Context and task:
The materials in the Global Archives are replete with examples of the way in which The Institute’s work has combined a concern to focus on work that is to be done in the world with a concern for “the Human Factor in World Development” This twin emphasis is quite clearly seen historically in the work of the Global Research Assemblies (GRA’s). The EXTERNAL FOCUS of the research, (whether social change, local community revitalization, village development, church renewal, or vocational empowerment), and the PRACTICAL WORK involved (whether analyzing social processes, outlining tactical systems, writing procedural manuals, designing courses and curriculum) were consistently paired with an inner exploration and development of the human spirits of all participants (solitary exercises, music and singing and dancing, spirit conversations, reading of devotional literature, poetry, celebrations, etc.) Furthermore, this emphasis was woven seamlessly into the corporate / team life of the gatherings, along with broad participation in all the logistical requirements of human community (eating, cleaning, etc.)
The task of this group is to design and guide a spirit and community life among all GARA participants that is powerful and integrated and supports the work of the Assembly in a way that is relevant for the middle of the 21st Century.
Preparation August 3-16, 2014
Gather a small group of folks to take this task on through the GARA. Also create a sort of advisory group to consult with (might include Larry Ward, Bill Parker, Jan Sanders, Michael May, others) Brainstorm what will the spirit life look like? current trends, mood, themes; What tools will be used? Spins? Readings Conversations? Decor? Archival tools and exercises? Create a context and manual for the spirit life of GARA. Be sure to include face to face and online tools.
Pre GARA August 17-September 13, 2014
Work with the design team to integrate the task, time, space, participants and teams of the GARA. Produce materials needed
GARA week 1 September 14-20, 2014 (this is a prep week, some people sojourning on site)
Try out the spirit life, then refine for the second week
GARA week 2 September 21-27, 2014
Second round
Post GARA Septermber 28 ff
Some reflection and next steps — this could feed into future collections related to spirit life from the archives
Followthrough
put what is developed into the collections, offer any of this to the broader network
Backers, sponsors, champions:
Need to work on this
Materials:
To be decided
Product:
1. Spiritually resilient participants walking away from the GARA ready and eager to claim the future of our past.
2. Outlines for the activities for use in other contexts
3. Possible ideas for future collections