ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 03/20/2016
ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 03/20/2016
Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Participating Directors: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, Ranaka and Sri Tulasi Manjari.
Participating Advisors: Jaya Krsna, Radha-Krishna, Vraja
Participating Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra
Recording Secretary: Jamuna Jivani
1. Exploring ECO-V’s Future Role
Kripamaya raised some general questions regarding the future role of ECO-V in the continued evolution of the New Vrindaban village. After an initial discussion, the Board members concluded it would be best to discuss these broad range of topics in person and to include more people in the discussion.
2. ECO-V Brochure
Kripamaya expressed an interest in reviving the ECO-V brochure project in time for the 2016 festival season. Some Board members felt that the project should wait until the organization has put more substantial work into its current projects before doing so. Also, to reduce potential confusion with pilgrims to New Vrindaban, INV previously requested ECO-V to hold off promoting itself with a separate brochure. As an interim step, Jaya Krsna proposed including information about ECO-V in a new INV brochure that would highlight some of ECO-V’s activities. Meeting participants appreciated his suggestion and requested Jaya Krsna to move forward with this.
3. New Vrindaban Folklorist
Kripamaya, Radha-Krishna, Jaya Krsna and Chaitanya Mangala formed an ECO-V sub-committee to begin exploring options for this project and will present recommendations when ready.
4. Mukunda’s Monthly Report
Mukunda is currently in Florida finishing up a construction project this week and plans on being back in New Vrindaban by the end of March.
5. Nitaicandra’s Monthly Report
Nitaicandra reported on the previous month’s projects:
- Recently arrived back in New Vrindaban.
- Purchased approximately 20,000 heirloom seeds and 1,200 lbs of seed potatoes.
- No fruit trees will be planted this year in anticipation of the 17 year cicadas.
- Two calves were born.
- Moved tractor implements to Nandagram.
- Vidya hired Kacey to run the Teaching Garden & grow flowers.
6. ISKCON Ministry Grant Request
The ISKCON GBC Minister for Agriculture and Cow Protection, Kalakantha dasa, requested funding for the four upcoming continental farm conferences held in 2016 by the ISKCON Global Ministry and the Sustainable Vaisnava Communities Committee.
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support and encourage self-sufficiency and cow protection throughout ISKCON.
RESOLVED: The Board approves a grant up to $4,620 as follows:
1. $3,000 for the Minister’s travel expenses to participate in the four conferences, and,
2. $1,620 to sponsor the $108 registration fee for 15 attendees at the North American ISKCON Farm Conference to be held at Gita Nagari in August 2016.
For regular updates, visit the ECO-V Facebook page.
