P E a C E I S Right Now I Am Working on a New Project—A Series of Materials That Address Step by Step What Aspirants P O S S I B L E Need to Know to Receive Knowledge

april 2004 volume 1 ~ issue 1

the keys P E A C E I S Right now I am working on a new project—a series of materials that address step by step what aspirants P O S S I B L E need to know to receive Knowledge. This will allow people to proceed at their own pace, as quickly or as slowly as they want. It will also make it possible for people who are in really remote areas to prepare. And those people who already have Knowledge will be able to take advantage of it, as well. These new resources will make it very easy for people to receive Knowledge—and be better prepared than ever before. I’m excited about it. It’s coming. Maharaji the gift Knowledge Sessions are on the increase in North America. the message Plans are that these opportunities 2003 was unprecedented in both the scope and scale of will be available in several loca- Maharaji’s activities. There were 79 events, attended by 1.1 million tions each month. Knowledge Ses- people, including 41 introductory and follow up events, attended by sion teams have been specially 718,000 guests. The first TV, print and radio advertising were released in trained throughout the region to major US markets. An interview by Maharaji was heard on three major facilitate these unique events in at airlines in late 2003. Clarity, a book by Maharaji was published, and least sixteen cities. more than 60 positive articles appeared in the press worldwide. “Asking for Knowledge” 171 Knowledge Sessions were held, with an almost 50% increase meetings are also being held more in the number of people receiving Knowledge compared to 2002. frequently. This allows for less Maharaji did a four-month tour of India, including the Delhi time between someone completing stadium event in March with 130,000 people attending. A helicopter was the preparation process, confirm- used for the first time for transport to the events in India, saving many ing that they meet the require- hours of travel time. 46,000 people attended the first Expressions event ments, and being able to learn the in New Delhi techniques of Knowledge the passion A lot of people in America what we should do or why it wasn’t come, join the party, and have are asking, “How can Maharaji’s working, we just did it. Sometimes the cake. It’s not work—you get message reach more people here?” it was a hit, and sometimes it was to have the cake. How does that happen? a miss. Sometimes no one came, All it takes is passion—the When I first came to the and sometimes everyone came. passion that comes from the heart, West, there were a few people and Things are happening now, not from the head. Be in that a lot of passion. Ask anyone from and we can all play a part. Will place, be in that mode, be in that that time. That’s all it was—pas- this message of peace reach passionate environment, and then sion. We really enjoyed telling more and more people? Yes. And everything is possible. people about the possibility of it will happen with you or without Maharaji Knowledge. We never talked about you. The opportunity here is to connecting with: cindy lategan Cindy Lategan is the contact person for the North American Introductory & Follow- up Team, a network of people in the United States, Canada and Mexico supporting the efforts of local teams to introduce Maharaji and his message to the public. She assists with communication between those local teams and other North American regional teams. Living in the greater Boston area, Cindy is married, with two children, and works part time as a consultant writer of medical articles and reports.

CNA: Can you give us an overview of local activi- It’s really about taking creativity and simple ties that happened in 2003 in North America? ideas and actualizing them with the help of those who Cindy: There were nine programs with Maharaji, six have the same passion. Sometimes it takes the help of which were public. More than 6,400 people were and support of other teams who have been doing sim- introduced to Knowledge at these events. ilar presentations. In October 2002, a meeting was held in Miami CNA: What’s up for 2004? at which Maharaji spoke of the many people he felt Cindy: We are anticipating having a substantial would be very happy to be introduced to his message. number of public events with Maharaji speaking this From then, through December 2003, more than year. A single follow-up event is tentatively planned 17,000 people heard about Maharaji and Knowledge for the end of the tour to be telecast to many other at local video and broadcast events. The number of cities. Interested people could then attend a local people introduced monthly to Maharaji and his mes- program, and still be able to speak to Maharaji live, sage in North America more than quadrupled during via the telecast. that period. An average of 1,339 people a month were CNA: Any other significant points or comments introduced to Knowledge in 2003. about the events of 2003 that you would like During the past year, events have been held in to mention? hotels, libraries, homes, art galleries, assisted living centers, restaurants and even an airport, where an Cindy: Maharaji expressed his gratitude and happi- event was held for airline staff. In many cities, people ness at seeing what is happening in North America. can now hear Maharaji on cable access, on the radio He seemed very pleased to be able to speak to so channels of major airlines or watch the weekly satel- many at last year’s public events. He has expressed lite broadcasts. More people have been able to hear his thanks to everyone who has helped make his tours Maharaji than ever before in North America. so successful. CNA: How many Knowledge sessions were held KM during 2003 and how many people learned the techniques of Knowledge? Cindy: There were eight Knowledge sessions in North America in 2003 where 297 people learned the techniques of Knowledge. CNA: Can you give us some highlights to last year’s local events? April 2004 Cindy: The most beautiful thing is that people with passion can do things they didn’t think possible, just welcome by working together. For example, there is one team Connect North America evolved from the need in Florida that has become a traveling “introductory and desire to share relevant information between event crew,” doing presentations in community cent- teams and individuals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. ers and apartment buildings. They covered a large 2004 seems the perfect time for this project. Much is part of their county just by making themselves availa- happening, including possible events with Maharaji in ble and using a little bit of ingenuity. Researching North America. with chambers of commerce and other organizations We hope this publication offers you useful that might have an interest enabled them to set up a information, interesting initiatives and ways to series of events for one group that cares for the stay connected. (Also available in Spanish.) young and elderly. To access: [email protected]

CNA - page 2 talking about: event management with jim vuko

An opportunity to partici- decades.” Jim says that among Free copies of the Event pate in 1978 led to a life-long ca- other things, it contains job de- Overview manual are availa- reer for Jim Vuko. scriptions for forming a local event ble to any community in “At the first event in Kiss- team and descriptions of more North America. Community immee, Florida, I was the business than 32 milestones in the life cycle contact people or local event manager. I got my start in event of an event. team managers may get a management there,” he says. Jim notes that the team copy by contacting Jim at Today Jim is a partner and also provides personalized, spe- [email protected]. vice president with International cialized coaching based on the Conference Management, which pro- area of expertise of each of the vides software and web solutions for five team members. Jim coaches meetings, conventions and exposi- event management; Richard Gro- tions. He lives in Chevy Chase, Mar- den, productions; Jim Levin, fi- yland with his wife Evelyn. nance; Betsy Gibson, guest Event management for Ma- services, and Linda Gross, commu- haraji’s programs still figures promi- nications. “This,” Jim says, “gives nently in Jim’s life. He is a member each local manager a counterpart of the North American Regional on the regional team so they can Event Team. focus together on the same tasks.” “Last summer,” Jim says, They also provide on-site “representatives from the various training, he says. “At the Ft. going for growth teams involved in the recently com- Lauderdale event in February, for The number of people pleted tour got together in Miami example, each of the regional hearing Maharaji’s message is Beach to talk about how to improve managers organized a training growing worldwide, through his our ability to host successful session or ‘event classroom’ in own live events, and through the events, particularly in communities their respective areas.” The ses- media. An essential part of the that have had little previous expe- sion Jim arranged for event man- success of the tours, events, and rience. One of the outcomes was agers consisted of six hours of materials is the financial support the formation of the North Ameri- actual classroom time, followed by of people that care. This is a very can Regional Event Team.” a day and a half of guided obser- direct way to help. The team’s mission, he vation. “That means,” he says, In April, May and June, Re- said, is to serve as coach for local “that I guided a small group of source Presentations in 35 cities event teams – to help them devel- event managers while we ob- around North America will be hap- op volunteers, submit realistic served the setup process for the pening, with two new DVDs, and a proposals and focus their prepara- event. We interviewed the manag- full resource update of all activities tions. National team members ers involved, asked them to de- and projects. The theme this year train local teams in the best scribe their functions and the is “Going for Growth,” to keep up methods for managing events and challenges they faced. All the with the growing interest worldwide. recruiting the right people for key event classroom participants The goal is at least a 10% boost in positions. “The regional team,” thought that the approach was support to cover the increasing Jim says, “also provides support very helpful and gave them a lot costs of International Tours and once an event is confirmed and of- of insight. Broadcasts and materials. fers constructive evaluation so lo- “Maharaji would welcome Here is a brief explanation of cal teams can keep improving.” the option of speaking to audienc- where your contributions can help: The NAM Regional Event es in communities that he’s never z International Tours and Team even created a textbook of visited before,” Jim says. For that events - Elan Vital sorts. He says, “We wrote an Event to happen, he says, we need to z Broadcasts and Materials – Overview manual to serve as a make sure that the events we plan Visions International standard for best practices in are the very best we can provide. z Events with Maharaji - event management, based on les- EV registration fees cover those costs sons learned over the past two

CNA - page 3 Maharaji: A Joint Effort

come so selfish that it impedes the progress of the generation yet to come. What will their roles be? What will their responsibilities be? I don’t know. But Knowledge is for everyone—and it always will be. Maybe things in this world are difficult, but receiving Knowl- edge should not be difficult. I am working on that. This is what I have been doing. I have been speaking about Knowledge since I was four years old. And since I was around nine, I have been traveling. But I only go to people. I don’t go to countries; I go to people. Every human being on the face of this earth is the same. We are taught to see the differences. I don’t see those differences. I see a human being who wants to be fulfilled. These are the opportunities. If you understand, then like e need to let people There is so much demand in that person who has recognized know about the possibili- the world. The number of cities in- the value of a diamond, you, too, WWty of Knowledge. If they viting me to come is much greater can be rich beyond belief. You have don’t want it, fine. No pressure. than there are days in the year. life. You have existence. And most But we need to let people know Where do I go? Some criteria have importantly, you have the gift of about the possibility. It’s as simple to be used. Otherwise, there is not Knowledge. Practice. Practice in as that. enough time. So I told all the earnest. And get together as a There is a lot of potential, countries I will go to those cities team in your little communities and it can be a beautiful thing. It where there is a lot of interest. and let’s see what we can do. And is all our effort that will make the More and more people need hopefully, I will see you very soon. difference. Not just mine—yours, to hear about this. More and more Maharaji too. I know what I can do. You people need to come, need to un- should know what you can do. You derstand. And it’s a beautiful op- cannot give Knowledge. I can. But portunity. Everywhere around the cordially invited I cannot go to your friends’ house world, this message is so fresh. My In the interest of and give them a video. You can. I only request to all the people who maximizing the number of guests cannot go around inviting your have this Knowledge is to, please, who will attend public events with family, your friends, and other let it remain fresh. Knowledge Maharaji in 2004, the website people you might know, to come to works. I am here. You don’t have www.invitationlist.org has been an event. I can’t. You can. I can to give me a label. Do what you developed to enable newly give Knowledge—I can talk to them can do to help because your heart interested people to register their about Knowledge, I can talk to says so. Let the inspiration come interest in being invited and their them about life, and I can help from your heart. contact information. They can them after they receive Knowl- Knowledge is for the gener- alternatively do so using the so- edge. If you know what I can do ation now. Knowledge is for the called “Blue Cards” at local events. and what you can do, then it be- generation before. And Knowledge Ask the introductory team contact comes a joint effort, and every- is for the generation that is yet to in your area to supply these, if thing can happen really well. come. No generation should be- they are not already available

CNA - page 4 promoting a message of peace In 2004, materials to pro- 2004 events with Maharaji, includ- mote Maharaji’s message come from ing invitations for your guests. An- various sources. The most prominent other project is this “Connect come from The Prem Rawat Founda- North America” publication, a col- tion, which produces all materials laborative communication effort that directly represent Maharaji in from various teams engaged in the public domain. The International helping Maharaji’s message reach Materials Team (IMT) produces these more people, which will be availa- fine quality products. ble on the website. It will also be There are also materials of printed and distributed locally by MAP Team produced poster sample a different sort, developed by indi- some areas who choose to do that, and IMT produced 2004 event viduals around the North American like the S.E. region. invitation sample region who want to promote his The site will also feature message of peace. The NAm Mate- samples of MAP team-produced port as needed. As project-orient- rials & Promotions, or MAP, team templates for local ongoing promo- ed designers, writers, editors, was formed in spring 2003 to help tional use, including print display photographers, illustrators, pub- support these initiatives. ads suitable for TV listings to pro- lishers, printers, producers and After hearing what was mote the satellite and cable tele- project managers hear what the needed, we developed a website casts, as well as posters, flyers MAP team offers we hope more of www.materialsresource.org — and invitations for ongoing local them will contact us. There is a place where people can find ma- and special events. much to discover about working as terials to help them in their ef- A core team has formed or- a creative arts team and we intend forts. One exciting feature will be ganically over the past few months to have fun learning to produce re- the display and distribution of ma- and we hope the team will grow sults in a timely way. terials from the IMT for anticipated and continue to offer material sup- RL let’s go to them When the threat of SARS in 2003 required that club they’re part of if they’d be interested in a pres- the Toronto community suspend events for a couple of entation about enjoying life, self-development and months, the local team spent this “down time” consid- joy. The group’s regular meeting place may be availa- ering other kinds of outreach. They decided to host ble for the event, and it may produce publications “Go-to-Them” events, where Maharaji’s message is that can promote the presentation. presented in a setting that is familiar to or comforta- Helpful resources for organizing Go-to-Them ble for a particular audience. Toronto has since had events include: great success with this format, as have many other · Speakers who are comfortable interacting with communities in North America. Some examples of this the group type of event include: · A video, often customized for the audience · A speaker reading from Maharaji’s materials at a · Musicians to foster a fun, relaxing atmosphere book club meeting · Posters and invitations · A speaker and video presentation at a trade show · Contact cards for registering interest · A ”Lunch and Learn” series of video presentations · Follow-up materials that guests can take home at a library · Advice from someone who’s put on an event like One event was held in an apartment complex this before. where 80 percent of the residents speak and read There are ongoing conference calls for those only Chinese. Hand-rolled invitations read simply, interested in hearing more about these special func- “You are invited to a presentation on peace” and tions, or for those who wish to talk about their own were tied with a red ribbon to indicate good fortune. experiences with these presentations. If you would More than 200 new people watched videos with Chi- like to attend one of these calls, please write to nese subtitles and received a Chinese newsletter to Katharita Lamoza at [email protected] or on take home. First Class The individuals who deliver Go-to-Them presentations often start by asking the organization or

CNA - page 5 field report: mexico In Tampico, we placed announcements in the newspaper and prepared for an introductory event for about 50 people. To our surprise, 330 people showed up. The next time, we prepared for 300 people. A half-hour before the event, the room was almost full. Before it began we had to get more chairs. People stayed after to chat and ask questions. The guests seemed very happy when they left. A few months later, we held another large event. 340 people came, facility with introductory materials and videos of all with 158 to the follow-up. kinds, all with translation. The number of attendees seems to depend on For promotion, we used newspapers, radio, the date and time of the event. We try not to hold events posters and flyers. One announcement in the on holidays and weekends. newspaper read: “Conference on Knowledge introduced Follow-up events have been very successful. by Prem Rawat. Prem Rawat offers a practical method There are now 60 people preparing to learn the to experience inner peace. His message is not part of techniques of Knowledge in Tampico. Some come to any philosophy or religion, and it is compatible with all the events and others take videos home. We also hold religions. Free entry and no need to sign in.” That ad satellite events that we translate live. If some people was modified according to the type of questions asked don’t understand what is being offered, we try to be at the events and ran for five days before an event. A as clear and informative as possible. We do not ask 30-second radio spot aired eight times a day for five for their phone numbers but we offer a packet that days on a music radio station. contains Maharaji’s excerpts and information on In addition, several people simply handed out follow-up resources. flyers and hung posters the “old-fashioned way.” When we first started our events, we didn’t There are so many ways to try to reach people. have a video library. Now we have a fully stocked DT

connect directory enjoyment tip The “Connect Directory” is a supplement to this “Connect North America” newsletter. You will find it referred to in some of these articles. listen A valuable tool, the directory includes a wide listing of contact information. participate To access and print “Connect North America” and the directory, go to www.materialsresource.org. You will see a link to the directory. practice

There is a new website where you can read about and purchase simpler with broadcast videos, DVDs and audio CDs. smart card Go to www.wordsofpeace.com to listen to excerpts, words With expectations high that view new release titles and more. Maharaji will attend events this The www.eversound.com site still offers these items as well, year in North America, this is a of pluspeace the music CDs and DVDs by Eversound artists. good time to get a Smart Card. For phone orders, call 805-496-3996, ext. 51 This permanent event credential is for people who have learned the T h e P r e m R a w a t F o u n d a t i o n techniques of Knowledge. It dis- plays a cardholder’s name, photo F e a t u r e d I t e m Maharaji on Campus - Four CDs - and a unique Smart Card number. Featuring four university events where For further information or to apply, Maharaji spoke in 2003 including visit www.smartcardoffice.org University of California at Berkeley, or write to: Smart Card Office, University of Colorado at Boulder, P.O. Box 2278, Agoura Hills, Nova Southestern University and the prestigious CA 91376. Salamanca University in Spain. $29.95 Order at www.tprf.org or call 1-800-616-8755 Fax is: 818-707-6378

CNA - page 6 cable ready Volunteer Tom Giles was at the studio of WYOU community access in Madison, Wisconsin when the station staff handed him the phone. “Who is this that I’m listening to?” the caller asked. “I was just flipping through the channels and found this program. I can’t believe it! My jaw has been on the floor for the past half hour! This is such good stuff he’s saying!” Some of the Michigan cable team Tom explained that the at the Grand Rapids Media Center speaker was Prem Rawat and that the show was not a one-time broadcast, but part of a regular weekly series called Prem Rawat / have placed program descriptions array of subscriptions for cable, in Words of Peace. This show can now in local TV listings, adver- half-hour and hour formats, in be seen on scores of public access tisements in neighborhood English and Spanish. Communities television stations and the publications, and posters and who are geographically close or numbers continue to grow. This flyers in local businesses. Some those who use similar tape formats introductory initiative could teams have included the Dish can share subscriptions. Volun- eventually put Maharaji’s words in Network broadcasts in their teers who make their living in the reach of about 120 million North promotion plans. The North video industry will often help with American households with access American Materials Team has production for a modest fee. to cable. Most broadcasts are in prepared templates for print ads Public access stations have English, but translations in Spanish promoting cable. different requirements for tape and Tamil are also on the air. format, length of broadcast and Broadcasting: what must be placed at the Three Steps to Success Playing by the Rules beginning and end of the tape. A Each cable broadcast is a Most American communities broadcast should be followed by local introductory initiative: local have public access channels that professional quality tag screens. because the broadcasts are charge little or nothing to The first should say “Prem Rawat/ arranged, operated and funded broadcast non-commercial shows Words of Peace is broadcast every entirely by local teams; produced or sponsored by local Thursday at 7 p.m.,” and the next, introductory because the residents. The staffs of these “For more ways to learn about broadcasts have the potential to stations are eager to help get Prem Rawat, visit localwebsite.org, introduce tens of thousands of programs of local interest on the or call 888.###.####.” people to Maharaji and his air. Before contacting the station, message; initiative because it prepare a simple neutral Finding Help requires commitment, careful explanation of your team’s For help getting started, planning, clear communications volunteer efforts and the content of contact David Weinberg, (mail and consistency. There are three the broadcasts. Each public access to:[email protected]). For components to successful cable station sets its own broadcast technical assistance, contact Girbe outreach: (1) promotions, (2) policies and procedures, and Eefsting (mail to: [email protected]) broadcast, and (3) production. require some form of written who has been producing public agreement. Please send a copy to access television for nearly 30 years. Promotions: David Weinberg for a legal review. For advice about public relations, Invitation to an Intro contact Kirk Laidlaw (mail to: The first step in cable Production: [email protected]) Be patient, outreach is planning promotions. Ready, Tag, Action and get ready for the phone to ring. Each video broadcast is really a Production is the process of televised introductory event. How preparing program content for the DW will be people be invited to this local cable access station. Visions Visit www.materialsresource.org for television event? Local teams International provides a flexible more information on cable initiatives.

CNA - page 7 people to borrow tapes. Those are good on them”, as “someone” listed in the “Connect Directory.” always remind us!) margie’s As Maharaji tells us, the best ~ mailbag brochure is you enjoying your life. Dear Margie, No charge for that! I want to contribute money to ~ support the work Maharaji is Dear Margie, Dear Margie, doing, but I often forget to do I live in a remote area and would I want some nice invitations for a that. It sounds simple, but it like to share Maharaji’s message, presentation I’m planning to a seems to slip my mind? with friends, but I can’t spend a group of nutrition counselors I Signed, “Tend to Forget” lot on materials. Can you help me? work with. Is there a design Dear “Tend,” Signed, “Budget in the Boondocks” somewhere I could use? Thanks. I set up automatic monthly debits Dear “Budget”, “Ginseng George” from my credit card to Elan Vital If you have a computer or can find Dear “Ginseng”, and Visions. So easy! The amounts one at a library to use, go to www.materialsresource.org is a I send don’t seem like much, but it www.tprf.org, to the “bookstore”. good place to start. This new site adds up and that feels good. I was There are lots of free articles to offers templates of invitations, sent a CD recently, for contributing, download and print. Also, for a posters and other nifty things to with music and Maharaji speaking. small contribution to cover help make your event a “class What a “Thank You” note! shipping, there are video libraries act”. (Share with those health- that make it easy for interested conscious people that “Peace looks

linking up: here’s an idea: Amaroo event, April 20 - 23: www.contactinfo.org A few people rented a showcase in a main corridor of Calgary’s Epcor Centre, which houses five INSPIRE weekly online newsletter: www.contactinfo.org theatres and an opera house. The informative display (Preview Maharaji’s book Clarity: INSPIRE, Volume 1, is changed weekly. Topics include “Thirst”, “Hope”, Issue 1) “Feeling”, “The Heart” and “Who We Are.” Articles and “Connect Directory”: www.materialsresource.org contact cards are available for the taking. The window is also used to promote local events Just for fun: Blissful Acres, video invitation: www.homepage.mac.com/girbe/iMovieTheater37.html

classifieds Two detail-oriented volunteers with basic computer skills are needed to cover the US and the Canada quality assurance of the local phone lines. Telecommute, one hour per week. If interested, please email Bella Houser on First Class or [email protected], or call her at 954-776-5369. ~ Volunteers are needed to help with The Prem Rawat Foundation sales at Amaroo, 2004. TPRF will be hosting 4 pavilions at the event. Positions include: display and set-up, stocking, sales, cashiering, inventory, and computer presentations. Experience preferred, but not essential. If interested, please respond to [email protected] or call Carolyn at 818-707-0633 We welcome submissions for this on-going spot. Please contact us at [email protected]

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