President’s Letter
Dear Friends,
A few weeks ago the AVI USA board met for our annual face to face meeting. One of our mornings together, Binah offered a workshop on developing our narrative and telling our story.
The exercise involved brainstorming words and phrases that we associate with Auroville and AVI USA. I’ve taken some of those words and phrases and woven them into a poem in an attempt to share the voices of our hearts with you.
Auroville is potential:
Audacious banyan bonfires
Breathed to life with faith, clamps, pipes,
Dedication and cooperation.
A calling molded in time
With perspiration and imagination,
Aspiration and belief.
AVI USA is a bridge between that potential
And the world that awaits its fruition,
A partner, steward, interpreter, and amplifier
Seeking a vision given by Mother,
Trying to exemplify generosity, honoring, and care.
We move from gratitude and express kindness.
We translate heart connection into nourishment for a dream.
Auroville is a gift from the future offered to the present.
Can we tell the truth about the struggles called forth by the gift,
The pain and complexity that spring from the interface?
Can we honor a present not yet large enough to birth this vast tomorrow?
Can we stand behind a dream that is still trying to awaken?
We receive and we offer as partners and friends,
No condescending or rescuing.
We stand together in solidarity and teach to learn.
We amplify voices and champion work done to manifest love.
The heart’s language needs no translation:
You are part of us.
We are part of you,
Asking for guidance from beyond,
Enriched by diversity,
Imperfect and together,
Believing in a better future for us all.
Auroville is potential:
Audacious banyan bonfires
Breathed to life with faith, clamps, pipes,
Dedication and cooperation.
A calling molded in time
With perspiration and imagination,
Aspiration and belief.
AVI USA is a bridge between that potential
And the world that awaits its fruition,
A partner, steward, interpreter, and amplifier
Seeking a vision given by Mother,
Trying to exemplify generosity, honoring, and care.
We move from gratitude and express kindness.
We translate heart connection into nourishment for a dream.
Auroville is a gift from the future offered to the present.
Can we tell the truth about the struggles called forth by the gift,
The pain and complexity that spring from the interface?
Can we honor a present not yet large enough to birth this vast tomorrow?
Can we stand behind a dream that is still trying to awaken?
We receive and we offer as partners and friends,
No condescending or rescuing.
We stand together in solidarity and teach to learn.
We amplify voices and champion work done to manifest love.
The heart’s language needs no translation:
You are part of us.
We are part of you,
Asking for guidance from beyond,
Enriched by diversity,
Imperfect and together,
Believing in a better future for us all.