too much hierarchy]	suggested draw clear lines between "public" attender and "private" member, members must be invited (sponsored) to join. fellowship and brotherhood may sound too gender-male, but may be acceptable.
Growth Comment on value and effect of 10's of thousands of members across America and the world	There are tremendous numbers of people "seeking" something to believe in. With a large membership an organization can better accomplish social, educational and infrastructrural goals.
"Bricks and mortar" 1. Space is presently secured for meetings at no cost to seekers, except donations, at a non-profit org's facility	founding council meetings are taking place in this setting - space is available for longer term, though not forever.
2. After building a treasury, leased space should be secured for a year in an inexpensive setting, such as an old mill	This can be accomplished relatively soon. Just think of 20 people kicking in $20 per week = $400/week, or $1732/month
3. After treasury builds further, buy an old house, old church or small office building, fix up by members as a training activity. 4. After treasury builds further, build a suitable facility designed specifically to suit our needs. 5. After treasury builds further, buy a retreat center away from the city for more extensive training and study	These are all believable steps in a long-range plan, especially if you just do the numbers. They are some pretty exciting prospects!
Building the treasury Options: cash donations, of course. It may be desirable to maintain the treasury in gold, not in Federal Reserve Notes. giving by credit card - this may not be best if treasury should be outside of banking system to remain private.	We will start building a cash treasury, if even in just a lock box. e-commerce capabilities are being developed by council member. Credit card contributions may be taken in not-too-distant future. This participation in public must be carefully considered, though. Checks and balances to eliminate corruption and conflicts of interest become ever more important, of course, when money is involved.
Education and training One of our most important missions is education and training and this would occur in several ways: Online material accessible from seekers member web site Library and internet terminals at the seekers "bricks and mortar" site Seminars, weekly lessons at meeting ie, "Sunday school", other meetings on premises, such as support meetings	Early classes have been suggested in all forms of communications: interpersonal, public speaking, writing, electronic means, including the internet, PDA's Web site for our educational vision Web site for our library vision Web site for our other visions
Duplication - missionaries, outreach, advertizing - seeking seekers Approach to be determined by council and membership	How to find other seekers and invite them into our gathering. Discussion over ideas of how to organize and cooperate with other fellowships and how to relate to each other - inter-group governance

Next steps

ongoing work to establish a local gathering of seekers:

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