Sponsoring an Ascension Course
Thank you for expressing an interest in sponsoring a First Sphere Weekend. The Ishayas' Ascension has always been spread by people who were eager to learn Ascension themselves, and then share it with others. We are always excited and happy to have people help us share this wonderful teaching, and to go into new areas where people want to learn.
So again Thank you, if we can help you in anyway to make your class a great experience for yourself and others please let us know and we will work with you to make that happen. In our Sponsor Pack, we have provided information that we have found helpful in getting classes organized. Each class is always individual and different circumstances happen, so please feel free to get a hold of us and we will help you in any way we can.
Sincerely,
The Teachers of the Ishayas' Ascension
Creating the Course
The creation of a course is always a joint venture between the sponsor, the teachers and, of course, the participants. The desire must always come from you (or your group). We will go wherever we are asked to teach. Please feel free to call and talk to us about creating a class. You may have a lot of questions before making the commitment to sponsor. If you are the first sponsor in an area, we can provide support in many ways. If there have been courses in your area in the past, previous sponsors and other Ascenders will, most likely, be able and willing to give you a great deal of assistance. It is always fun to work with another person or a group when sponsoring a course.
Your closest center has lists of Ascenders in your area, if any, that can be made available to you upon request. If there are no other Ascenders, we may have names of other persons who have requested information and may wish to know about your course.
- Date - Decide when you would like to hold the class. Most First Sphere courses are offered in a weekend format which is described on the last few pages. Other creative solutions have been found to meet the special scheduling needs of certain persons or groups when necessary. Once you have a weekend in mind, please call us in Vancouver so that we can finalize the dates and post them on our website and newsletter.
- Venue - Find a space for the class. The "friendliest" space is usually a home with room to accommodate 15 to 30 people (not everyone needs to sit in a chair). The space also needs to have two small rooms for individual sessions on Sunday and some sort of kitchen or serving area for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. The most common format for the afternoon meal is a Vegetarian Potluck. Other options are available, of course, but be sure to discuss this with us beforehand. We realize that not everyone has a home that will accommodate these needs. Please talk with us about other options you may wish to consider, such as renting space for the class, since there are several considerations that might need to be discussed before you do so.
- Accomodation for teachers - Teachers usually teach in twos and can usually room together or separately. If you don't have an extra room, you can always check with other course participants for help in this area.
- Transportaion for teachers - Teachers may need to be picked up and returned to the airport and driven to class.
*It is helpful to remember that all of the tasks and requirements may be carried out by one or several individuals. This can make the weekend run more smoothly for all involved.
Putting the Word Out
Getting the word out about your course can be extremely easy, and fun, as you draw upon your own resources, as well as those of the teachers in Vancouver, and the Ascenders in your community . Here are some suggestions, that you may find helpful. Feel free to use any or all of the suggestions, or use your own creativity.
Positive intent - We are all aware of the power of our own minds, and the effect that our thoughts and intentions can have on the world around us. Having a positive vision of what we would like to see created, and then letting it go, can be just as effective as multiple hours of physical action.
Word of mouth - Sharing and discussing your enthusiasm for Ascension with your friends and family is the most important way that others learn about it as a possibility for their lives. Word of mouth is perhaps the single most effective mode of sharing Ascension.
Introductory Lectures - Setting up introductory lectures in Bookstores, certain Churches, as well as in Homes is effective for getting the word out about the Ishayas' Ascension and upcoming classes. Some local radio station and TV talk show hosts are happy to interview the teachers live or on tape. We will help to provide a list of bookstores that carry our books. Thursday Evenings are ideal
Promotional materials - We have various materials (Books, Flyers, Brochures, Information Packs, Audio Cassettes, Invitation cards etc) which we would be happy to send to you. Placing Flyers and Brochures in places such as bookstores, churches, coffee shops and other organizations can be effective. Having Tapes, or Invitation cards in your car or on your person, is sometimes good for casual interactions.
Website - Direct people towards our website - www.ishaya.org
Advertising - Some magazines and newsletters offer free advertising for non- profit organizations in their event calendars. Other publications are often looking for and happy to take articles or to print interviews.
Ask for help if you need it - Ask others to help with course plans and arrangements. Many existing ascenders would be delighted to be volunteers. Ask teachers for help if needed. Teachers can do the following as you prepare for the class:
- Provide poster and flyer templates. Provide written literature and brochures.
- Provide lists (if available) of phone numbers of other Ascenders or interested persons in the area, so that you can inform them of your course. Having many advanced ascenders at the course can greatly enhance the group sharing and learning dynamic.
- Help present and/or schedule lectures, TV and radio coverage/events.
- Be available, by telephone or e-mail, to answer questions from you and any potential course participants.
Registration, Costs, Etc.
The cost for the First Sphere Weekend depends on the country (US$300 at the time of this writing). Contact the center nearest you for current prices. We require that potential students put down a cash deposit in order to reserve space. The balance may be given on the first night of the course. Although personal checks are accepted, cash is the preferred method of payment. We can not accept credit card payment at this time.
Those who have completed the First Sphere Weekend are welcome to repeat all or part of the course as many times as they wish, anywhere in the world at no additional cost. Some of these students may wish to learn Advanced Attitudes beyond the First Sphere.
The cost for Advanced Attitudes also varies per country (US$65 at the time of this writing), and the cognition techniques are more expensive (US$95 at the time of this writing). Students may receive one or two Advanced Attitudes at the teachers' discretion. It is REQUIRED that students attend the ENTIRE WEEKEND if they wish to receive two Advanced Attitudes. You may wish to use a Sign-in sheet to record this information.
Compensations/Costs/Exchanges
Teachers are sometimes willing to do "energy exchanges" with potential participants who do not have the funds necessary for the class. We never turn away anyone who sincerely wants to learn to Ascend. On the other hand, we also know that we value what we pay for and that most people can usually create the necessary funds if they sincerely desire to attend the course. Please direct any participants with financial concerns to the Teachers.
It is necessary to communicate clearly about expenses and costs incurred for course materials, hosting, room rentals and so forth. If you have any questions about any financial arrangements, please discuss your concerns and questions, ahead of time, with the teachers who will be teaching your course.
First Sphere Course Format
Friday Night
7:00PM - 10:00PM
Introduction
Praise Ascension Attitude
Saturday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
The Mechanics of Ascension
The Gratitude Ascension Attitude
Lunch Break (Vegetarian Pot Luck)
States of Consciousness
Discussion of further opportunities with Ascension
The Love Ascension Attitude
End of Class for Saturday
7:00PM - 9:00PM
Advanced Meeting
This is an optional meeting for students who have already completed a First Sphere Course. This is a great opportunity to meet with teachers and other Ascenders, Ascend together and discuss topics that are not normally covered on a First Sphere Weekend. First-time students are welcome to attend.
Sunday
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Cognition Technique
This Ascension Attitude is given Individually rather than in a group setting. The rest of the day is devoted to practicing all four techniques with the eyes closed. A Cognition Lecture will be given at the end of the day. You may wish to bring pillows and blankets to get comfortable. Also a bottle of water and some light food to snack on during the day would be a good idea. This portion of the course may start earlier if the course is large.