Get Involved!

This summer, SDIA/SYA are hosting the first ever volunteer working camp.  From June 12 to July 12, 2009, 15 young Subud individuals will work for Susila Dharma in Colombia to build an ecological pathway and classrooms for Fundación Amanecer’s school for underprivileged children.

 … more than a camp, this project represents the awakening of community and the opportunity to commit to a common purpose…

But more than a camp, this project represents the awakening of community and the opportunity to commit to a common purpose. One thing I appreciate most about Subud is the variety of experiences, perspectives, and life histories that each person brings.  For one thing, it is evidence of the richness of life and gifts of God.  But when I see these becoming divisions that inhibit communication, I can’t help but feel we’re losing sight of what the latihan is for.  First, I notice our latihan-induced sensitivity disrupting communities rather than bringing them together.  Somehow we let relatively small disagreements serve as reasons to stop coming to latihan, to avoid group functions, or in especially bad cases, to spread a bad image of Subud.  Who wants to invest in a community that bickers all the time? 

Secondly, generational differences in approach are a source of unrest.  Your average Subudian is at least above 40, which makes it hard for youth to feel they belong in helper or board positions – that’s our parents’ territory.  Besides, some members are distrustful of the seemingly anything-goes attitude of the youth; but youth feel deflated by the rigid and holier-than-thou disposition of the elders. Sometimes it feels like each side has its own language, and often when they come into contact for serious discussions, each leaves the conversation feeling misunderstood.  The difference is that, since we have fewer years and less influence in the organization, we youths often yield – but then don’t come back.  The truth is, of course, that each extreme is important for exploring where Subud’s boundaries lay and where they can be reexamined.  We mustn’t become locked into “what we felt”; we need to marry our inner dialogue with the outer world to create a universal harmony.  Otherwise, what’s the point? 

Lastly, I feel we must focus on connecting our inner receiving and our outer actions.  Although important for individual development, the latihan was given as a tool for all humankind.  Susila Dharma is one of the most powerful vehicles we have to disseminate this gift.  There are 70 projects in 29 countries whose mission is to translate the latihan into active social change.  If you’re looking for ways to practice the latihan in your everyday life, get involved in these stellar projects.  They can always use support, and there are mechanisms taking shape that facilitate involvement on all levels. 

This camp, then, is an opportunity to reconcile these three challenges in communication, to feel a sense of community and take ownership of a role within Subud.  Volunteers will work together, learning about and participating in Susila Dharma work.  Through this, they will explore their role within today’s world and within the organization of Subud.  They will develop connections with one another as Subud brothers and sisters, but also as partners and leaders in a global effort to use the profundity, sensitivity, and grace of the latihan to improve the world around us (as well as within us).  I hope that this camp can not only encourage a group of youngsters and help a needy population, but also reinvigorate our commitment to the power of the latihan and to each other – both for direct participants and worldwide observers.

In closing, I invite everyone to partake of this effort however they can.  Youth, I encourage you to apply to come on our trip, but also to see the broader message and find your own ways to take ownership of Subud – after all, it belongs to and depends upon you as much as anyone else.  It is an organization rich in opportunity and rewards, and although sometimes the superficial stuff gets in the way, one only has to get quiet to feel that Subud is truly a gift.  Elder members, we need your support to make this happen.  Please donate, if you can, so that youth can attend the camp.  Participate in future camps (which won’t always be solely geared toward youth).  Reach out to the youth.  You are our role models.

Alexandra Woodward

Please earmark your donations “Volunteer Working Camp”
Checks made out to Susila Dharma International can be sent to:
Susila Dharma International Association
777 rue Campbell
Greenfield Park (Montreal)
Quebec, J4V 1Y8 Canada

Or see the Donate section of this website!

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We want to hear from you!

1. kevcosta Says:
   April 20th, 2009 at 3:19 pm

   Ms. Woodward:

   I am very interested in participating in the “volunteer working camp” at Amanacer, June 12 to July 12, 2009. I am not a “youth” in years, only in heart. And while I am interested and have experience in ALL of the work projects you’ve identified, I am especially interested in the “designing and executing English workshops with the children.”

   To this end I am currently producing a small and very helpful book for both Spanish AND English-speakers to learn the other’s language. I was thinking maybe it could be a fund-raiser for YOUR projects?????

   I currently reside in Costa Rica, so hey…I’m “half-way” there ! And I’ve been wanting to go to Amanacer for a LONG time now.

   I look forward to your receiving your thoughts on this, at your earliest convenience.

   Thank you !
   Kevin

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