More than 110 devotees in leadership and youth with leadership capacity across the US and Canada met over the May 15-16th, 2021 weekend to strategize and plan how to bring to life the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) North America (NA) vision. 

The essence of the summit was that any leader, wherever they are located, can become the positive change they want to see in both: their temple community and nationally. 

Some of the vision statements about ISKCON NA that were developed through the conferences leading up to the summit were: “ISKCON North America is at its best when …”

• We trust Krishna’s magic, have the attitude of service, and tolerate difficulties for Krishna
• Our vision is radical, shared, inspiring, bold, courageous, and clearly articulated
• We create spiritual homes that feel like family, through nurturing, caring, loving relationships

And “ISKCON North American Leaders are at their best when they are….”

• We take the time to identify an individual’s strength and engage their gifts accordingly
• People orientated and deeply invested in loving relationships – people over projects
• Actively involved with the community – lead by example
• Proficiently qualifies, accountable, brilliantly resourceful and personal

The vision of NA was then brought to specific initiatives based on these vision statements, that was then further developed into initiatives groups that leaders volunteered to convene. There were more than 20 new initiatives created, including: 

• NA Mentoring Program
• ISKCON NA Technology Ministry
• Devotee Care: Access to Hospice, Residential, and Home Care
• National Youth Department
• Diversity and Inclusion Training
• Young Yogis Youth Camp

During the summit, groups created the basic framework to begin these initiatives and continue meeting after the summit to do so. 

 Initiative/Project Groups Created During the Summit