s:16602:"a:12:{i:0;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:81:"What is the RESA organization, what is it’s purpose, and how can it benefit me?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:1414:"<p>The Living ECK Master, writes that his overall mission is to tell people everywhere about the Light and Sound of God. First on the agenda was to set up the RESA (Regional ECK Spiritual Aide) structure, which began in the mid-1980s. To achieve this end meant finding ECK initiates who loved Sugmad, the ECK and the Mahanta above all else. They (you) were to be clear instruments of the Mahanta and thus help people in every part of the world find ECK. Next came the construction of our home at the Temple of ECK. Without the foundation of stages one and two, the third part of this mission would have faltered; to tell all people about the Light and Sound of God.</p>
<p>The purpose of the RESA organization is to serve the spiritual needs of newcomers and chelas. The RESA program lets people unfold. By their example and by their talents chelas can show and express the living ECK through themselves. This is one of the very strong points of the RESA program. It gives a way for initiates to serve in ECKANKAR where their talents are called for. They can offer these talents so they can grow. The people around them can also unfold by watching the example of their fellow ECKists who are now having a chance to show their skills in a certain area. The future growth of ECKANKAR will come because of the information you pass up through the channels to the RESA and thus on to the ECKANKAR Spiritual Center.</p>";}i:1;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:75:"Who is the leader of the Colorado RESA organization and what is their role?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:651:"<p>The RESA (Regional ECK Spiritual Aide) is appointed by the Mahanta, the Living ECK Master, and serves for a one year appointment beginning on October 22nd of each year.</p>
<p><strong>The role of the RESA is primarily three fold:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li>To assist the Living ECK Master, in his mission: To find better ways of bringing the message of Light and Sound to all who are ready for it.</li>
	<li>To insure the message of ECK is presented within the guidelines of ECKANKAR as established by the Living ECK Master.</li>
	<li>To act as the local delegate of the Living ECK Master on all matters affecting ECKANKAR in Colorado.</li>
</ol>";}i:2;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:69:"Does the RESA or the Colorado Satsang Society have an advisory board?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:566:"<p><strong>A Board of Trustees is appointed by the RESA to assist in two primary ways:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li>They support the RESA and the direction of ECKANKAR as set by Sri Harold Klemp</li>
	<li>They help the RESA insure that the Satsang Society’s legal and financial decisions are sound. The Trustees are appointed by, and report directly to, the RESA and serve for a renewable one year term. A Secretary is responsible for keeping accurate records of all actions and decisions of the Board and keeps the legal documents of the Satsang Society.</li>
</ol>";}i:3;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:85:"Does the Colorado Satsang Society have a President and what are the responsibilities?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:1667:"<p><strong>The President’s purpose is primarily two fold:</strong></p>
<ol>
	<li>To be the RESA’s primary assistant in Satsang Society affairs.</li>
	<li>To be the chief executive officer of the Satsang Society.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>The responsibilities are:</strong></p>
<ul>
	<li>To appoint the state directors and the Local Area Directors (with the RESA’s approval);</li>
	<li>Oversee the training of individuals in these positions.</li>
	<li>Propose plans for the state Satsang Society to the RESA based upon input from the state directors and Local Directors.</li>
	<li>Maintain communication and support for the Vahana team leader.</li>
	<li>Oversee the Regional Seminar, HI Retreat, Youth Retreat and other Satsang Society events and programs including the</li>
	<li>Colorado web site (www.Eckankar-Colorado.org) and the electronic mail distribution system.</li>
	<li>Carry out the legal and financial responsibilities and reporting of the Satsang Society to local government and to ECKANKAR.</li>
	<li>Say “yes” to chelas as often as possible, working with them so their ideas meet ECKANKAR guidelines.</li>
	<li>Support chelas’ willingness to serve the ECK and take part in the outer works of ECK.</li>
</ul>
<p> The President is nominated by the RESA for approval by the Board of Trustees and serves a mutually renewable term of one year. The President reports directly to the RESA and to the Board of Trustees. The Vice President, Vahana team leader, CFO, Youth and Family Director, Spiritual Services Director, Administrative Services Director, Web Site Director and each of the Local Directors report to the President.</p>";}i:4;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:39:"What is the role of the Vice President?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:299:"<p>The Vice President’s role is to assist the President in creating, planning and managing the action plans to accomplish the goals set forth by the RESA. This is a new position created in Colorado, nominated by the RESA and confirmed by the Board of Trustees, and serves for a one year term. </p>";}i:5;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:142:"Since sharing the teachings with the public and new spiritual seekers is so important, is there someone specifically assisting in this regard?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:973:"<p>The Colorado Vahana team leader is charged with finding effective ways to reach interested seekers with the teachings of ECK in the state. Their primary responsibilities are:</p>
<ul>
	<li>To appoint a Colorado regional Vahana team with RESA approval.</li>
	<li>Assign tasks among team members according to their strengths, talents, and desires to share ECK with the public on a regular basis.</li>
	<li>Submit a regional Vahana budget for each year.</li>
	<li>Work with local Vahana teams, with assistance from the regional teams.</li>
	<li>Assess and report Vahana results.</li>
	<li>File a semiannual report with the RESA which is forwarded to the ESC.</li>
	<li>Communicate with other members of the Satsang Society.</li>
	<li>Work with and develop future Vahanas.</li>
</ul>
<p>This position is filled by the RESA, and reports directly to her with communication to the President. This position has a one year term with mutual agreement with the RESA.</p>";}i:6;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:61:"How is the money handled? Is there a Chief Financial Officer?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:1418:"<p>ECKANKAR is a federally recognized “501 (c) (3)” tax-exempt organization operating as a “church”. Since 1987 the Colorado Satsang Society has been a Chartered Affiliate of ECKANKAR, and as such, operates under ECKANKAR’s larger federal umbrella. All of our financial accounting, recording keeping and reporting must therefore be in compliance with Federal IRS guidelines. To this end, the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for following proper accounting of the financial resources of the Satsang Society and to assist with management of its assets. They keep an accounting system that follows the guidelines of ECKANKAR, the Charter, and the laws and regulations of the nation, the state of Colorado, and the various counties and municipalities in which we operate.</p>
<p>The CFO Position Duties</p>
<ul>
	<li>Oversees the budget process for each of the service areas, making sure the budgets are followed and documentation is retained.</li>
	<li>Submits a semiannual financial report to the President which is forwarded to the ESC.</li>
	<li>Maintains the board approved investments of the Satsang Society under the direction of the President and the Board.</li>
	<li>Maintains liability and property insurance premiums for potential legal concerns. The CFO serves for a one year, mutually renewable term, and is supported by an Assistant CFO who serves under the same condition.</li>
</ul>";}i:7;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:75:"Does the Colorado Satsang Society have a provision for assisting the youth?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:621:"<p>The State Youth and Family Director has three primary responsibilities:</p>
<ol>
	<li>To champion spiritual education programs for youth, young adults, and families in ECK, giving recommendations to, and working in collaboration with, the appropriate service directors and coordinators in each of the areas of the state.</li>
	<li>To involve ECK youth, young adults, and families in ECK events in the region.</li>
	<li>To cultivate and encourage opportunities for unfoldment, leadership, and service for the future leaders of ECKANKAR. This position, as well, has a mutually renewable term of one year.</li>
</ol>";}i:8;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:93:"Since ECKANKAR is a spiritual organization, is there a state position for Spiritual Services?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:1979:"<p>The State Spiritual Services Director is charged with providing activities that serve the spiritual needs of chelas and newcomers in the region such as:</p>
<ul>
	<li>ECK Worship Services and Community HU Songs.</li>
	<li>ECKANKAR classes including adult and youth Satsang classes, book discussion classes, ECK-periodical discussion classes, and special interest group circles.</li>
	<li>Other ECK events including HU Chants, RoundTables, and Harji Dinners, H.I Retreats and trainings.</li>
	<li>Trainings which include Arahata Training, Spiritual Duties of the ECK High Initiate, Spiritual Duties of the ECK Volunteer, and Handbook for ECK Leaders training.</li>
	<li>Publications such as brochures, posters, programs, graphics and descriptions of ECK programs. This one year term is a mutually renewable position.</li>
</ul>
<p>Colorado has created 4 additional positions under the Spiritual Services Director to assist in these duties. </p>
<ol>
	<li>The <strong>Database Coordinator</strong> maintains a confidential, computerized list and system of contacting chelas to inform them of Satsang Society events. This is a one year term renewable position.</li>
	<li>State <strong>Spiritual Training Director</strong> oversees and supports training events designed to teach or enhance spiritual skills. This is also a one year term renewable position.</li>
	<li><strong>State Classes Director</strong> is responsible for overseeing and supporting the needs of all ECK classes. This director also approves the formation of on-line ECK book discussion classes and on-line Arahatas for such discussions. This is a one year term renewable position.</li>
	<li><strong>State Communications Director</strong> is responsible for enhancing and supporting intra-organizational communication between chelas in a local area or statewide. This will include personal communication, voice messaging, telephone trees, etc. This is a one year term renewable position.</li>
</ol>";}i:9;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:43:"How are the local ECK Centers administered?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:752:"<p>While the local ECK Centers are used for local meetings and activities under the purview of the Local Director, the state Administrative Services Director’s responsibilities include guiding and supporting the physical operation of the ECK Centers, working with the ECK Materials Coordinators to maintain chela and public material inventories, managing equipment and furniture. This would include keeping copies of leases, insurance policies, maintenance contracts, legal licenses & permits, state registrations, telephone system administration and billing, and advising the ESC of any substantial location or legal changes and supervising and supporting any fundraising projects on a regional basis. This is a one year term renewable position.</p>";}i:10;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:131:"As technology and the internet grows, how does the Colorado web site support the Mahanta’s mission and the local Colorado chelas?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:1230:"<p>The Colorado web site at www.Eckankar-Colorado.org is continually expanding it’s capabilities and uses. It has two primary purposes:</p>
<ol>
	<li>Reaching out to the public as a Vahana tool.</li>
	<li>Providing a news, information and communication tool for the chelas.</li>
</ol>
<p>Much of the site is based on “Search Engine Optimization” and is designed to invite the public into an exposure to the ECK teachings as we provide answers to their net search queries. While the main ECKANKAR web site at www.Eckankar-Colorado.org continues to be the primary source for information about the ECK teachings, the Colorado web site will allow the public to meet us as individuals and a community so they can have a first hand experience with potential friends that demonstrate the personal and daily benefits of a life lived in ECK.</p>
<p>The second objective will be to enhance and improve communication within the Satsang Society organization by use of a group communication software that can keep the entire state membership receiving regular news bulletins, calendars, event publicity and materials as well as potentially helping groups as small as a three person team communicate via one central focal point.</p>";}i:11;a:4:{s:15:"accordion_title";s:84:"In the local areas, what does a Local Director do and what are they responsible for?";s:20:"accordion_title_icon";s:14:"fa-info-circle";s:18:"enable_single_icon";s:3:"yes";s:14:"accordion_desc";s:2141:"<p>The purpose of the Local Director position is two fold:</p>
<ul>
	<li>To encourage, support, and coordinate ECK activities in the local area for seekers and for chelas</li>
	<li>To facilitate a loving and harmonious environment in the local area.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Local Director’s responsibilities include:<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<ul>
	<li>Encourage and support efforts of the Vahana teams(s) under the direction of the state and local Vahana team leaders, offering assistance and serving as an information resource to the chelas.</li>
	<li>Encourage and support local activities that nurture chelas in their spiritual growth<strong>.</strong></li>
	<li>Maintain harmony and good communication among the local ECK leaders by coordinating plans and activities of the local coordinators and making decisions when there is no consensus in the local area between coordinators.  (S)he will insure that reports from the local coordinators are forwarded to the President; insure that copies of reports are sent to the appropriate state services directors; stay in communication with the ECK Center coordinator and the ECK materials coordinator.</li>
</ul>
<p>Additionally, (s)he will make recommendations to the President about chelas who could serve in leadership positions;  support and train chelas who wish to help in the local area; see that the Satsang Society’s local files and accountings are accurate and up-to-date; follow the principles and doctrines of ECK in carrying out responsibilities; understand and follow the guidance in the ECKANKAR guidelines and <em>Handbook for ECK Leaders</em>; say “yes” to chelas as often as possible when working with them so their projects meet ECKANKAR guidelines.</p>
<p>The Local Director is supported on a local level by their team of volunteers that assist as Local Administrative Services coordinator, Local Spiritual Services coordinator, Local Web Information  coordinator, Local Treasurer, Local Vahana coordinator, and Local Youth and Family coordinator. Each of these positions replicate the responsibilities of the state directors, but on a local level.</p>";}}";