World Congress
World Congress 2010
Christchurch, New Zealand
2010 World Congress website - On-Line Registration now available
YES Quest goes international at World Congress - projects to support the involvement of Youth (those 30 years and under) in Congress and to then support their continuation of the project back in their home countries. Financial assistance available and help with selection of a Quest if required.
International Youth Travel Fund (pdf) - assisting youth to travel to congress.
Congress Delegate Program (xls) - still in formation, showing an outline of the two weeks’ content.
Congress Business (pdf) - a letter from the ISC/WSA executive, including WSA working parties, Congress business, WSA list server, Congress Program, consultation with members.
Well here we are, at just one year (January 4-18, 2010) from our great meeting together in Christchurch, New Zealand. This will be a busy and challenging year, but the whole congress organizing team, both local and international, has now become more structured and coherent and ready to host all of you.
In 2008 the Congress Organizing Team and the WSA Executive and Council worked together to establish the foundations for the congress. This includes setting up a legal structure in New Zealand to provide a local vehicle to organize the congress, working to finalize the budget and the registration fee, and starting to look at the congress content and direction that we hope to take during the congress.
Gradually the team has gelled into a close knit working group. It works in a democratic and harmonious manner, supported by local and international helpers, the Christchurch group and the national committee of Subud New Zealand. It is a great experience, helped by the extensive use of the internet and Skype conference calling. One highlight happened in May, when Stewart Horthy in the UK ‘hacked into’ Arif Matthee’s computer in Christchurch, to give the international team present an on-line demonstration of the functioning of the website and registration form.
The World Congress website and registration form can be accessed at www.subudworldcongress2010.com.
After discussions back and forth, the final decision was made by the World Subud Council at their meeting in Amanecer, Colombia, that there would be two registration fee options: one for the full two weeks, the other a daily option for members who may only be able to come for a few days. The major costs incurred by World Congress for the full 2 weeks: venue rentals, country delegate support (approx. 30 countries will need help), Ibu Rahayu's attendance, support for working staff and volunteers. Smaller costs include, technical translation equipment, security and medical support requirements, and other such needs. As most members will come from far away, we hope they will plan to come for the full two weeks. We have worked together to reach a registration fee that is close to the fee paid in Innsbruck. As usual, there are lower fees for youth and families, plus discounts on fees for early payment of registrations, which makes the planning much easier. Payment can be made by credit card or by electronic transfer. Members can register, and then pay later, as long as they are within the specific time deadlines in order to get the discounted registration fee. World Congresses are large scale events which require suitable facilities to provide for the needs of the members and their programs. It also includes helping as many as possible to come including those from countries with lower average incomes. It is largely thanks to the extensive volunteer work done by many, that registration fees can be kept down low. We are counting on everyone’s generosity to help make the congress a success, so please add a donation to your registration fee if possible. Donations to support members to attend the congress, by those not attending the congress, can also be made on the website. ACCOMMODATION The accommodation project leader has worked hard finding the best accommodation and negotiating the best prices, which are low by international standards. We have found a good range of accommodation for you close to the main venues, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, and camping options. When you register you can book meals (lunch and dinner) at the convention centre, or simply choose, once in Christchurch, from the numerous choices of restaurants and cafes available nearby. Another important feature on the website is the extensive information concerning visas. Samara Schionning from Australia is now living in Christchurch and has become secretary to the congress team, and Marianne Kay has been working since November 1 as Congress Coordinator. Hammond Peek has volunteered to become the local website editor and is working with Stewart Horthy who is developing the website for the congress. The Congress Organizing Team will appear on the website. The team needs others from around the world to help fill all the roles involved. For example, Marston Gregory from the US is working with Stephen Woodruff from NZ coordinating a number of cultural events. There will be an on-site volunteering program, which will function similar to the Innsbruck Congress. The intention is that working hours will be of a reasonable length so that all members may participate in the activities of the congress. To finish, please remember that this is a World Congress of all Subud members. We hope and trust that many will come to Christchurch, to join in the latihans, as well as express their ideas and visions for the future, through workshops, forums and dialogue. We are investigating the possibility and costs of streaming certain parts of the Congress onto the web, thus creating a virtual on-line congress for those who are unable to come to NZ. Thanks to the support of Harlan Cockburn, Congress TV will again be a major feature, allowing events to be shared at congress and around the world. Most importantly, Ibu Rahayu has confirmed her hope to come to congress in New Zealand. Any talks she gives will be filmed and become available as soon as possible.
Visit the 2010 World Congress website