Communication is central to effective relationships in any organisation. The purpose of communication within Susila Dharma is to inform and promote. Informing donors about how you are being diligent about the use of their money; and that projects are doing what they said they would do; promotion of the work of Susila Dharma to members and outside Subud. Within Susila Dharma there are two relationships that need to be close:

• SD board and members of Subud.
• SD board and the projects.

SD board and members of Subud

• Within groups the significance of Susila Dharma is often experienced through members' receiving in latihan or testing.
• Some groups have an SD representative who keeps in touch with what is happening through SDIA e-news.
• Some USA groups have developed a vision for their Subud group that involves adopting Susila Dharma as a core value of the group.
• People like to hear or read inspirational stories where a member has been moved to create a project that changes something for the better.
• Presentations by members who have recently visited a project are particularly effective in raising both consciousness and funds.
• Photographs that tell a story about projects are effective, not simply images of smiling faces in a row. ( See How to Take Effective Photographs and Filming Tips) in SDIA Library Tools and Resources).
• Probably the next best thing to an actual visit is a professional film, such as SD Britain has produced, on the range of projects SDB supports.
• Opportunities at national and zonal gatherings, to share SD experiences.
• SDIA website and e-news contain a vast range of resources for all aspects of the SD world.

SD board and the projects.

Reports on the social and political backgrounds of the countries in which we have projects. Individual board members can give informal presentations to help towards understanding each situation more fully.

Visits: If a project visit can be made then make sure the visitor is prepared with a knowledge of the aims of the project. (See Monitoring and Evaluation in the Library section of this website).

Share the cost of monitoring visits with other SDs supporting the same project .

Contact other NGOs who are working in the same field or country, as SDIA has done through SD France with Médecins d'Afrique (African Doctors )- ( SDI Site No. 61:March–April 2010). Many problems of relating to projects are due to a feeling of distance. So by whatever ways you can get closer to the project the better. Obstacles to good communication may be:

Language. Without a shared language, communication between project and SD board can be difficult . (There is a translation co-ordinator at SDIA.)

Cultural awareness. A lack of understanding of the context in which the project operates can be helped by the members of the SD board team each building up knowledge of a project and its socio-political background. (See Project reports SDIA Library)

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These Spotlight articles are intended to focus on issues facing SD national boards and to raise discussion between interested members. So, please add any further thoughts and experiences to: Raphael at randhbate@gmail.com