EDI Forum This Summer

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) is a new initiative designed to support the development of young professionals and students in the areas of economics, business and politics which are based in the life and teachings of Jesus. EDI Forum 2012 will take place in Fuzine, Croatia, 31^st July – 11^th August, 2012. A similar seminar took place in Fuzine, Croatia, in the summer of 2011. Watch this video.

IN ORDER TO DO MORE

Released by:

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Board of Directors, Seattle WA

Dear Friends,

The Forum for Leadership and Development (FLR) Board met last week in Seattle at its 2012 Spring planning session to evaluate the FLR work so far, revisit the program plans for this summer and the remaining months of the year. Our Board has been meeting in Seattle, WA on a regular basis for three days every second month. This has been our fourth season of meetings since November 2011.

Our frequent meetings at this time demonstrate the attitude of commitment to see that the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) initiatives serve the international community well, equipped and broader than in the past. Our primary mission at this time is to provide sustainable home and effective governance that will lead and guard ROM and EDI initiatives in the future. We have become a registered non-profit corporation, have our bylaws in place, and are now completing the final stage of registration needed to become fully equipped for our service.

Fundraising however is the area of our work that requires additional patience and diligence on our part at this time. We believe that we need to adjust our plans for the current year in a way that would put the available funds to their maximum use. The FLR Board prayerfully sought a way by which we could do more for less in the coming months; always respecting the principle that the funds allocated to ROM ought to be used to advance the mission of ROM in 2012. It was also the desire of the FLR Board to be good stewards of the entrusted funds.

This is what we believe would make the effective use of available funds in the coming months:

1. BRINGING ROM TO THE BALKAN ROM COMMUNITY. Instead of having a costly two week ROM Gathering, our team will undertake a three week long regional journey of visits to ROM community across the Balkans in July. Our objective is to have a series of smaller meetings and gatherings with the ROM alumni in their countries and towns. The purpose of “Bringing ROM to the ROM Community” is to affirm, strengthen, and spiritually refresh and mentor ROM community in the Balkans; as well as for the travelling team to listen, learn and gain invaluable information that will help the FLR in providing an effective service to young leaders in the Balkans and elsewhere in the future.

2. ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND INTEGRITY FORUM will take place in Fuzine, Croatia as planned; between July 31 and August 11, 2012. We are planning to limit the attendance at EDI 2012 to 30 participants, including team members.

3. ROM REGATHERING 2012, a five day ROM gathering at the end of September in Ohrid, Macedonia (September 26 – October 1, 2012), will take the central place in the ROM 2012 calendar. We are expecting about one hundred participants, ROM alumni, from twenty countries to attend. The purpose of the ROM Regathering will be to strengthen, affirm, and spiritually refresh. The ROM Core team will use the Regathering opportunity to assess the short and long term impact of the ROM experience on the ROM participants in the past twelve years.

4. FACTS FINDING AND DEVELOPMENT TASK MISSION TO A NEW TERRITORY in November 2012. An international organization has already designated the needed funds for a team of two or three to visit a country with the most likely possibility to see a new ROM emerging in the next couple of years.

In summary, the FLR board believes that the funds available for or committed to the ROM Gathering this year, though not sufficient for the implementation of the full ROM-Gathering event, will be adequate for projects that aim at consolidating and strengthening the existing ROM community in the Balkans, and for setting a stage for the further growth of ROM in the Balkans and the new territories. The FLR is pressing forward with confidence. The momentary challenges with funds we see as an opportunity, rather than as a weakness. We would like to reassure you friends that we are ready and eager to move forward with a big picture of ROM and EDI, in the Balkans, new regions in the world and in the USA, as soon as the Lord leads us in expanding our donors’ base.  With this in mind we continue with fundraising.

Thank you for your understanding of the situation. If you have a good advice or guidance that might help us as we press on looking for new donors feel free to share it with us.

Thank you for your understanding. Trusting in the Lord’s guidance we stay sincerely yours.

Love and blessings. For the FLR Board of Directors

Tihomir Kukolja, Executive Director

Martha S. Weiss, Chairwoman

Ana Elfers, Education and Leadership

Tom Garren, Development and Resources

Neil Quist, Finances and Secretary

Video Reflection on ROM Gathering 2011

They said .... "This event was unlike any other I've ever attended", "These two weeks really changed me." These and similar comments followed 2011 Renewing Our Minds Gathering (ROM), a two-week reconciliation, peace building and leadership gathering, held for the 13th time in the picturesque township of Fuzine, Croatia, from July 16th through July 31st. We were an international group of fifty participants, facilitators and speakers from fifteen countries "ROM is something that provokes you to push your limits. It takes you out of your comfort zone. ROM means a turning point. For some it is a beginning of a healing process, while for others a beginning of a long lasting change."

They Were Loving Each Other Despite Their Differences

A Story of ROM

Author:

Mark Casey

Trac5 – A Bold Path to Peace

Director of Education and Programs

Speaker at Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2009

I’ve just returned from a 10-day speaking engagement in Croatia. The event is called ROM which stands for 'Renewing Our Minds.' It was a young leadership event that focuses primarily on the Balkan countries, but draws from around the world. There were 15 countries represented in the eclectic gathering representing diverse religious backgrounds ranging from Catholic, Orthodox, Evangelical, Atheist and Muslim.

I felt privileged to share with this group of sharp emerging leaders that included those who lost family members in the Balkan wars, children of elected officials and ambassadors, Palestinians, a gypsy and even a Member of Parliament for a Balkan state. Everyone who attended the gathering knew we were going to discuss reconciliation and leadership based on the example of Jesus of Nazareth. I was blown away by the interaction particularly in our small groups.

After I taught in one of the main sessions on how Jesus is represented in both the Bible and the Qur’an, it stirred up some interesting discussion. I looked across on the sofa at three women sitting side-by-side in my small group as they shared their stories. The first was a Turkish Muslim woman who had to flee Turkey because of death threats on her mother’s life after a brief political career. She lives her faith out visibly by the way she dresses and covers, and these are outward symbols of a deep conviction that she lives out daily through devotion to prayer and modesty. The next woman on the couch was an Irish Protestant who dated a Pakistani Muslim seriously for seven years before calling it off because of religious differences. She spoke graciously of the man, but felt deep in her heart that they were in very different places with their respective faiths and the relationship could not continue. The third woman was a Bosnian Christian who told the story of how she grew up in a Muslim family. At a young age she was drawn to the person of Jesus and so she began learning from an older lady who spoke beautifully of Jesus. Though her father died during the war, she told a happy story of how her whole family now follows Jesus.

Here were three different ladies from three different parts of the world who were as different as they could be, but at this moment in time as they shared their heartfelt stories they were relating to each other around the person of Jesus Christ. They did not all share the same views, but they were talking and they loved each other despite their differences. What amazing Kingdom work God allowed me to be a part of in the beautiful country of Croatia.

Mark Casey, USA, Director of Education and Programs, Trac5 – A Bold Path to Peace

EDI – ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND INTEGRITY FORUM THIS SUMMER

Building an Economic, Business and Political Community On the Principles of Jesus

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) is a new initiative designed to support the development of young professionals and students in the areas of economics, business and politics which are based in the life and teachings of Jesus. We believe that the best way to fight against unhealthy rivalry among and within nations is to establish an economic and political community based on the principles of Jesus. 

EDI was established on the foundations of the 13-year peace building initiative Renewing our Minds (ROM) and later the 5 years of the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS).  ROM evolved out of the need to heal relationships among ethnic groups after the wars in Southeast Europe applying Jesus’ principles as a platform for establishing friendship, forgiveness, reconciliation and lasting peace in the region.  From 2006-2011, the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS) hosted over 200 participants, continuing where ROM left off, by adding economic and diplomatic principles.

This summer EDI is planning to invite 25 participants, and 15 staff and instructors for series of lectures, seminars, workshops and mentoring events.  Participants will be selected based on recognized leadership in their communities and recommendations of those involved with the program.

The program will be led by Justin Kagin, Director of Economic Diplomacy and Integrity, Leo van Doesburg, East European Representative of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM), Tihomir Kukolja, Executive Director of the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR) and ROM, Mihaela Kovac, Director of Baraca, and the executive team from FLR.

RDI objectives are: a) To engage young professionals and students (ages 18-35) primarily from the Balkan region; b) To facilitate the formation of new business plans and projects and assist in their implementation by developing a plan, working on logistics, and creating a network of support; c) To support professional networks by connecting current participants with former participants, and leaders in EDI and ROM; d) To practically apply the principles of Jesus through regional and community outreach of various kinds; and e) To highlight successful leaders in the region and create a space for them to share and invest themselves in a new generation of leaders.

The 2012 program content will include international speakers and seminars; small groups and mentors; workshops; field trips, and social events.

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 will take place in Fuzine, Croatia, July 31 – August 11, 2012.

Introducing ROM - Renewing Our Minds

Since 1999, ROM has been encouraging young leaders in Southeast Europe and around the world to adopt a new paradigm – one of forgiveness, reconciliation, peacemaking and humanity, shaped in the image of God. ROM is an intentional community where loving one’s neighbor, and leadership with integrity and service are taught and practiced, and where all teaching is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. Many who have attended ROM in the past have become leaders of influence in their own countries, or have founded new socially transformative movements and organizations.

ROM is designed as a two or three week transformational gathering to which young leaders from the polarized Balkan region are invited to learn to accept each other and develop lasting friendships, despite their religious, national and ethnic differences. Participants attending ROM often say that a time spent in an intentional community of diverse people, often previously considered enemies, is a life-defining experience. ROM has become a meeting place appreciated by Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, agnostics and atheists. To date, hundreds of young leaders from over 50 countries have attended ROM gathering. That has inspired the creation of numerous other movements, NGOs, organizations and socially transformative groups.

In 2012, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, in partnership with Life Center International, Croatia, is planning the 13^th international ROM Gathering in Fuzine, Croatia.  It is expected that about sixty young leaders from up to 20 countries will take part in a two-week journey of learning and empowerment to become effective leaders equipped to forgive, lead in the process of reconciliation, and make a difference in their communities through sacrificial service and example. The ROM Gathering 2012 has a two-fold purpose: to help build a reconciled, transformed and connected community of leaders with integrity in Southeast Europe, and to mentor young leaders beyond the Balkans in setting new leadership and reconciliation initiatives in other parts of the world. A group of twenty experienced facilitators and speakers will lead the gathering.

Since 1999, ROM’s home has been in Fuzine, Croatia, a charming and friendly town, situated among the mountain peaks, lakes, caves and breathtaking forests of Gorski Kotar, only a short distance from the Adriatic Coast. The Gorski Kotar Region in Croatia has a history of advancing peace and reconciliation. During the wars of the 1990s, Gorski Kotar was the only region in Croatia populated by Croats and Serbs, that was spared the conflict thanks to the deliberate effort of local leaders on both sides to keep the peace and maintain good relationships between the two communities.

Renewing Our Minds 2012 Gathering will take place in Fuzine, Croatia, July 14 – July 29, 2012.

About the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation

Building Communities Through Transformative Leadership

“Do not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.“ Romans 12:1.2.

Can a genuine, transforming and long lasting reconciliation take place around the person of Jesus between young leaders from diverse, even opposing ethnic, racial and religious groups? After thirteen years, the Renewing Our Minds ministry has proved that it definitely can.

It All Started in the Balkans in 1999

It all started in 1999 in the picturesque township of Fuzine, in the mountains of Gorski Kotar, at a time when the wounds inflicted by a decade of conflict in the region of former Yugoslavia were still fresh and hurting. A group of young adults involved in the humanitarian and healing ministry of Life Center International (LCI), a faith-based non-governmental organization in Croatia started the international Renewing Our Minds (ROM) initiative.

Over the years the transformative impact of ROM has gone beyond Southeast Europe, and has reached the Middle East, the African continent, the former Soviet Union, the EU, the USA and beyond. Through ROM hundreds of young lives, from over fifty countries, have been directly impacted.  Many ROM alumni have emerged as leaders and are today making a difference in the political, social, humanitarian and religious arenas of their countries.

A number of projects have resulted from ROM, as attendees who have been inspired by its vision, have given it a fresh meaning and application through their own initiatives. One such project is the Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS), an annual conference that applies the principles of Jesus to the fields of business, economics and politics. EDS is in its sixth year and has impacted the world of business in the Balkan region and beyond.

ROM and EDS Go To a New Level in 2012

ROM and EDS together formed a new umbrella organization, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR). Formed in November 2011 in the US, FRL is now poised to take the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy Seminar EDS, now called Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) to a new level.

FLR builds on the vision of ROM and EDI, to advance the Kingdom of God by nurturing international leaders of noble, forgiving, reconciled and serving hearts, in tune with the person of Jesus. FLR will pursue this mission through holistic, transformative and relational education, training and mentorship; as well as the advancement of caring and serving communities. We believe that God, who has embraced the entire human family in Jesus Christ on the cross, is likewise commissioning his followers to embrace their fellow men and women, friends and enemies across ethnic, national, racial, geographical, cultural, religious and political divides.

This year, the FLR Board of Directors and Executive Team are focused on establishing a firm and sustainable foundation for future growth, and on three key international events that would bring together up to 200 young leaders from 20 countries in the Balkans and around the world. These events are Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, July 14 – 29; Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, August 5 – 19; and the ROM 2012 Reunion in Macedonia, September 27 – October 1, 2012.

Tihomir Kukolja

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

Renewing Our Minds, Director

Join us in Seattle WA

Dear Friends in and close to Seattle WA,

Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS) together formed a new umbrella organization, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR). Formed in November 2011 in Seattle WA, FLR is now poised to take the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS), now called Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI), to a new level.

FLR builds on the vision of ROM, to advance the Kingdom of God by nurturing international leaders of noble, forgiving, reconciled and serving hearts, and in harmony with the person of Jesus. FLR will pursue its mission through holistic, transformative and relational education, training and mentorship; as well as the advancement of caring and serving communities.

This year, the FLR Board of Directors and Executive Team are focused on establishing a firm and sustainable foundation for future growth, and on three key international events that would bring together up to 200 young leaders from 20 countries in the Balkans and around the world. Those events are Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012, Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, and ROM/EDI Reunion 2012 in Ohrid, Macedonia.

Join us for the inspiring time of sharing the Balkan stories of conflict, reconciliation and faith, as well as to hear about the FLR vision and objectives for 2012 and beyond. The event is organized and sponsored by Balkan Task Force Seattle, and will take place at the University Presbyterian Church, Calvin Room, 4540 15th Avenue NE, Seattle WA 98105, on Sunday March 18, 2012, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm. The speakers will be Tihomir Kukolja, Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and FLR Executive Director, and the members of the FLR Board of Directors and Executive Team.

Welcome. Invite your friends.

Tihomir Kukolja

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation Executive Director

Renewing Our Minds (ROM) Director

Your Gift Will Make a Difference

Photo: ROM Gathering 2011, Fuzine, Croatia

Dear Friends,

We have good news to share, as well as a request.

ROM and EDS together formed a new umbrella organization, the Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation (FLR). Formed in November 2011 in Seattle WA, USA, Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation is now poised to take the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy Seminar (EDS), now called Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI), to a new level.

FLR builds on the vision of ROM, to advance the Kingdom of God by nurturing international leaders of noble, forgiving, reconciled and serving hearts, and in harmony with the person of Jesus. FLR will pursue its mission through holistic, transformative and relational education, training and mentorship; as well as the advancement of caring and serving communities.

This year, the FLR Board of Directors and Executive Team are focused on establishing a firm and sustainable foundation for future growth, and on three key international events that would bring together up to 200 young leaders from 20 countries in the Balkans and around the world. Those events are Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012, Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012 in Fuzine, Croatia, and ROM/EDI Reunion 2012 in Ohrid, Macedonia.

We have everything in place to be a blessing to many young lives in the Balkans and the world in 2012. FLR revitalized the ministry of ROM and EDS (now EDI), through a new, committed and engaged Board of Directors and Executive Team, an experienced regional task team, discerning advisors, and the prayers of many friends.

Equally important is the financial support of friends who believe in this work. Remember that most of the young leaders attending and serving in the FLR programs, such as Renewing Our Minds (ROM) and Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI), are from countries and regions with little or no financial means to cover the cost of their participation.  They need your help to attend, and your donation will make a difference.

Would you consider donating this year, and generously?

Thank you very much for considering our request. It is important that we know your decision soon. Please write to flrpartner@learecforum.org or give ONLINE TODAY. 

Love and blessings.

Tihomir Kukolja

Forum for Leadership and Reconciliation, Executive Director

Renewing Our Minds, Director

International Programs in 2012

ROM - Renewing Our Minds Gathering 2012

Investing in a New Generation of Leaders

Fuzine, Croatia, July 13 – 29, 2012

Since 1999, ROM has been encouraging young leaders in Southeast Europe and around the world to adopt a new paradigm – one of forgiveness, reconciliation, peacemaking, and humanity, shaped in the image of God. ROM is an educational community where loving one’s neighbor, and integrity of leadership and service are taught and practiced, anchored in the example of Jesus Christ. This summer, 60 participants from nearly 20 countries will attend the ROM Gathering 2012; from the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Africa, the EU and the USA. Many young leaders who attended past ROM gatherings have since become leaders of influence in their own countries, or founders of new socially-engaged movements or organizations. The ROM Gathering 2012 has a two-fold purpose – to build a reconciled, transformed and connected community of leaders in Southeast Europe, and to train leaders in establishing new ROM projects in other parts of the world.

EDI - Economic Diplomacy and Integrity Forum 2012

Building an Economic and Business Community On the Principles of Jesus

Fuzine, Croatia, August 5 – 19, 2012

Economic Diplomacy and Integrity (EDI) Forum is a program designed to support the development of young professionals and students in the areas of economics, business and politics, based on the life and teachings of Jesus. EDI builds on the rich experience of ROM, and since 2006 has hosted over 200 participants. This summer, forty young business leaders from 15 countries will learn how to develop new business plans and projects, build professional networks, become successful leaders in their countries, and ways to practically apply the principles of Jesus to economics, business and politics. EDI Forum 2012 program will include ten professional lecturers, small groups let by experienced facilitators, workshops, field trips and more.

ROM/EDI Reunion 2012

Serving God’s Purpose in Our Generation

Ohrid, Macedonia, September 27 – October 1, 2012

The SE European ROM/EDI Reunion builds on the tradition of past ROM reunions designed to connect and engage multiple generations of ROM and EDI participants for the purpose of follow-up, and mutual sharing and learning. Since their first encounter with ROM and EDI, many alumni have become experienced leaders with influence, and they are now ready to share their experiences by encouraging and engaging others in new ways of serving their communities. This is also the time for a renewed spiritual emphasis on the person of Jesus Christ, his teachings and example. In the past, such events were held in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia. This autumn we are expecting 100 young leaders from throughout the Balkans, Eastern Europe and beyond, to come to Ohrid, Macedonia for this strategic cross-generational ROM and EDI gathering.

Follow us for more information about each of those amazing gatherings soon. For more information you may write to info@learecforum.org