Questions

[Gyzen]

hey all,
I have a couple questions in regard to the guild,

1. What is it's purpose/intention? e.g. as an association of craftsmen, (or women, i dont discriminate!) an organization for mutual aid and protection etc...

2. How is the guild legislature currently set up and is it intended to be permanent?

3. What are the guild's offline functions and what is the status of chapter houses?

4. What is the progress regarding bringing the guild as an official institution and giving psionics some measure of credibility in the public eye?

5. How focussed is our current membership geographically?

6. How many of us are there?

7. What are the guild's long term goals?

[Daimon]

Since I enjoy doing this; It's all on the site I believe. http://www.psionguild.org

[Gyzen]

sadly, it does not adress my questions to the extent that i would like them to be answered to, example: the second half of question 4, public relations: link 1 (http://www.psionguild.org/php/index.php?page=pubrel) link 2 (http://www.psionguild.org/php/index.php?page=pubservmain) link 3 (http://www.psionguild.org/php/index.php?page=publicoperations), three pages that essentially say nothing, faqs for parents of various religious persuasions, a list of several open positions, and links to paranormal law enforcement... not exactly an answer to my question, if you catch my drift

[WingedPower]

4. What is the progress regarding bringing the guild as an official institution and giving psionics some measure of credibility in the public eye?



There are certain benefits to forming an organization, however, I believe that the time availability of much of the leading membership may make the formation of such an institution difficult. :/ Not to mention the fact that the pros do not outweigh the cons.

Forming an institution, btw, does not lend credibility, at least not in the sense that it legitimizes something. A nice suit may make someone look awesome and help them sell cars/homes/etc. but it doesn't mean, that they are a trustworthy salesman.

I think that the formation of a non-profit organization would be useful, not for the sake of legitimacey, but for the sake of helping the guild grow:
- tax free status
- ability to organize and marshal monies to form inter-loan libraries, spread publications, etc.
- help raise money and pay for trips, like EITS. :)

However, it comes back down to time and money availability to get something started. There is also the problem of becoming a target once you do this. The forums and what the official leadership says in public(these forums count), would be scrutinized.

So there are serious disadvantages to forming an organization.. and considering the current level of activity, the benefits do not outweigh the disadvantages. :/

WP.

[Sylencer_Sy]

Heh. Yeah, umm, we had a lot of those questions answered previously. Then the forums got hacked...But WW can answer most of 'em. As for geographical info, well, most are fairly spread out. To my understanding the guild currently serves as a gathering place for those with questions that other sources can't answer. Heh. Well, and also a place for those with such answers to share them, and expand it. The forums are *mostly* for the more scientific aspects, while the IRC rooms are for hanging out with like-minded individuals. Psi talk does creep in there, but it's a rarity, unless someone brings it up specifically. But my lunch break is almost up, so I hope this answers some questions. And just for a better geographical answer:

Role call!
Sylencer! Burleson, TX!
(This is where everyone else posts their basic location. LoL.)

[Gyzen]

WP:when i listed both forming the guild as an official institution and bringing it some credibility in the same question, it was because i felt that they were rather closely related, not because making it official would magically grant it better status, although i think it would probably help... question 4 was largely posed to find out what progress is even being thought of, however i was somewhat discouraged when i found out that the guild has made a minimal amount of progress, yet it has been around for over a decade!

sy:wewt, mexia, texas here!

p.s. irritation is not my intention here, i apologize in advance if i say something that offends someone, im merely trying to find out how much i can count on the guild for

[WingedPower]

No prob. :) I had asked about something similar four years ago. Personally, I'm here for the knowledge exchange. ^_^

WP.
(I hail from California, btw.)

[stolide]

I'm from Florida!

[Ancient_Arcane]

Gyzen, I tend to agree that the Psion Guild could go far for further organization. But that's really their choice.

For such things require a plan and desire to achieve such goals. I've found the Psion Guild to be a loose organization that does well for its members in times of crisis. Beyond that it seems to be a loose-knit group of artisans. You know, kind of like a 'guild'.

I too sought to see them become a spearhead for psi in the world. But I don't see that happening. Personally I've become content to have it be a place for me to find friends and collaborate theories.

If you seek a vanguard for awakening the world, then come talk to me...

*chuckle*

-Arcane

[Gyzen]

hmm, are there only two or three of us who even care what the guild does/is? or does the majority just see it as a great community, and are just fine leaving it at that?

arcane, we may have to conspire!

and as to those who want to identify their location, i took the liberty of creating a handy frappr map (http://www.frappr.com/?a=constellation_map&mapid=137440475137)

[Daimon]

There are people working to make the Guild bigger and better but it takes time, we are all working for free and devoting our spare-time.

[Gyzen]

kk, i think we have sufficiently answered question 4, thanks to WP, Sy, Arcane, and Daimon, but that still leaves another 6... how about number two? how is the guild legislature set up and is it intended to be permanent?

and sorry if i've opened up a can of worms with this topic...

[NoMad]

depends on what you define as "us" do you include total newbs with almost no ability, are you counting only masters? or are you speaking in terms of anyone who thinks that psionics is real?

at first i wasn't going to say anything, but as far as the guild i'm actually been wanting some progress as well, i have some ideas but i have to shoot them by a couple guild staff first then maybe a collaborative effort can be done.

[Rorag]

and as to those who want to identify their location, i took the liberty of creating a handy frappr map (http://www.frappr.com/?a=constellation_map&mapid=137440475137)

thanks for doing that, really helps to see where we all are in the world! As for legislature, I see it as appointed officials but also those with better ability commanding greater "respect" for want of a better word. Its hierarchal in nature but I find it hard to describe, if you've been in a marching band you probably know what I mean!

[abcopp]

<looks around and smiles> we may have the start of a more active organization on our hands here

[Gyzen]

instigation ftw!

@roraq:actually, i do orchestra, but i think i know what you mean
@NoMad:im counting guild members

[abcopp]

are we really gonna make another more active organization

if so we will need a name first

[WingedPower]

~lol~ Sorry, it's just that every time I've heard of people starting something new(be it this or even a new club/etc), it always seems to start with a name.

What would this new group _do_? What is its goal? It's mission?

If all you want to do is be more active, then your best bet would be to contact the Psion Guild leadership and determine what you can to do chip in.

I think it is common for folks to want to do _something_, but not necessarily wanting to do what might be required. The problem with organizations is that there is alot of tedium involved. :) Well, tedium, costs, and requirements for people to actually get down and set about the creation of a charter.

That's usually where the pain starts making its appearance, as different people who, when loosely associated, work well enough together, but when stricter guidelines and a more rigid/fixed way of doing this is presented, people start fragmenting.

Then, of course, there is the, "we need people to fill these roles and perform these duties". Plenty of people asking for change, but in the end, far fewer are actually going to be able and/or willing to participate in such an effort, to step up and fulfill the requirements of those roles.

Before you decide on a name, it is helpful to decide on what you want to do, how you want to do it, and who will be leading you all in the process of doing it.

The guild continues to exist in its current state, because this is currently the most stable state, which allows people to participate, but also continue their lives.

Forming small geographically oriented(ie, getting together with people who live near you), and organizing regular meetings and training sessions to bolster your abilities, would be a good beginning. Attending the EITS would be another good way to discuss ideas, face to face. ( I should take my own advice, regarding the EITS... -_-;; )

In any case, it's always boring watching seeds grow. But a necessary part of the process. :)

Edited/Added:

I live in the Sunnyvale, CA area. Here, in California, I think the most organized group is the Berkeley Psychic Institute. I drop in for an aura scanning once every year or two. :) Looking at the map, only Nomad is really anywhere close to me, though I think someone else lives nearby in the south bay area, of NorCal. :)

If you want to start, start with local chapters of say... a Psion Guild Chapter House/club. (The Sunnyvale, California Psion guild Chapter House, for instance) and maintain your own subsites, under the psionguild.org heading:

Name: Psion Guild Chapter House / Sunnyvale, California
URL: http://www.psionguild.org/chapter-houses/california/sunnyvale/
Meeting Locations: Starbucks near Stanford University Campus
Metting Dates/Times: 2nd Fridays of the Month, at 7pm.
Notes: Bring pen/paper, a laptop, if possible, and a recorder to record the sessions for minute keeping.
Chapter House President: XYZ-1
Chapter House Records Keeper: XYZ-2
Chapter House Treasurer: XYZ-3
Chapter House Members: XYZ-1 through XYZ-15

Meeting topics:
- introduction of new members or notices of members that are absent
- discussion of any questions and unfinished topics from the last meeting
- training session, energy charging, centering, etc (guided by senior or more experienced members)
- training and discussion of new skills/creations/howtos/guides (open to members to participate)
- discussion of any local event activities, for instance:
* local art & wine festival to sell radionic jewelry/artworks
* holding training sessions and seminars to bring interest and knowledge to the community
* publishing a local newsletter (electronic)

Funds raised by the chapter houses can be used to fund the travel expenses of bringing in "celebrities", like the senior members of the Guild to different places, for an in-face meeting, or for the raising of funds to cover the cost and expense of attending EITS.

Anyways, that's alot of work and takes a bit of dedication to keep things running smoothly for more than a couple of meetings.

WP.

PS. Oh, the funds raised by each chapter house, a portion could be donated up to the central guild, to fund the guild's operation and expenses, in addition it its own. Needless to say, there are many ways to raise money, once you have a willing group of volunteers and members involved.

[abcopp]

well if its gonna be in california I won't be able to attend meetings
although we might be able to use an irc channel
as for the purpose we might offer some kind of service to the public and that would take care of some of the money problem

[WingedPower]

:) I meant... There would be a chapter house for each city/state, where a group of psion guild members might be.

Sorry, i wasn't suggesting that THE one place be in california. :)

I think that the guild would benefit from branch offices, or chapters, which manages things locally. Eventually, when enough branches are established and membership is large enough, you would even be able to get large discounts, like health insurance, car insurance, etc. More and more benefits arise from the formation of large organizations.

WP.

[thegrogen]

I too sought to see them become a spearhead for psi in the world. But I don't see that happening. Personally I've become content to have it be a place for me to find friends and collaborate theories.

So I groked. Unusual for me to perceive something like this correctly.

[Gyzen]

to clarify:im not interested in starting a new organization, but in helping this one, chapter houses are all well and good, and i hope that everyone who can will set one up in their area, but im the only psion in a 50 mile radius as far as i know... and WP, i am perfectly willing to do whatever the guild wants me to do, however my psionic skills are severely lacking, so my assistance would probably be limited to administration/desk work... but at this point i think thats largely what is needed...

[WingedPower]

:) I strongly suggesting getting in touch with the guild leadership then. ^_^

It should be noted, I do not speak for the guild, though I do respect what the guild stands for.

WP.

[abcopp]

well maybe we could get a public relations department started then?
as far as I could find on the website there isn't one yet and one of its jobs would be to educate the public about psi.

[Winged_Wolf]

The Public Relations department is one of the departments that needs someone to step up and take charge of it. The current administration can only handle so much at once, you see, and there are several departments languishing because they have no one running them. PR is a very important department, but also a lot of work! The head of that department will need to understand public speaking, advertising and marketing, and be able to delegate tasks to other volunteers efficiently. They'll need to be familiar with all of the Guild's policies and resources in order to effectively answer questions in public.

Do you see why the Guild is not racing forward like Seabiscuit?
We make progress every year, and there are often periods of high activity punctuated by longer slow periods. Progress is progress--we aren't stagnating. But increasing the speed requires a GREAT deal more time and effort to be put in by members than we currently have. If everyone complaining about how slow progress is would actually do something to make it better, it wouldn't be so slow anymore.

Very few are willing to do that. Those who are willing are going to come to time periods where other things in their life have to take precedence for a while--they just don't have the spare time to put in. I'm in that position right now myself.

So...if you want to see the Guild more lively...DO SOMETHING. Look around, SELF MOTIVATE. Find something that needs to be done, and DO IT. There are lists all over of projects just waiting for someone to take them up and put them together. Help out one of the current admins, or if you're more ambitious, take an admin position yourself. Write an article! Clean up the links--check existing links, and find more to add.

If you're not doing anything to help, then YOU are part of the reason why the Guild is moving so slowly. This organization is intended to help psis. If we want it to work for us, we have to work for it too.

[Winged_Wolf]

1. What is it's purpose/intention? e.g. as an association of craftsmen, (or women, i dont discriminate!) an organization for mutual aid and protection etc...

All of the above. This is explained in detail on the website.

2. How is the guild legislature currently set up and is it intended to be permanent?

This is explained in detail on the website, or should be. We have 4 primary departments (Advancement, Member Services, Administration, and Public Operations). The heads of these departments will serve as the board of directors if the organization ever incorporates. Within these umbrella departments are several subdepartments, each of which will have its own head. The umbrella department head will be responsible for keeping track of what the subdepartment heads are doing, and coordinating between departments. With any leftover time or resources, they may help out with major projects being conducted by subdepartments.
Subdepartment heads can select people to help out with various projects within their department.
The structure is intended to be permanent--the individuals within it may change. Most issues will be decided by votes, and most votes will include input from all of the department and subdepartment heads.
At present there are also two of us acting as administrators who have a 'jack-of-all-trades' position. That is myself and Firestorm. We're responsible for keeping some semblence of order in all of the areas that don't have people in charge of them again, and our position will disappear once all of the departments have permanent heads.

3. What are the guild's offline functions and what is the status of chapter houses?

We have an annual gathering in Colorado called Eye in the Sky. We had, at one point, three chapter houses, but one was dissolved for reasons unknown, and the other dissolved when its founder immigrated to the US. The requirements for setting up a chapter house are not too challenging, but there aren't many folks who have managed to find a group of psis offline to work with, and we presently have only one chapter house here in Omaha that is actively maintained as a Guild chapter house. (I collect psis in my household, so it acts as the main Guild chapter house). :D

4. What is the progress regarding bringing the guild as an official institution and giving psionics some measure of credibility in the public eye?

There is an eventual plan to incorporate the Guild as a non-profit organization, but before it serves a purpose to do so, we need a much larger membership. At present, there is no benefit in incorporating.
It does not seem wise to most of us to promote psionics in the public eye at this time, but we do have a future 'plan of attack' for legitimizing psi practices when the time comes.

5. How focussed is our current membership geographically?

The Psion Guild is an international organization, and while the majority of our members are US citizens, we have members all over the world. They are concentrated primarily in English-Speaking countries, but we have always had a desire to see very motivated folks translate the site and set up top-level chapter houses in non-English-speaking countries.

6. How many of us are there?

Check the forum membership number. That estimate is the best we have. After several months of inactivity, members are no longer considered active members by the system, so the number is actually fairly accurate.

7. What are the guild's long term goals?

This is covered on our website in detail.