ISKCON Communications Europe

1
ISKCON Communications Europe

• Presentation at the European Leadership Meeting
  in Prabhupadadesh, Italy
• 12th of September, 2007
• Mahaprabhu dasa

2
History

• ICE began in 1991.
• Saunaka Rsi prabhu was the first European
  Director.
• In 2002 Merudevi dasi became the second director.
• In 2007 I will try to help by becoming the 3rd
  coordinator.

3
Achievements

• Many educational initiatives came out of the
  ICELT meetings like VTE courses and Bhaktivedanta
  College.
• Many campaigns were directed or supervised by ICE
  like Hungary, Germany, Russia, Latvia, Bulgaria,
  Ireland, etc.
• The ICJ was produced and is the standard
  reference material about ISKCON used by scholars
• Many internal changes in Iskcon were prompted by
  ICE.
• Interfaith brochure
• Experts participated in ICELT meetings including
  Felix Machado from the Vatican.
• Helped Yatras in tackling Anticult issues.

4
What Communications is not

• Communications is not Public Relations
• It not about projecting an image
• It is not about covering up

5
What Communications is

• It is preaching
• It is about identity and principles
• It is about relationships

6
What can Communications do for your Yatra

• It can accelarate the speed of spreading Krsna
  Consciousness. Without the support of the leaders
  of society it will be much more difficult to
  spread the Sankirtan Mission
• Help address important issues.

7
Authorities

• Global GBC Minister of Communications- Anuttama
  prabhu
• Euro GBC

8
Team

• Mahaprabhu dasa (Belgium)- Coordinator
• Govardhana prabhu (Hungary)
• Lal Krsna prabhu (UK)
• Mukunda prabhu (Slovenia)
• Vinay Tanna (UK)

9
Mission Statement

• ISKCON communications Europe works to create and
  sustain favorable environments for advancing the
  goals of Iskcon throughout Europe by establishing
  and maintaining confidence and faith in the
  integrity of the movements members and its
  mission by helping yatras find qualified
  communications preachers who can cultivate
  audiences such as, Academics, Religious leaders,
  Government, Hindu
• community, Anti-cult organisations, Media.

10
Responsabilities

• To maintain regular and open communications with
  the International Communications Minister.
• To organize an IC conference before or after the
  IS conference.
• To help Yatras identify a communications
  coordinator for each European country.
• To develop a strategy for Europe.
• To facilitate communications training.
• To prepare a yearly report to the ELM and the
  Euro GBC.
• To be aware of European issues and interact with
  the European institutions in Brussels.
• To participate in Euro GBC meetings.

11
Finances

• Individual Donors
• Euro GBC
• European Commission (For special conferences we
  may organize in the future)

12
We need your help

• To identify devotees who can become the
  communications directors or coordinators for your
  Yatra

13
Sample Report 2006-07

• UK
• Hungary
• Belgium