From these conferences also emerged a new unity of vision around the Nine Year Plan. They focused on protagonism and the development of nuclei at the grassroots. They are helping teams of friends read their reality and make plans together. Many people gained a new insight  for how we can engage the whole community and our neighborhoods. What is key, we are realizing, is the need for systematic follow up on all the new plans as we move forward.

     The conversation on spiritual and material development of the population has advanced through engagement in the materials of the conference and many post-conference discussions have been using vibrant communities and community building concepts as ways to discuss further ideas at Feast and with their friends by using a common language and vision.  When the local population is regularly engaged in such a conversation, opportunities naturally arise to identify challenges and opportunities for positive change in our communities, as well as to appreciate the aspects we love about our communities. The training institute then provides us with an instrument through which we can transform ourselves and contribute to the betterment of our communities.

     The use of the arts was truly essential to exploring the themes of the conference and providing different outlets for expression of the advancement of understanding.The arts activities, children’s classes, and Junior Youth groups contributed to the joy and liveliness of the conference. Across the region, there was a rich exploration of music, visual arts, poetry, theater, cooperative games and dancing in the conferences. These different artistic expressions helped the participants to deepen their understanding of the themes, as well as share their understanding with one another. 

Ponder and  recall daily the purpose of the conferences:

• Transcending differences – What is the commonality needed to rebuild our communities together?
• Harmonizing perspectives – How do we build a unified vision among diverse beliefs and backgrounds?
• Developing qualities for service – What human characteristics and values are building blocks for a stable social order?
• Promoting consultation – How do we navigate a pathway to decision making through inclusivity, understanding and detachment?
• Recognizing our oneness as a single human family – How is our understanding of the inherent oneness of humanity a means for social progress?