Photo above: SDIA Executive Director, Virginia Thomas and Chairman, Vincent Mount

Susila Dharma International Association
Report for the 16th Subud World Congress

By Lawrence Pevec

In my capacity as a SICA-USA board member one of my tasks will be to focus attention on what is happening with SICA (international). Hannah Baerveldt, former WSA Treasurer was tested in as the new SICA Chairperson at the recent 16th Subud World Congress in August. She thinks that SICA could be a stronger force in the Subud World and wants to develop new approaches and possibly a new identity. She will be relying on board members for ideas, views, and vision.

I had a brief getting-to-know-you conversation with Hannah last week. Hannah, as most of you probably know is the daughter of now deceased parents Harold and Lorraine Mason, longtime prominent members of Subud Seattle.

In addition to promoting the cultural activities of Subud members another of my interests is the Culture Conversation in the Subud Context; how we view ourselves and how we relate to the many influences that make up our organizational culture. SICA does not stand alone in that culture. We are a subset with several other organizations under one umbrella. We are separate only in that we have our own legal structures and generally work in our own areas. But what about culture? Culture incorporates all that humans do; in their work, in their play, social, political, artistic, it is all culture.

I attended as many events and programs as I could fit in at the 16th Subud World Congress. I video recorded most of those I attended. I’m sharing here my recording of the inspiring report given by the leadership of Susila Dharma International Association because I love what they do and how well they do it. If you weren’t able to make it to the congress, I expect you will like seeing one of the most comprehensive and inspiring reports presented there.
I hope the brilliance of the SDIA Leadership will be clear when the video and audio are not.

To view, open the link: https://youtu.be/3GXMAmTFHAc?si=mNejqXfLeDS6I2nz

SDIA Executive Director Virginia Thomas introducing member(country and project) reps from Congo, Germany, Canada and the USA.