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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Session 7BBuilding a Community

Developing and Nurturing Next Generation Mandir Leadership

Shree Patel

Anoopam Mission, PA

September 11-13, 2009

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Introduction

• Engaging and developing next generation leaders is critical for our future

• The 2nd Generation’s mindset and needs are significantly different than that of their parents

• It’s important to take a systematic approach to nurturing the next generation

• Progress can best be made by actively involving them in mandir activities/leadership at an early stage

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

A Picture of the Future

Observations

Within 3 decades, Gen.-II population will start declining.

Hindu population will start stabilizing at around 3.3 million.

Of these 2/3rd will be from 1st generation. A large number of these people will be in the “elderly” category.

Population Trends for Hindus in USA

0

250

500

750

1000

1250

1500

1750

2000

2250

2500

2750

3000

3250

3500

3750

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Year

Pop

ulat

ion

(tho

usan

ds)

G-I

Gen-II

Total Pop.

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Increasing Focus on Generation-IIGrow

thPhase-I

(Protecting)

Helping primarily

Generation-I

Focus laid on rituals & asset

building

Phase-II

(Sustaining)

Helping Generation-II &

Generation-I

Focus - Meeting needs of Gen-II while continuing

to perform existing services

Phase-III

(Growing)

Helping Generation-II &

non-Hindus

Focus – Meeting needs of larger

American society & offering solutions rooted in Dharma

Time

2005

2015

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Understanding Them

• They are usually more liberal than their parents

• Blind faith doesn’t work – they need scientific explanations

• They detest hypocrisy

• Role models they respect are supremely important

• Often feel stifled by older generation

• Social interaction with other youth and fun activities are KEY

• A positive peer group creates a virtuous cycle

• Once focused, they are extremely determined

• Their first bridge to bhakti is their parents

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

A Systematic Approach

• Annual & semi-annual Youth Camps serve as a focal point

• Quality time with saints and sadhus personalizes the philosophy

• Specifically involve the youth in planning and execution of mandir activities increases involvement

• Utilize technology such as weekly sabha conference calls, discussion boards, Facebook etc to maintain continuous contact

• Formalized leadership training helps them to take the next step

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Encouraging Active Participation

• It is important for them to feel like their voices are heard

• Delegation of responsibility to them encourages a sense of ownership

• Patience and understanding are important for they will make mistakes

• We must keep an open mind for many of their ideas are novel

• Creating a mix of seva, education and fun achieves a variety of developmental aims

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Conclusion

• The 2nd Generation has a thirst for spirituality but struggles to connect

• We can aid them by providing:– Positive role models in the form of saints, sadhus & peers

– Scientific explanations regarding our philosophy

– A nurturing environment geared towards their needs and mindset

– Opportunities to serve and take leadership

– Patience and acceptance