The following summary is based on reports prepared by three groups of General Councilors that participated in the General Council retreat in February 2004. Culled out of these reports are statements and recommendations that are actionable. The retreat was an informal meeting meant to stimulate brainstorming and creative thinking. No votes were taken and none of the recommendations are binding.
This document is to provide the GC with a tool of its own making which can be put to constructive use in future Council deliberations.
Structure and Organization
· The Fellowship needs a more effective command structure. Consider the creation of an action-focused substructure within the framework of the general constitutional model, fully coordinated with all existing committees; e.g. reporting to the president but with dotted line relationships as necessary
· Develop within the Executive Committee and the General Council a list of Operating Principles and a companion list of Decision standards that will portray the essence of what we are.
· The Fellowship structure may need revision. There needs to be a closer relationship between function and structure. Currently there is a mismatch between our existing structures and our most effective functions.
· Organizations tend towards self-protection – we must beware of this.
· The General Council needs leadership training, like the Boy Scouts.
Actions
1. Urantia Book Distribution:
a. Create a distribution strategy for placement of English language books in bookstores, libraries, and elsewhere (if possible in coordination and partnership with Urantia Foundation and the IUA.)
b. Do the same for all translations.
2. Website:
a. Create a website strategy that integrates as fully as possible the common dissemination and outreach goals of The Fellowship, Foundation, and IUA.
b. The website needs experts who can help design and implement a more user-friendly online presentation targeted to audiences and their needs. It is too much work for one person.
3. Societies and Study Groups:
a. Systematically work to re-energize and strengthen weak Societies, remove those unable to function, and promote the growth of new Societies.
b. Develop a plan for stimulating the growth of strong and stable study groups throughout the world, together with effective methods of communication and coordination.
4. Education:
a. Create a Urantia University, both in physical locations and on the internet, dedicated to training teachers and fostering the development of leaders. Re-activate The Fellowship as an educational institution.
b. Take more active and systematic steps to develop a Speakers Bureau, perhaps in conjunction with the efforts to get the School going.
5. General Dissemination:
a. Encourage individuals and groups to explore new ways to bring quiet attention to the book through unorthodox methods of placement, etc.
b. Go through the book and make a list of all the things suggested that would aid the task of global dissemination. Present this to the General Council so that we can decide how much of this we are positioned to undertake.
c. Develop a plan to attract individuals to the Urantia teachings through special interest Societies or groups (not necessarily contiguous) in areas such as science, philosophy, education, law, etc.
d. Formulate plans for creative alliances that will help foster the dissemination goals.
6. Communication:
(Ever be aware that communication begins with listening.)
a. Clarify and articulate our nature and purposes in a way that is concise and consistent in order to present ourselves effectively (dynamic, driving, inspiring purpose in 10 words or less?) This brief vivid “marketing self-definition” needs to be well honed. It should be easy for Councilors and other leaders too remember and share in response to inquiries. It should be used in all of our self-presentation, in varied forms adapted to different groups and situations
b. “Tell our story” in a consistent manner. A public relations person or small committee is needed to develop the “self-definition” described above, and gather our best success stories and coordinate their ongoing effective presentation to our different audiences through newsletters, etc
a. Vivid Appeal (92:3.5). Presentations must have vivid appeal and ready application to be effective.
b. Encourage the development of a deep down awareness of and sensitivity to all kinds of cultures – youth culture, national and regional cultures, ethnic cultures, racial cultures, religious cultures, and even the mini-cultures within the Urantia movement. Become aware of social and political constraints, bridging opportunities and the norms of global etiquette. Encourage polylingualism.
c. Develop a field and/or virtual communication/representation system using regular phone and/or internet (or mail) contacts with Societies, study group leaders, and other active individuals. One of the problems such approaches have encountered in the past is the sluggish response (or no response) from those positioned to act as coordinating centers. Someone suggested last year that, “the organization doesn’t touch anybody’s life at all.” The General Council may want to examine why, and what to do about it.
d. Poll the general readership on various issues.
7. Appeal to The Youth in Our Movement:
a. Develop programs designed to enlist our youth in global dissemination.
b. Communicate the vision however possible, and also to stimulate our younger compatriots to contribute their added richness, then go forward with the vision.
c. Develop a supportive spiritual environment where spiritual growth is fostered. Families need to network with other families in the community to share ideas.
d. We need to broaden our search for the resourcefulness of youth through different media such as internet chat rooms, online study groups, and Society functions. We need to promote youth programs at conferences, where networking with other young people can be instituted.
8. Creating/Enhancing Fellowshipping Opportunities:
a. Improve our conferences and summer study sessions by programs that stick to basic teachings, especially for new readers
b. Create opportunities at conferences to allow people to share life skills, and gifts of experience, such as parenting, marriage/relationships, conflict resolution, ethics in the workplace, etc.
c. Revive children’s programs at summer study sessions.
d. We should show more support for regional conferences such as the ones in Texas, Kansas City, New York, Florida, etc.
e. Consider holding science symposia or other special events at such regional locations.
f. Consider enhancing fellowshipping opportunities at GC meetings through parties, worship, retreats and special presentations.
g. Encourage societies and study groups to inspire their members to become involved in service projects such as Habitat for Humanity, local volunteer groups, prison visits, etc.
h. Arrange special events such as cruises, or a trip to the Holy Land, train trips, houseboats, camping, etc. so that readers can enjoy special experiences together.