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Alachua First Annual Family and Youth Conference
By Chitralekha dasi

It was a soul-fulfilling experience for many who attended the first annual Family and Youth Conference held in Alachua, Florida, on September 21-23, 2001. Attendees traveled from as far away as New Zealand and Brazil to take part in the conference. With a variety of interactive sessions and open-forum discussions on education, family, and living in the secular world, the conference provided a stimulus for pro-active thinkers as well as practical solutions to everyday dilemnas.

"I found the conference inspiring and uplifting to see devotees actively trying to solve issues and improve their personal and devotional lives," commented Amrita dasi, student at Montgomery College, Maryland, age 19.

Professor Burke Rochford, sociologist at Middlebury College in Vermont, although unable to attend in person, submitted a paper that started the conference with an intellectual bang. Outlining his extensive research on transitions within ISKCON and the resultant effects on family life, spiritual practices, and education he catalogued the consistency of devotional commitment householders retain after leaving temple ashram life. He concluded that today’s challenge is for our leaders to assure that independent householders are inspired to continue their allegiance to the ISKCON institution as well as to the Krishna faith.

One highlight of the conference was the Friday evening Youth Session. Yudhisthira and Pradyumna, former gurukula students, opened with moving presentations describing and reflecting upon their experiences. The session escalated into a full-scale, late-night, question/answer/comment interaction between first generation devotees and other ex-gurukulis, helping to bridge the communication gap between generations. It was sobering for first-generation devotees to learn that certain phrases such as just surrender, be submissive, or it’s your karma may cause emotional distress to the gurukuli young adults who feel they were mistreated or abused. They felt that their only alternative to avoid such pain is to stay away.

"The honest assessment offered by the youth was truly a gift of first-hand wisdom from those still around to help our society understand and grow," commented one participant. "If young men and women like these were helping to lead our movement with the insight of their experiences, then perhaps ISKCON would evolve into a well-rounded society able to produce well-balanced individuals."

The second day continued with "Third Culture Krishna Kids," a workshop presented by guest speaker Norma M. McCaig, a professional of 20 years in the field of inter-cultural transitions. Ms. McCaig helped youth and parents understand the effects that cultural isolation within ISKCON communities and the nomadic lifestyle that some devotees lead have on relationships, commitment, and academic/professional life. She explained ways to prepare our children for the transitions they may encounter, which may help them retain more of their Krishna Conscious upbringing and resist the unwanted habits of the world rather than adopting them in order to "fit in."

Other sessions included Visakha dasi’s paper, "Qualities of a Successful Marriage," which was based on extensive research and scriptural examples. She outlined in detail the "two-way street" of a successful marriage relationship, including a look at appropriate male and female attitudes and responsibilities.

Braja Bihari dasa, Ministry of Education, presented an up to date account of secondary and higher educational plans. Haridas dasa and Radha dasi led a discussion on developing a personal Vaishnava ethic. The ethical considerations of war, politics, and civil responsibility were analyzed in relation to our devotional attitudes.

The concluding panel, "Living Within the Secular World," consisted of a businesswoman, two professionals, and a single parent. They gave a real life synopsis of the personal successes and struggles encounter while contributing to Srila Prabhupada’s movement. It opened the eyes of those present to hear how the speakers’ faith in Krishna gave them the strength of character to realize their individual abilities and the best way to use them.

The first annual Family and Youth Conference was co-sponsored by ISKCON Communications, Children of Krishna, Youth Ministry, and the Child Protection Office. For information, or to purchase videotapes of the conference, contact ISKCON Communications at 301-299-9707 or icommunications@hotmail.com.

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