AGA & Membership updates
Hello,
On September 5, 2023, Ecstatic Temple officially became a non-profit organization (NPO), registered under the name "Temple Extatique." After 5 years of existence, this milestone seemed essential to me to ensure the sustainability and sound governance of this project. Being an NPO means, among other things, that our mission is not aimed at generating profits - or rather, any profits, if there are any, will be reinvested in the organization.
Let's pause for a moment on this word - organization -
An organism (from the Greek organon, "instrument"), or living organism, is, in biology and ecology, a complex, organized living system and is the product of successive variations during evolution. It consists of one or more living cells.
Wikipedia Definition
I appreciate the parallel between an organism from a biological perspective and the mission of a Temple.
Temple is a place, Temple is a name, Temple a verb. A Temple is a moment, a community, an action. A Temple is an intentional, sacred space where rituals are practiced with the intention of activating and elevating individual and collective consciousness.
Personal definition.
This also means that Ecstatic Temple is an organism, composed of different humans collaborating together, in synergy, to support a common vision and mission. It is an organism made up of structures that connect and organize its various parts to ensure its survival - and hopefully, its flourishing.
One of the peculiarities of an NPO is that the organization is governed by the community of members, who vote annually during a General Assembly (GA) to elect the board of directors that will represent them and vote on the budget. Once elected, the board is responsible for defining and supporting the strategic directions and budget that will serve the NPO's mission and ensure its sustainability. Finally, the NPO is led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) chosen by the board and is responsible for managing the organization on a daily basis, implementing strategies, adhering to the budget, and presenting relevant information and proposals to the board.
This governance system aims to give and retain power in the hands of the members, who benefit from the services offered by the organization. Thus, we share the collective responsibility of supporting the vision and mission of Ecstatic Temple.
Since October, the NPO Temple Extatique has been governed by a temporary board consisting of me (Elodie Jouvenot), Maya Dion, Maxime Payant-Chartier, Mathieu Constantin, and Minh-Tam Tran. Additionally, I have been appointed CEO since November 1, 2023. With this team and the assistance of other members, we have worked on developing a budget and strategic directions for the Temple for the next year.
I won't hide the fact that after 5 years, letting go of my "baby" and sharing decision-making responsibility has been a challenging transition, but it is also the most sensible direction to ensure its future. Today, I have confidence in the team that is forming to support the Temple. I have confidence in the transmission and evolution of the vision and mission. I have confidence in the community to make this dream a reality.
The next chapter of Ecstatic Temple's story will not be written without you. I now rely on all of us to continue the incredible adventure of the Temple and co-parent this unique community.
Our first GA will take place on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7 p.m. The purpose of this GA will be to present our vision, vote on the general regulations and the budget, and elect the new board. I hope to see many of you at this inaugural assembly!
Elodie, Founder and CEO
How to get involved?
- Vote on March 27th.
To be eligible to vote at the General Assembly (GA), you must be an active member. The GA will be in-person, and we are considering the possibility of online voting (via video). See below for more information on membership.
- Join the Board of Directors.
We aim to change some members of the temporary board for obvious reasons of good governance and to receive additional support (let's be honest, we can't do it all). The NPO is therefore looking for members who would be interested in contributing time and skills in management, grant research, business development, public relations, event organization, etc. Please note that active membership is required to join the board.
- Assist in organizing the GA on March 27th.
We would be happy to receive additional support to prepare for this important meeting!
- Offer your skills as a volunteer.
We are seeking occasional or regular support to ensure the functioning and expansion of the Temple. Our current needs include:
Creating content for social media
Writing and sending newsletters
Secretarial work and grant research and application
IT support (Squarespace website and Acuity)
(We are prioritizing persons who have a good French level, as our team is mainly working in French.)
If you feel called by of those propositions, connect with us by email or facebook messenger.
MEMBERSHIP
We introduced it in October, the membership is a way to better circulate energy - from the Temple to you and from you to the Temple. Membership is a way to support the financial sustainability of Ecstatic Temple and its activities through a quarterly or annual contribution. These amounts will provide a more stable and regular income, helping to stabilize revenue and cover fixed expenses (rent, website and platform, salaries, etc.). Whether you participate regularly or not, we've thought of an option for you.
Membership is also a means to allow you to participate more. With the Low Income, Petit Coeur, and Grand Coeur memberships, you'll have access to preferential "member" rates (a discount of $10 or more on most events). After a "test" period of 3 months, we have decided to offer memberships on a quarterly or annual basis.
All memberships active as of this date grant you the right to vote at the GA on March 27, 2024, provided you have participated in at least one Ecstatic Temple event.
MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT
You participate less frequently in events, but you still want to support Ecstatic Temple and be part of this community.This subscription includes:
- Invitation and voting rights at the GA*
- Free entry to Soirée Communauté*
- Access to playlists created for Ecstatic Temple events
*provided you have already participated in at least one Ecstatic Temple event
$110/year
MEMBERSHIP PETIT COEUR
Are you a regular participant in Ecstatic Temple activities?
With this subscription, you choose to support the activities and sustainability of Ecstatic Temple, and you have access to unique benefits as a participant. This subscription includes:
- Membership Support Benefits
- Access to the member rate for all events that offer this option (a $10 discount on Cuddle, CuddleMore, Tendre, and Temple events. Other rates may apply to different events).
- 10% discount on the rental fee for the Ecstatic Temple space.
- (Additional benefits to come)
$75/3 months or $270/year or $450/2 years
MEMBERSHIP GRAND COEUR
Are you privileged in your financial situation, and would you like to share that energy?
With this subscription, you choose to support the activities and sustainability of the non-profit organization Ecstatic Temple, and you have access to unique benefits. In addition to actively supporting our expansion, the Grand Coeur member also contributes to providing access to members with a more precarious financial situation (low income).
Same benefits as Membership Petit Coeur
$150/3 months or $540/year or $900/2 years
LOW INCOME MEMBERSHIP
Upon request and upon review of your financial situation, it is possible to access the benefits of the "Petit Coeur" membership.
Reduced rate of $120/year.
