Bhaktimarga Swami and leaders of Zone 1 cut a cake to honor the event.

The 2024 Zone 1 Leadership Conference, held from November 8th to 10th in Edmonton, Alberta, brought together over 60 leaders from more than 25 ISKCON centers across Canada and six northern U.S. states. Under the theme “Think Big, Do Big, Act Small,” the conference focused on a shared vision for ISKCON’s growth and mission, guided by Srila Prabhupada’s principles and the spirit of Krishna Consciousness.

Inspired by Bhaktimarga Swami, this annual gathering highlighted collective progress and future aspirations, organized under the leadership of the Zone 1 Support Office. Led by Zonal Supervisors Indresh Gaura Dasa and Vrinda Devi Dasi, along with support from Pitambara Das and Aindra Das, the team played a pivotal role in planning and facilitating the event, making this gathering a seamless and transformative experience. Indresh Gaura Dasa served as the conference chair, ensuring that the event’s goals aligned with ISKCON’s mission and the needs of its leaders.

Bhaktimarga Swami and leaders of Zone 1 cut a cake to honor the event.

Day 1: “I Am Das – Not Boss”

The opening day, which began with an uplifting Kirtan and class by Bhaktimarga Swami, set a collaborative tone focused on ethical leadership and humility in service. Leaders shared insights on managing disruptions and safeguarding Srila Prabhupada’s movement in challenging times. Vrinda Devi Dasi also acknowledged the important roles played by the Child Protection Office (CPO), Leadership Misconduct Office (LMO), and Intimate Partner Abuse (IPA) in addressing recent controversies. The day featured a presentation by Kumari Kunti Devi Dasi from ISKCON Communications, which complemented discussions led by Indresh Gaura Dasa on ethical leadership and the importance of preserving ISKCON’s legacy.

Throughout the three days, each center also shared brief presentations on their recent accomplishments, innovations, and challenges. This provided valuable insights, revealing common themes such as the need for effective communication and temple security, which sparked further discussion. One significant update came from the Saranagati community regarding the recent wildfires, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience and cooperation needed to serve our communities. Celebrations included a joyous cake-cutting ceremony and a moving play, The Embassy, performed by Bhaktimarga Swami. Each evening, participants joined in daily Kartika lamp offerings to Sri Damodara, embracing the sacredness of the season.

Day 2: “Let’s Nourish & Flourish”

The second day focused on expanding ISKCON’s reach, envisioning a future with 108 centers in Zone 1 over the next decade. Leaders discussed the importance of operating temples seven days a week to fully serve ISKCON’s Seven Purposes, aiming to increase community engagement beyond traditional Sunday services. Indresh Gaura Dasa expanded on the visionary goals, including a lofty aim of having 3% of the population have some level of Krishna Consciousness by the year 2035 (“3/35”). Aindra Dasa and Vrinda Devi Dasi presented the steps for opening new ISKCON centers, providing easy guidance for leaders.

A central discussion highlighted the opportunity presented by Bhaktimarga Swami to expand Rathayatra festivals as major cultural events to reach broader audiences. Additional festivals like the Festival of Colors (Holi) and Flower Festivals were considered for further community engagement while strategies for managing the overcrowding at Janmastami celebrations were explored. Leaders also shared methods to amplify book distribution efforts, which have seen remarkable growth in recent years.

Panel presentation on Rathayatra and other festivals.

Educational and outreach models like the Bhakti Academy (an in-temple program based at Krishna House) and Bhakti Yoga Studio, a flexible external program, were presented by Visakha Devi Dasi as effective pathways for engaging diverse communities. Later, actionable strategies for fundraising and grant applications were shared, equipping leaders with tools to secure Laxmi for expansion. University outreach through Bhakti Yoga Clubs was also highlighted as a key initiative for connecting with young adults. The day concluded with a festive pizza party hosted by ISKCON Edmonton, offering a relaxed opportunity to strengthen bonds across Zone 1.

Day 3: “Let’s Go”

The final day included a social media panel to introduce a workshop designed to equip leaders with digital strategies for implementation within their centers. Vrinda Devi Dasi presented the North American Regional Governing Body (NA RGB) structure to manage the expanding ISKCON centers across Canada and the USA. This was followed by a final wrap-up consolidating the insights shared over the previous days, tying together innovations and presentations with the challenges outlined by leaders. A remarkable accomplishment is that besides the presentations, workshops, panels, and association, leaders from each of the 26 centers present at the conference had an opportunity to present a unique perspective from their center.

Social Media panel presentation.

The weekend concluded with a special poem written and recited by Bhaktimarga Swami, followed by most of the leaders making their way to ISKCON Edmonton’s Sunday Feast for an enthusiastic kirtan, inspiring discourse, open forum, and delicious feast.

Heartfelt Appreciation for the Hosts, ISKCON Edmonton

The ISKCON Edmonton team—led by President Balakrishna Dasa and supported by their seven-member Temple Council and dedicated department heads—provided outstanding hospitality, managing all aspects of the event with seamless logistics, generous transportation, and delicious prasadam meals. From Thursday arrivals to Monday departures, the Edmonton devotees ensured every detail was thoughtfully managed, making Edmonton a truly warm and welcoming host city.

The 2024 Zone 1 Leadership Conference proved to be a milestone gathering, inspiring leaders to “Think Big” in aspirations, “Do Big” in achievements, and “Act Small” in humility. United by Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and the spirit of Krishna Consciousness, Zone 1 is poised to expand ISKCON’s impact across Canada and the USA while remaining deeply rooted in serving the seven purposes of ISKCON.